Category Archives: shows and events

Toyota Motor Posts FY2025 Q3 Net Revenue Gain

Posted on 5 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC: Tokyo 7203. NYSE: TM) today announced financial results for the third quarter fiscal year 2025, which ended 31 December 2024. TMC also announced significant changes in China. Consolidated vehicle sales totaled ~7,000,000 units, a decrease of ~295,000 units compared to the same period fiscal year 2024. On a consolidated basis, net revenues for the period totaled 35.673 trillion yen ($233.2 billion), an increase of 4.9%. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Rolls-Royce Scent of Money?

Posted on 4 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said today it’s taking the interior experience of its cars with the launch of Rolls-Royce Scent, introduced on its Phantom.* Developed by an in-house perfumer of the marque’s Bespoke Collective, the Scent is said complement the natural aromas of the materials used within the motor car. The fragrance combines notes of Amyris, Cedarwood, Rosewood and Iris.

“A Rolls-Royce interior is a unique space in which every element is meticulously curated to create an unparalleled multi-sensory experience. With our new fragrance concept, Rolls-Royce Scent, we move beyond the visual and tactile realms into a new dimension. Designed and developed by our in-house perfumer and delivered using patented technology, this fragrance elevates the already peerless Rolls-Royce experience, creating an environment that is even more special, and absolutely unmistakable,” said Martina Starke, General Manager, Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →

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State Privacy Laws Failing to Protect Your Data

Posted on 31 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The more data companies collect about us, the more our data is at risk. When companies hold your data, the greater the odds it will be exposed in a breach or a hack and end up in the hands of identity thieves, scammers, or shadowy companies known as data brokers that buy and sell a huge amount of data about Americans “Many of these ‘privacy laws’ protect privacy in name only,” said Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director of EPIC. “In effect, they allow companies to continue hoarding our personal data and using it for whatever purposes they want. Big Tech should not be allowed to write the rules.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Buys All of the Punch Powertrain JV

Posted on 29 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) announced today that it has acquired all the shares in the joint venture created in 2018 with the Belgian multinational Punch Powertrain, an original equipment maker of transmission and propulsion systems in the automotive sector. In the complex world of global automakers, the JV worked in the plants at Metz (FR) and Turin, at the Mirafiori complex (IT), where the advanced eDCT (Electrified Dual Clutch Transmission) gearboxes are produced. They will be seen in the entire Stellantis range of Mild Hybrid (MHEV) vehicles and the new generation of Plug-in (PHEV) vehicles.

“With this decision, Stellantis assumes full management of the design and production activities of the eDCT transmissions, characterized by class leading performance in terms of weight and production cost, fuel savings and reductions in harmful emissions,” the muti-national auto maker said in a release. Continue reading →

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Quantum Materials Discovery by Honda Research Institute

Posted on 28 January 2025 by Ken Zino

“Our technology provides a new pathway for the synthesis of quantum nanoribbons with precise width control, leveraging their unique mechanical and electronic properties as a single photon light source to realize secure communication known as ‘quantum communication’,” said Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan, Senior Chief Scientist, Honda Research Institute USA Inc. and the leader of the quantum research. Continue reading →

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Corvette 2025 ZR1 VIN 001 at Barrett-Jackson Auction

Posted on 27 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Last Saturday the first retail production 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, VIN 001, sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction for $3.7 million. All of the hammer price – 100% – of this Barrett-Jackson charity auction on 25 January, goes to the American Red Cross. Chevrolet said today that selected the Red Cross to benefit disaster relief efforts in areas impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as general relief to help people affected by disasters big and small, including wildfires, storms and countless other crises. (Read AutoInformed on Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995) Continue reading →

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First Look – 2025 BMW R 18 Heritage Series Motorcycles

Posted on 21 January 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW Motorrad USA today announced an updated R 18 family of Heritage series of cruising motorcycles, presumably not to take advantage of the non-cycling weather. MSRP pricing for the new 2025 BMW R 18 models, not including destination, is $15,395 (R 18), $18,395 (R 18 Classic), $18,995 (R 18 Roctane), $20,375 (R 18 B), and $24,395 (R 18 Transcontinental). There’s an increase of 4 lb.-ft. of torque to 120 lb.-ft for all R 18 models. And all are Euro 5+ emissions compliant. For 2025, all R 18 models gain 4 ft.-lb. in torque at 3000 rpm ( up to 120 lb.-ft) and meet the latest Euro 5+ emissions standards. More than 110 lb.-ft. of torque is available between 2000 – 4000 rpm. Power from the 1802 cc air/oil cooled boxer twin engine remains at 91 horsepower.

“Even more riding fun ,that was our goal when revising the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic. We have refined the design, added numerous improvements in terms of detail and comfort and made the R 18 even more fun to ride with the 18-inch rear wheel. In addition to new finishes and equipment, the BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental have also undergone a technical revision to bring the entire BMW R 18 range into line with the EU 5+ standard,” said Markus Lederer, Head of BMW Boxer Series Continue reading →

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Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency Executive Order

Posted on 21 January 2025 by Ken Zino

“This Executive Order establishes the Department of Government Efficiency to implement the President’s DOGE Agenda, by modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America,” President Trump said yesterday “it is hereby ordered (read AutoInformed.com on: New DOGE Scorecard Announced to Track Trump) Continue reading →

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New DOGE Scorecard Announced to Track Trump

Posted on 20 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) said today that it is introducing a new “Efficiency Gap” metric that provides insights into federal government performance through citizen experience data.

“The timing is particularly relevant as the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) prepares to tackle federal cost-cutting initiatives. The ACSI Efficiency Gap metric reveals significant variations across federal departments, with some performing up to 13% above the federal average while others lag by as much as 9% below – insights that could prove valuable for targeted reform efforts,” ACSI® said. Continue reading →

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Rolls-Royce Apprentices Make Dormouse Houses

Posted on 20 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Apprentices at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have designed and handmade a series of nest boxes for one of the UK’s most endangered mammals, the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), as part of the brands long-term environmental partnership with the neighboring Goodwood Estate, Rolls Royce said today.

“Studies have shown that our 42-acre site and the adjoining Goodwood Estate are home to some of Britain’s most important mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and plants – all of which we’re helping to conserve through our long-term environmental partnership. In this latest initiative, we’re working together to measure and monitor the local population of another rare and protected species, the hazel dormouse, using nest boxes designed and handmade by our Apprentices,” said Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →

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More Green Economy Jobs Coming to Michigan

Posted on 17 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Four economic development projects in Southeast Michigan  representing~ $55 million in capital investment and 167 jobs in Wayne and Oakland counties were announced today by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 3E Nano Inc, dba NxLite is a company providing nano-thin energy and solar control coatings for the polymer, glass, and window industries. Robert Bosch LLC., part of the Bosch Group intends to create a Regional Hydrogen Research and Development Hub at the company’s Farmington Hills headquarters. Envergia recovers minerals and metals from recycling of industrial lithium-ion and EV batteries. Software company dSPACE.

“Today, we are investing in advanced manufacturing companies across Southeast Michigan to create 167 good-paying jobs and build on our work to grow Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “From battery recycling to software testing to research and development, we are bringing good-paying, high-tech jobs home to Michigan, creating opportunities for our workers and securing the automotive supply chain.” Continue reading →

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Defends Auto Industry

Posted on 15 January 2025 by Ken Zino

“To grow Michigan’s economy and fight for the auto industry, I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about solving problems in Lansing or DC,” said Governor Whitmer. “Right now, there’s an ongoing, global competition between Michigan, China, and other states to build the future of the auto industry. To make sure we win, we need commonsense, bipartisan tools that create good-paying jobs and bring supply chains home. We must also find a fiscally responsible, sustainable solution to fix the damn roads work with our Canadian neighbors to ensure tariffs don’t lead to higher costs for families and businesses. Together, let’s create Michigan jobs, fix Michigan roads, and grow Michigan’s economy. The road ahead is bright, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.” Continue reading →

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Census Bureau – Varying Veteran Employment Outcomes

Posted on 14 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Census Bureau today released an expanded version of Veteran Employment Outcomes (VEO), an experimental data product showing earnings and employment outcomes for veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

“Coverage includes labor market outcomes one, five and 10 years after discharge, by military occupation, rank, demographics, industry and geography of employment. Among the findings, veterans with more specialized military training and work experience had higher civilian earnings and employment rates than infantry and combat veterans,” Census said. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995

Posted on 13 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet has finally announced pricing for the 2025 Corvette ZR1, the fastest, quickest and most powerful Corvette yet. With a top speed of 233 mph on the track, 0-60 in 2.3 seconds [footnote 1] and 1064 horsepower, the Corvette ZR1 is unmatched by any current production car priced under $1 million. The 3LZ coupe is available for a starting MSRP of $185,995 (excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees, optional equipment. Dealer sets final price) or $195,995 for the 3LZ convertible. Production of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 will begin at Bowling Green Assembly sometime during Q2.

“ZR1 is an example of design and engineering excellence, one where we push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of performance,” said Scott Bell, vice president of global Chevrolet. “It was important for us to stay true to Corvette’s promise of a vehicle whose world-class capabilities completely outmatch its price.” Continue reading →

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Ian Callum Wins 2025 Lifetime Design Achievement Award

Posted on 10 January 2025 by Ken Zino

A group of the world’s automotive designers selected Ian Callum as the winner of the 2025 EyesOn Design Lifetime Design Achievement Award for his outstanding career in vehicle design, it was announced at the Detroit Auto Show today. Callum will receive the 2025 Lifetime Design Achievement Award at a black tie event on June 13, 2025 as part of the week-long series of EyesOn Design activities. These culminate in its annual automotive design show, held every Father’s Day on the grounds of the lakefront Eleanor & Edsel Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.

“Callum, who was born in Scotland, knew he wanted to design cars at a young age after he saw a Jaguar E-Type in a dealership window while on a trip to Glasgow with his grandfather. Later, he would work for the storied English brand, where he and his team designed some of the most striking Jaguars, including the R-Coupe, the F-Type, F-PACE and I-PACE, a World Car of the Year Award winner,” EyesOn Design said. Continue reading →

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