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- First Look – Mercedes-Benz 2027 C‑Class EV
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Category Archives: shows and events
Mazda and Panasonic Link on Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries
Panasonic Energy Company and Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that they will prepare for the supply of next-generation cylindrical automotive lithium-ion batteries, in anticipation of their installation in Mazda’s battery electric vehicles with scheduled production from 2027 onward. In a release they said this follows their formerly concluded agreement and reflects their aim of establishing a medium- to long-term partnership.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also approved today their joint project for the expansion of battery production and technology development as part of its plan for establishing a stable supply of batteries. The Japanese government has positioned storage batteries as a strategic asset for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and is working to expand the domestic battery supply chains and improve industrial competitiveness. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Kazuo Tadanobu, Ken Zino, Masahiro Moro, MAZDA BEVs, Mazda Motor Corporation, METI, Ministry of Economy, Panasonic Energy, Panasonic Suminoe and Kaizuka factories, the Japanese Minister of Economy Trade and Industry, X @KenAutoinformed
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August U.S. Auto Sales Highest Year-to-Date
After U.S. Labor Day holiday weekend sales, initial August new-vehicle sales results, as expected, are indicating healthy volume gains, according to Cox Automotive.* Full results will be in by the end of the week, but early reports suggest the extra selling days helped the auto market navigate August with strength, according to Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke in his latest Auto Market Report released this morning.
“New- and used-vehicle sales volumes are at the highest level for 2024. With growing demand, supply has tightened, and prices are creeping up. For the first time this year, the popular 3-year-old product – a staple of the used-vehicle business our team tracks closely – experienced a price increase in both the wholesale and retail markets,” said Smoke. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, marketing, news analysis, results, sales, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bidenomics, Cox Automotive, Jonathan Smoke, Ken Zino, Personal Consumption Expenditure Index, X @KenAutoinformed
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Digital Reveal – 2025 Nissan Armada Flagship SUV
The all-new 2025 Nissan Armada enhances on-road comfort, claimed greater levels of craftsmanship, the latest technologies and opens new off-road frontiers with the nameplate’s first PRO-4X grade, Nissan said today at the online reveal of its three row SUV. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date late this year.
The event used Extreme-sports content creators – mountain biker Cam Zink, free climber Ashima Shiraishi and ultrarunner Matt James – as part of the show. There are five grades – SV, SL, PRO-4X, Platinum and Platinum Reserve. All offer a choice between rear-wheel drive and Intelligent 4WD, except PRO-4X, which has standard 4WD. The PRO-4X grade has all-terrain tires, an increased approach angle, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking differential and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, Nissan said.
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GM BrightDrop Electric Commercial Vans To Join Chevrolet
General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is moving its BrightDrop electric commercial vans* under the Chevrolet brand. The shift brings BrightDrop EVs to Chevrolet’s broad commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. BrightDrop EVs offer GM-estimated 272 miles of combined city/highway range** and advanced features to help keep drivers safe and alert. This give BrightDrop customers access to one of the industry’s largest and most extensive commercial sales and service networks. All Chevrolet dealers will sell BrightDrop vans if they meet certain commercial EV requirements.
“With the addition of BrightDrop to the Chevrolet lineup, we are combining advanced EV technology with the dependability and widespread accessibility that only Chevrolet can offer,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “This move strengthens our EV offerings and reaffirms our role as a leading commercial brand that enables businesses large and small to get work done.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BrightDrop EVs, CAMI, Chevrolet commercial vehicles, Ken Zino, Kristian Aquilina, Sandor Piszar, Scott Bell, X @KenAutoinformed
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Freshened 2025 Acura RDX Now at Dealers
Acura said this morning that the refreshed 2025 RDX is now arriving at dealers ranging in price from $46,050 to $55,800 including destination. RDX has a new “frameless” Diamond Pentagon grille and “aggressive grille mesh.” Standard RDX now has a “premium gloss-black exterior trim.” All RDX models have new wheel designs, with standard Berlina Black 19-inch wheels. New paint colors include Solar Silver Metallic, and new to RDX – Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl. Continue reading
Shareholder Warning – Ford Delays Next Gen Electric Truck
Electric vehicle consumers currently, so to speak, are more cost-conscious than early adopters, looking to electric vehicles as a practical way to save money on fuel and maintenance, as well as time by charging at home. This, along with numerous new electric vehicle choices coming to market during the next 12 months , as well as rising compliance requirements, has multiplied pricing pressures. In short (groan) all automakers to survive must have globally competitive cost structure, emphasizing some customer and product segments to ensure profitable growth and capital efficiency. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, manufacturing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BlueOval City, chinese evs, Jim Farley, John Lawler, Ken Zino, Project T3, X @KenAutoinformed
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Customer Deliveries Start – for GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1
GMC said today that prospective customers can now purchase the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 from dealers across the country. The all-electric pickup truck has 440 miles of GM-estimated range with a full charge [see footnote 1 below], GMC “exclusive” CrabWalk mode [3], MultiPro MidGateTM and 10,000 pounds max towing capacity [4] from a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode [2]. This by our count means that GMC is the only US brand now with three EV trucks, which won’t likely last long given the US vehicle popularity of trucks. Just bring money – prices begin at $97,500, plus the $1995 destination charge. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Duncan Aldred, Ken Zino, Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, X @KenAutoinformed
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Relatively Cheap – The 2025 Nissan Rogue On Sale
Nissan said today that the 2025 Nissan Rogue* is on-sale now with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price [MSRP footnote 2 below] of $29,230, a minor price increase following a less than successful mild changes for the 2024 model year and the addition of Google built-in. Continue reading
Acura Performance EV Concept Debuts
“The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Building on the just-launched all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, our next all-electric Acura SUV will continue our focus on delivering Acura clients an exhilarating driving experience in the electrified future.” Continue reading
Posted in concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dave Marek, Honda EV Hub in Ohio, Ken Zino, Mike Langel, X @KenAutoinformed
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Performance Driving – Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype
Acura today debuted the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, showcasing a potential new line of street and track-focused Honda Racing Corporation* performance parts. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, a congregation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is said to build “upon the dynamic capabilities of the most powerful, best performing Integra ever to deliver ultimate street and track performance for Acura enthusiast customers to enjoy on their own Integras.”
“HRC performance parts is an exciting concept focused on building a stronger connection with Acura and Honda enthusiasts eager to access exclusive HRC race engineering to augment their performance driving experience,” said Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA.”Every spec of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype screams performance. Everything is functional – if it doesn’t add performance it isn’t on the car.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Acura Integra Type S HRC TCX race car, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Racing Corporation USA, HRC US, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Brittany Blue Added to Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition
“Mustang has thrived for 60 years by taking risks and giving customers something a little bit different, a little bit more special than you’d get elsewhere. By dropping a color like this, we’re giving customers a chance to stand out even among the rarefied ranks of Mustang 60th Anniversary owners,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager. Continue reading
Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV
Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity* concept vehicle, with claimed advanced technology and personalized luxury. It also combines EV and self-driving technology, or a split-personality of two emerging dynamic technologies.
“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions,” Nesbitt claimed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept EV, Ken Zino, Magalie Debellis, V-Series, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Turbonite at Fashion Week
“Every designer and graphic artist knows the Pantone color cards. In the same way that the Porsche 911 is the archetype of all sports cars, for more than 60 years the US company’s color standard system has been the reference work for everyone that uses colors in design,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. “We are proud to be the first outside brand represented in Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report. Turbonite is unique. An innovative, timeless, strong, but not loud color that gives our Turbo derivatives an unmistakable, self-assured look. Like all Porsche colors, the newly developed color shade was created over several years in a labor-intensive creative and development process,” Mauer claimed. Continue reading →