Category Archives: shows and events

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Supervisory Board Chair of BMW Retires

Posted on 14 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group* (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ADR BMWYY) said today that Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG since 2015, and closely associated with the company for nearly four decades, is stepping down from his position, effective immediately.

“After 38 years, it is time for me to say goodbye to the BMW Group. It has been an honor to be a part of this exceptional company. I would like to thank all our associates, shareholders and stakeholders for your trust and support,” said Reithofer. “Together, we have overcome tremendous challenges and celebrated unparalleled successes. I firmly believe that the BMW Group will continue to follow its own unique BMW path.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Indianapolis 500 Practice Starts Today!

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge starts today May 13 with a field consisting of eight former winners of what is promoted as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and five NTT IndyCar Series champions. There are 34 entries set to contest for the 33 starting spots for this year’s 500. That will be determined at the PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying runs May 17-18.

All track activity on the 2.5-mile oval leads into Race Day, Sunday 25 May at the “Brickyard.” Live Race Day coverage begins on FOX, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app and the IndyCar Radio Network at 10 a.m. (ET). The green flag is set to drop for 12:45 p.m. That’s when the B.S. stops so to speak, barring a weather delay. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WEC Spa – Ferrari One-Two. Alpine Third in Hypercar

Posted on 12 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Ferrari at Spa finished first and second as the #51 passed under the chequered flag just four seconds ahead of the sister #50 Ferrari  prototype. This was ironic or exciting as Antonio Giovinazzi crashed at the crest of Eau Rouge on his first lap out of the pits during Thursday’s FP2 session. The World Endurance Cup said a record crowd of ~ 100,000 showed up in the 14th  running of the Belgium endurance race. (read AutoInformed.com on Spa-Francorchamps – LeMans Dress Rehearsal this Weekend)* James Calado drove the opening Ferrari stint, which he dubbed as conservative in order to take care of the tires. Giovinazzi drive the second stint without inducing serious damage. Pier Guidi drove remainder of the race. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, people, racing, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spa-Francorchamps – LeMans Dress Rehearsal this Weekend

Posted on 9 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The third race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will see a multi-brand battle at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. In what is the dress rehearsal for the 24 hours of LeMans in June at Circuit de la Sarthe. Aston Martin, Cadillac, Corvette, Ferrari, Lexus, Porsche and Toyota, among others will take to the 4.352 mile, 19 turn track with fast sweeping corners.*

Ferrari AF Corse took its third successive pole position in 2025. Antonio Fuoco drove a 1:59.617s lap take  the top spot in the #50 Ferrari AF Corse 499P. Fuoco took the pole by a mere 0.347s. The #83 AF Corse Ferrari joined the #50 car on the front row of the grid, as Robert Kubica was the only other driver to dip below the two-minute mark with a 1:59.964s best run. Making it a 1-2-3 for Ferrari was Antonio Giovinazzi in the Imola-winning #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P. He set a 2:00.201s best in the car that had been repaired after the Italian crashed in the FP2 session on Thursday afternoon. Giovinazzi survived a late scare with a gravelly slide on the exit of Les Combes. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, performance, racing, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NASCAR, TelevisaUnivision Announce Mexican Broadcast Deal

Posted on 9 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”) and TelevisaUnivision,* Mexico’s leading media company, have reached an exclusive broadcast agreement for free-to-air coverage of the sanctioning body’s Mexico City race.  Under this new agreement, TelevisaUnivision will serve as the exclusive free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster in Mexico for the highly anticipated 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City, scheduled for Sunday, June 15 at 3 pm ET or 1 pm. local time. The race will be broadcast live on TelevisaUnivision’s ‘Canal 5’ with full Spanish-language commentary. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Freshened 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Debuts

Posted on 8 May 2025 by Ken Zino

TMNA, the North American arm of Toyota (NYSE: TM) said today in Plano, Texas that the 2026 model Toyota Cross compact SUV has been tweaked.

“The 2026 Corolla Cross is continuing to bring entry SUV customers the combination of style and value that’s just right. For model year 2026 it receives two new front fascia designs, with a modern, color-matched look for the Hybrid version and a bold, rugged design for the gas-powered model. The new front-end designs create a distinct look for each powertrain while also evolving the crossover’s compact, sporty shape. The interior also receives an update with a reconfigured console storage design and larger available touchscreen,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, design and styling, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear Completes Sale of Dunlop Brand

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company* (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it has completed the previously announced sale of the Company’s rights to the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires, together with certain associated intellectual property and inventory, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (TYO: 5110). Gross cash proceeds at closing totaled $735 million, comprised of $526 million for the Dunlop brand, $105 million for a transition support fee and $104 million for inventory. Goodyear said it intends to use the transaction proceeds to reduce leverage in connection with the so-called Goodyear Forward transformation plan. Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, economy, manufacturing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CARB – Cap and Trade Funds ~$33 Billion of Climate Fixes

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Nearly $33 billion has been raised to fund so-called climate solutions in communities across the state with money from the state’s Cap-and-Trade Program, according to a new report published by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)* today. The annual report provides detailed information about California Climate Investments, which tracks funds generated by cap and trade auction proceeds and allocated to 117 programs by the State  Legislature.

“California is proving that cutting pollution creates jobs and boosts communities. By holding polluters accountable, we’re sending billions of dollars back to communities and back to people’s wallets through credits on utility bills,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “And we’ve got the receipts: healthier and cleaner communities and thousands of good paying jobs.” Continue reading →

Posted in economy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WillScot Holdings to Provide Hospitality Spaces for IndyCar

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Entertainment* today announced a partnership with WillScot Holdings Corp., a provider of temporary spaces, that will see the company become an Official Partner of IndyCar** and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through the multiyear partnership, WillScot will provide turnkey space solutions, including mobile offices, storage containers, climate-controlled storage, clear-span structures, restrooms, fencing and other hospitality spaces for use at race events throughout NTT IndyCar Series and IMS seasons. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cabin Fever at Corvette?

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said today that for the 2026 model year, the entire Corvette* lineup of  Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1will have an interior  cabin with larger and more advanced driver-centric displays and fresh interior colorways, finishes and materials.

“Corvette is the ultimate American sports car, which is why it has remained the luxury sport segment leader for more than 20 years – with the next competitor a distant second in terms of market share,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “With these updates, the mid-engine Corvette will continue to cement its leadership for years to come.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, electronics, marketing, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – 20 Years of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA)** said today that it celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Team Member Appreciation Day on 3 May 3 2025, on the HMMA campus. The event brought together HMMA team members, their families, and special community guests for a day filled with family activities, plant tours, prize raffles, musical entertainment, and a closing fireworks display. The plant’s 20th year of production will officially be marked on 20 May 2025. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nostalgia Marketing – 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today in Texas that for the 2026 model year, the Corolla Hatchback will have an FX edition, which has been dormant in the model since the 1987 FX16. Based on the SE grade Corolla, it should appear in Toyota Dealerships during fall of 2025. The new Hatchback FX Edition will be available in three color choices: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic. There will be 1600 Corolla Hatchback FX Editions assembled for the U.S. Additional details and pricing for the full Corolla lineup will be shared later this year.

“The Corolla Hatchback FX adds a black vented sport wing for aggressive flair and improved aerodynamics. The 18-inch gloss white-finished alloy wheels with black lug nuts give an unexpected wow factor,” Toyota said. Power of the Corolla Hatchback FX Edition is a 2.0-liter Dynamic-Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine with claimed ratings of 169 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4800 rpm. It has a Toyota-estimated 33 combined MPG rating. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, marketing, new vehicle, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – Five-Millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that M-B Vans is celebrating a global milestone with the production of five million Sprinter vans. The five-millionth vehicle, an all-electric eSprinter, was assembled at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina and handed to FedEx, a long-standing Mercedes-Benz Vans customer.

“The global production of five million Sprinter vans and the celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary is a testament to its enduring success. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams, the trust of our customers, and the continuous evolution of a vehicle that has defined the large van segment for three decades. We are proud of this legacy and excited for the future as we continue to drive progress in the van industry,” said Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – The Rolls-Royce Phantom at 100

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Rolls-Royce* said today that it is marking Phantom’s centenary by reflecting on some of the fascinating stories where Phantom has played a role. The marque’s designers have also created a series of original artworks about Phantom’s legacy, celebrating the motor car’s cultural impact through the decades and “capturing the spirit of each of its eight generations.”

“Phantom is much more than a motor car. For 100 years, it has stood at the pinnacle of all Rolls-Royce motor cars – a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it. From its earliest days, Phantom has been one of the most desired rewards for success and a potent symbol of power and prestige on the world stage. Beyond status, it has always offered its owners a canvas for personal expression, transformed through Bespoke craftsmanship into a moving work of art. Across music, politics, art and beyond, Phantom has been present at many of history’s defining moments. The stories that surround it – and the images they’ve inspired our designers to create – reveal its extraordinary reach, and its enduring connection to greatness,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Lotus Emira Clark Edition

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Lotus* said today that it will honor one of its works drivers with the introduction of the Emira Clark Edition, in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust. This model, limited to just 60 cars for selected markets, will make its world debut leading at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. The Emira Clark Edition pricing will be £115,000 in the UK,€140,000 in Germany.

“The legacy of Jim Clark and Team Lotus is forever etched into the history of motorsport. In 1965, Clark secured the Formula 1 World Championship with Team Lotus and triumphed in the iconic Indianapolis 500 – a remarkable double victory that remains unmatched to this day. That same year, Clark further demonstrated his extraordinary talent with championship victories in Formula 2 and the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, as well as winning touring car races in a Lotus Cortina,” Lotus said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment