Category Archives: shows and events

CARB – More E-Bike Vouchers Coming

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said today it will open its second application window for income-eligible Californians to receive up to $2000 toward the purchase of a new electric bike (e-bike) through the California E-Bike Incentive Project on April 29 at 5 p.m. Applications will be taken through an online portal. The December 2024 launch of the voucher program was completed in less than an hour due to high demand. At one point the online queue had nearly 100,000 people waiting, and it closed once 1500 applications were reserved.

“The unprecedented interest in the vouchers shows there is a big need and strong interest in electric bikes in California,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, CARB executive officer. “The growth of this technology is an important part of our efforts to make zero-emission transportation options available to all Californians.” Continue reading

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Pew Research on Trump Versus the Media

A Federal Judge has ordered the Trump Administration to reestablish access of The Associated Press to government facilities after The AP refused to use Gulf of Mexico decree from Trump. This prompted the independent Pew Research Center to release its polling data on opinions of, well, the threadbare Trump versus the media attacks.

“Americans are more likely to say the Trump administration has been too critical of the media (46%) than to say the administration has not been critical enough (22%), while 29% say the administration has been mostly fair. Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to say the Trump administration has been too critical of the news media (70% vs. 23%),” Pew noted. Continue reading

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Trump Tariff Chaos – Latest CAR Analysis is Grim

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) released today a new analysis of the impact of potential tariffs on imported auto parts and light vehicles. It tackles what impact will a uniform 25% tariff on all trading partners have on the automotive industry overall?

“The analysis emphasizes the complexity of the modern automotive supply chain, noting that ‘the modern automotive supply chain is both global and complex, convoluting the seemingly simple question of the cost of 25% tariffs on the industry,’ and that ‘automakers and their suppliers are often multinational companies with facilities spread out across the world,’ making it difficult to discern how much of a vehicle is domestically produced,” said Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Innovation Officer at CAR Continue reading

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Kill The Cuts National Day of Action Against Trump Administration

Researchers and educators who have had their funding cut spoke today at 37 separate demonstrations about the effects this Trump Administration assault on publicly-funded research is having at their institutions and across the country. Senator Ed Markey and Representatives Jayapal and Simon were at the DC rally. President Trump has issued Executive Orders attacking the NIH, NSF, while dismantling the Department of Education.

“Thousands of people across the country came together today for Kill the Cuts, a national Day of Action to raise awareness and fight back against the Trump administration’s devastating attacks on research, health, and higher education. The events (see the full list here) were sponsored by a coalition of education, labor and health advocates, including UAW, SEIU, AFSCME, UE, NEA, AFT, CWA, AAUP, HELU, Labor for Higher Education, the Debt Collective,” the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW),” said. Continue reading

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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Coming to the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said today that its first performance hybrid wagon from Mercedes-AMG will be offered in U.S. later in the 2025 calendar year. There will be 12 exterior paint colors, including four MANUFAKTUR hues, along with the optional AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus and AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. Standard are 20-inch AMG 5-Twin Spoke wheels with 20-inch AMG 10-Twin Spoke and 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in several finishes are optionally available. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Dining Experience

Cadillac said today that its limited-time dining experience “Cadillac of Reservations” is expanding to three more U.S. cities this spring and summer. More consumers will have the chance to enjoy a dining experience in the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ* at some of the buzziest restaurants including La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills (April), COTE Korean Steakhouse in Miami (early summer) and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco (late summer). Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Stellantis, Formitalia, Warner Bros.

Stellantis Design Studio in collaboration with Formitalia and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP0 today introduced The Joker Collection. * This is an all-new furniture line said to be inspired by the eponymous DC Super-Villain. Ihe furniture debuts at Salone del Mobile 2025, Fiera Milano Rho, 8-13 April in Hall 13 – Stand D26/D28.

“We loved the idea of creating this villain’s lair, a welcoming space that fosters a false sense of security in its guests,” said Hugo Nightingale – Global Creative Director at Stellantis Design Studio. Continue reading

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Indy 500 Veteran Shigeaki Hattori Dead at 61

Shigeaki Hattori, one of eight Japanese-born drivers to compete in the Indianapolis 500, died April 5 in a car accident in Huntersville, North Carolina. He was 61.

“The native of Okayama in southern Japan, Hattori competed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway three times, earning a pair of starts. After serving as the first alternate to the 33-car field in 2001, he finished 20th in 2002 for Bradley Motorsports, completing 197 laps. The next year, he finished 30th driving for AJ Foyt Racing as the car’s fuel system failed. Those two races in the “500” were among Hattori’s 34 career INDYCAR SERIES starts in a four-year span that ended in 2003. His best series finish came at Texas Motor Speedway when he finished sixth in 2002,” the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said this morning. Continue reading

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Trumped? Hyundai Says It Will Maintain Current MSRPs

Hyundai Motor America today launched a Customer Assurance program “in response to dynamic market conditions and the potential impact of tariffs on the automotive industry.” This proposal may help customers who purchase or lease any new Hyundai vehicle between today and 2 June 2025. They might not see any increase in the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) during the protection period. Genesis is also part of the proposal. However, dealers are able to set actual price of a vehicle under various State franchise laws and regulations. [See footnote 1] This appears to be a negotiating strategy with the lame-duck U.S. president, aka April Fool, who has just presented Wall Street with its worst week since the last Trump Administration. Continue reading

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SubieEvents Returns in 2025 at Wicked Big Meet

Subaru of America today said the annual SubieEvents series will once again kick off the 2025 season with Wicked Big Meet on 8 June2024 at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. As the title sponsor of the series, Subaru is bringing together competitions, interactive experiences, tech seminars, giveaways, exclusive vendors, and activities for the whole family. This year, the events will welcome thousands of Subaru vehicles and enthusiasts, and take place in six cities nationwide, including a new location for SubieFest Florida at Orlando Speed World.

“The SubieEvents series has grown into an expansive celebration that has something for every member of the Subaru family. From ride-alongs to racing simulators to autograph sessions to vehicle unveilings, we know that this year’s events are on track to be some of the most exciting ever,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Rolls-Royce Phantom Cherry Blossom

Cherry blossoms are celebrated in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of “Hanami” or ‘”flower viewing.” During Hanami, families and friends gather beneath the delicate pink blooms of cherry trees for picnics and celebrations, enjoying the transient beauty of the season, Rolls Royce noted today. A client in Japan wished to capture their cherished Hanami memories, spanning childhood and parenthood. Thus is the backstory of the latest custom or bespoke Phantom Cherry Blossom. This is a one-of-one Phantom commission said to be inspired by the fleeting beauty of the Sakura blooms and a Japanese client’s formative memories of this natural spectacle. Continue reading

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Honda 0 SUV Appears at Red Bull Showrun x

A prototype of the Honda 0 SUV made its global public debut today driven by Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen at the Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda event in Tokyo, Japan.* First seen at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the all-electric SUV, part of the Honda 0 Series, is expected to begin production at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio in 2026. The Honda and Red Bull Racing partnership is set to conclude at the end of 2025 season. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Subaru and Arbor Day Foundation

Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today announced the launch of its nationwide tree distribution program in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation® (ADF). It’s claimed to be the largest such corporate effort in the non-profit’s history. As part of the Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative, Subaru retailers will give away established and regionally appropriate trees (up to four feet tall, in one-gallon containers) in communities across the country. Continue reading

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Renault and Nissan Shuffle Alliance Holdings

Renault Group (Euronext: RNO) and Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) today announced new business projects for the evolving remains of the failed Renault Nissan Alliance. Renault Group would own 100% of Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) by acquiring the 51% shareholding currently held by financially ailing Nissan. Nissan said it will maintain a presence in India with a focus on increasing market coverage. At its heart the shuffle involves complex product programs across global markets, once again requiring cooperation among diverse and distinct corporate cultures that have a troubled past working together. Continue reading

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Aston Martin Debuts Vanquish Volante

Aston Martin in Gaydon today announced the arrival of the new Vanquish Volante. It is the fastest, most powerful open top (convertible in Brit speak – AutoCrat) series production Aston Martin to date. It shares with the coupe the claim as the fastest, most powerful front-engine production car on sale today. Continue reading

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