Category Archives: transportation

Ford Opens Corktown Station to Community as Mustang puts Camaro and GM on Trailer During Woodward Dream Cruise

Posted on 20 August 2018 by Ken Zino

Ford said that a diverse gathering of millennial tech and business talent explored new avenues to grow an inclusive tech and entrepreneur ecosystem in and around the iconic Michigan Central Station, the centerpiece of Ford’s new campus and a cornerstone of the company’s vision to become the world’s most trusted mobility company, whatever that means. Continue reading →

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Ford Releases Self-Driving Vehicle Safety Assessment

Posted on 16 August 2018 by Ken Zino

The 44-page document, titled “A Matter of Trust,” details Ford’s “prioritization of safety” during self-driving vehicle development, as well as how the company is working with industry and government, and how it is applying the technology to solve the challenges our cities face. It’s partly technical but looks to be largely a marketing document design to sell self-driving vehicles to potential buyers. Continue reading →

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Oshkosh Silliness? First Flying Car Slated for 2019

Posted on 17 July 2018 by Ken Zino

However, neither Chinese investments nor smart people appear to be in favor with President Trump who is enmeshed in a trade war with China and most U.S. allies that has the potential – or promise – to greatly harm auto companies in the U.S. and their workers. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen and Ford Alliance Under Study

Posted on 21 June 2018 by Ken Zino

Against this backdrop and with a possible shakeout as devastating as occurred more than a century ago as the automobile emerged, it’s not surprising that long established car companies are seeking collaborative agreements to share the risks, cut the cost of research, development and production and survive as an entity when taking an individual road appears one paved with doom. Continue reading →

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U.S. Space Exploration Essential for Climate Monitoring

Posted on 7 June 2018 by Ken Zino

More than half of Americans say they would not be interested in going into space, citing cost, fear, and age or health concerns. * Therefore, an expanded definition of the automakers quest to transform into mobility companies does not include to go where no man has gone before at this time. Continue reading →

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FCA Sells Minivans to Google’s Waymo for Driverless Use

Posted on 4 June 2018 by Ken Zino

Google’s self-driving wing Waymo – a clear threat to established automakers – will expand its fleet with an agreement to add up to 62,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans. Given Chrysler’s dubious safety record, it’s a risky proposition in AutoInformed’s view. Continue reading →

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Driving Dangerously – an American Way of Life. And Death

Posted on 23 May 2018 by Ken Zino

Both “rushed and aggressive drivers” discovered that with practice they could improve their driving. Continue reading →

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Daimler, Deutsche Telekom End German Government Clash

Posted on 18 May 2018 by Ken Zino

Whether this bodes ill for Daimler’s other car-to-car or car-to-infrastructure/web communications programs remains to be see. It also points to an unknown legal environment facing autonomous car makers with products already on the market – automatic driver-assist systems such as automatic braking, automatic parking, or vehicle-following speed control. Continue reading →

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U.S. Memorial Day Travel Primed to be a Near Record

Posted on 14 May 2018 by Ken Zino

INRIX, an analytics company, expects travel delays on major roads could be up to three times longer than normal, with the busiest days being Thursday and Friday (May 24-25) as commuters mix with holiday travelers. Continue reading →

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HondaJet China Expanding Operations

Posted on 30 April 2018 by Ken Zino

Honda Aircraft Company – the parent firm – has established a worldwide dealer and authorized sales network to provide service and support for HondaJet customers following patterns set by U.S. aviation stalwarts Cessna and Gulfstream. Continue reading →

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April Fools – Aston Martin Project Sparta

Posted on 1 April 2018 by Ken Zino

Project Sparta, which has been engineered in parallel with the brand’s upcoming DBX SUV, is set to wreak havoc in the Monster Jam series starting in 2019, taking on some of the world’s biggest names including Grave Digger, Big Kahuna, Ice Cream Man and Jailbird. Continue reading →

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Ford Proxy – Shareholders Want Political Spending Info

Posted on 29 March 2018 by Ken Zino

Herein lies the potential hypocrisy problem: In 2012, the U.S. issued light duty vehicle rules strengthening GHG emission reduction standards and improving corporate average fuel economy. These rules – made working with automakers – are being challenged by Ford and other automakers. Continue reading →

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Mahindra, Ford to Co-Develop SUVs, EV, Connected Car Blends

Posted on 28 March 2018 by Ken Zino

Mahindra and Ford also agreed to evaluate co-development of a compact SUV and electric vehicle, along with sharing powertrain portfolios, including the supply of Mahindra powertrains to extend Ford’s product range. Continue reading →

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Japan Inc – ANA and HondaJet

Posted on 28 March 2018 by Ken Zino

ANA was founded in 1952 with two helicopters and has become one of the most significant airlines in Asia, operating 85 international routes and 116 domestic routes. Continue reading →

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BMW, Daimler Combine Mobility Services for Survival

Posted on 28 March 2018 by Ken Zino

The new front in the transportation of the future fight in cities and mini-cities will be soldiered by CarSharing, Ride-Hailing, Parking, Charging and Multimodality troops. Each company will hold a 50% stake in a joint-venture made from both companies’ current mobility services. It is alleged that the two companies will remain competitors in their respective core businesses, something the capital markets and ultimately customers will weigh in on. Continue reading →

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