Category Archives: shows and events

Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Motor City Garage to Debut

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino

At the Goodyear Motor City Garage during Woodward Dream Cruise weekend, Goodyear will display the 1973 Ford Mustang convertible from the opening sequence of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Heritage Collection. The vehicle is equipped with Goodyear Performance Series F70/14 custom wide-tread tires with raised white letters, a factory-accurate recreation of the original equipment specification. “The tires deliver unmistakable vintage performance and period-correct muscle-car presence,” Goodyear said. Continue reading →

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Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The environment remains challenging, particularly in China and the Middle East, but our direction is clear. We are managing disruption where it exists, building momentum where we see opportunity, and executing Re:Nissan with discipline and urgency,” said CEO Ivan Espinoza. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – LEXUS Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today announced the launch of LEXUS Flight, a helicopter transportation service operated by Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. Aero Toyota will use an Italian Leonardo AW169, with service starting on 24 August 2026. At the Japan … Continue reading →

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CAR on King Trump’s Tariff and Trade Policies

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal  North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Aston Martin’s Vanquish 25

Posted on 22 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Anyone familiar with this iconic British brand knows the provenance of the name ‘Vanquish’ in our modern history,” said Vittorio Gabba, Head of Q at Aston Martin. “25 years on from the unveiling of the very first Vanquish it is only right that we mark this nameplate’s contribution to our heritage. Vanquish 25 builds on the extraordinary achievements of the modern, third-generation Vanquish with a carefully curated package of exterior and interior features that subtly celebrate this important milestone in our history.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz Studio Los Angeles

Posted on 21 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“As one of the world’s most valuable brands, Mercedes-Benz has always stood for combining engineering excellence with emotional experiences that bring our ‘Welcome home’ promise to life. That is why we are introducing Mercedes-Benz Studios, bringing our brand into the heart of the world’s most iconic cities. Los Angeles is an important part of this global network, creating new ways for people to experience Mercedes-Benz in everyday life and making our brand feel even more accessible, personal, and welcoming,” claimed Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Sales & Customer Experience. Continue reading →

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GM Posts H1 2026 Earnings of $1.3B. Raises Guidance Again

Posted on 21 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The business continues to perform very well. Customer demand in North America remains strong driven by our very attractive lineup of pickups and SUVs. Pricing is consistent, and we delivered the best quarter and first half ever for new Super Cruise-equipped vehicles. Our 8.6% EBIT-adjusted margin in North America was up 2.5 points from a year ago, and we continue to lower our warranty costs, reduce EV losses, and increase operating efficiency. In addition, GM International, inclusive of our China joint ventures, was profitable,” said Mary Barra GM chair and CEO. Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Palou Wins at Nashville Superspeedway

Posted on 21 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“I can’t believe it! I started P4, shuffled a little bit from back to front and then we were a bit lucky with a yellow and we went from P3 to P1. It was great, it was awesome. The car was awesome. I was super confident in the end, but it was a close battle with Josef [Josef Newgarden Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet- AutoCrat] there for a little bit. Thank you to all the fans for sticking with us today, on the Monday. Thank you, Honda, for the amazing power we had today on track. And on to the next one,” said Palou. Continue reading →

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WEC – Ford Hypercar V8 moves from Dyno to Race Car

Posted on 16 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Racing’s (NYSE: F) WEC Hypercar program moved from dynamometer cells in Dearborn to race cars in France last week. Competing in the Hypercar class, the Ford-powered, Ford-built and Ford-raced prototype will make its Le Mans debut in the event’s 95th running in June 2027.*

“The engine’s development phase is already showing great promise on the dynos in Dearborn, where we’ve been pushing the limits of its performance and durability – and learning a lot at the same time. That dyno work, combined with parallel progress on the chassis side with ORECA, has now converged into a complete package ready for its next phase,” said Dan Sayers, WEC Hypercar Program Manager at Ford Racing. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio 30th Anniversary

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“As we celebrate 30 years of Honda manufacturing excellence in Ohio, we’re not just reflecting on our history; we’re accelerating toward the future,” said Jason Foster, Power Unit Manufacturing Plant lead. “The unyielding continued commitment of TMP-O associates to producing top-quality drivetrains will allow us to continue building on the legacy we celebrate today,”

With a total investment of more than $1 billion, the 1.1-million square-foot Ohio transmission plant employs more than 1200 associates, with the annual capacity to produce more than 1 million transmissions and gear shifts, 500,000 two-motor hybrid systems, along with transfer cases and differentials for four-wheel drive vehicles. Continue reading →

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Auto Lending – BMW i Ventures Takes Piece of KredosAi

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino

BMW i Ventures* said today that it is the lead investment in KredosAi, a Seattle-based AI company helping businesses recover revenue.**The $7 million Series A round, led by BMW i Ventures with participation from maiden investors Motley Fool Ventures and … Continue reading →

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Goodyear Blimp Returns to NYC for the Fourth of July

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The blimp’s historic appearance at Sail 4th 250 is the fourth time it’s flown over an Operation Sail event. It was a fixture at the first celebration in 1964, America’s Bicentennial in 1976 and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Now, it returns to provide aerial coverage in celebration of America’s 250th,” Goodyear said today. Continue reading →

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BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“When we announced our investment plans for South Carolina in 2022, we made a clear commitment to the future of the BMW Group in the United States,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG.

“Our strategic course remains unchanged. We will continue to pursue the same technology-open strategy that has made BMW successful and will continue to make us successful in the future,” said Nedeljković. [Flexibility to build different powertrains in one plant decreases the possibility of spending million of Dollars or Deutschmarks shareholder capital betting on one model or powertrain. It hedges expensive automotive bets. – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* said today it will unveil a so-called “Box-on-Wheels,” a new autonomous concept that is part of its recovery plan* to becoming a provider of integrated logistics solutions. Stellantis Pro One debuts at IAA Hannover in September … Continue reading →

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Bridgewater Interiors Workers Ratify New UAW Contract

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Ken Zino

UAW members who build seats for Ford F-150 pickup trucks and Dodge RAM Trucks have ratified a new contract by ~80%, the UAW said today.

“UAW Local 400 members at Bridgewater Interiors are another example of workers in the IPS sector [Independent Parts Suppliers – AutoCrat.]*who are ready to stand up and win their fair share,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “They don’t treat IPS CEOs like second-class citizens. So why do they treat IPS workers that way? Whether you build axles or seats, the days of allowing IPS workers to be treated like second class citizens is ending.” Continue reading →

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