Another Corvette C9 Concept from SoCal

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Another Corvette C9 Concept from SoCal

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GM (NYSE: GM) has revealed the second in a series of three Chevrolet Corvette concept design studies debuting in 2025 (Read AutoInformed.com on: Concepts of What Could be a C9 Corvette Concept?) The so called California Corvette concept was developed by GM’s Advanced Design studios in Pasadena.

“Our Advanced Design teams are dedicated to shaping the future, driving innovation, and exploring what’s possible,” said Bryan Nesbitt, vice president of global design. “The California Corvette concept is another example of forward-thinking design. We invited multiple GM studios to envision Corvette-inspired hypercars, the first of which was revealed by our UK studio in March. The California team has now delivered a complementary study that honors Corvette’s legendary performance, while infusing it with their own distinctive vision.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG) said today that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $1.32 per share, representing an increase of 4.8% or $0.06 per share. This is PAG’s 19th consecutive quarterly increase. The dividend is payable 3 September 2025 to shareholders of record as of 15 August 2025. (read AutoInformed.com on: Penske Automotive Adds Ferrari Dealership in Modena!)*

“We are pleased to provide shareholders with another increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting the continued strength of our balance sheet and strong cash flow,” said Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr.** Continue reading →

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BMW i Ventures Invests in Estes Energy Solutions

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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BMW i Ventures today announced  that it was part of an investment in Estes Energy Solutions, Inc., a California-based materials and manufacturing firm specializing in zero-emission power systems for the electrification of commercial and industrial markets using lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries that are relatively inexpensive to make because they don’t use rare earth metals such as cobalt and nickel. The pilot manufacturing line resulting from the influx of capital will enable Estes to increase the U.S.-based battery supply chain. The $11 million seed round was co-led with Fortescue Ventures with participation from New Systems Ventures, and early investor DCVC.

“What makes Estes different isn’t just the unique technology, it’s the people.” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “This is a team that’s been in the trenches, building rugged, high-density battery systems with real-world safety and scale in mind. It’s that rare blend of deep engineering chops, operator mindset, and execution urgency. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.” Continue reading →

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Football marketing – BYD and FC Internazionale Milano

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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The BYD Group (1211 HKG), a massive China-based electric vehicle company announced the launch of a three-year strategic partnership with FC Internazionale Milano (Inter), becoming the club’s Global Automotive Partner. It’s the latest foray of Chinese EV companies into established markets. 

“BYD’s name means Build Your Dreams, and I think this partnership is a dream for young people, for everybody with a passion for football. Inter Milan is well recognized for its energy, for never giving up, for always fighting for success and for its rapid growth into a global brand with a worldwide fanbase that extends beyond the San Siro stadium and Serie A,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. Continue reading →

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American Honda Joins Tesla Supercharger Network

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on American Honda Joins Tesla Supercharger Network

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Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners now have access to more than 23,500 selected Tesla Superchargers across the United States with the availability of the first Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter, the company said today. The only DC fast charging adapter approved by Honda (NYSE: HMC) was tested for performance and compatibility for use with the Prologue and ZDX at any NACS DC fast-charging point. This confirms a previous announcement made in March 2025.*

“Planning a road trip just got a lot easier for our Honda and Acura EV owners with access to the Tesla Supercharger network,” said Ryan Harty, assistant vice president of Sustainability & Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Combined with other growing charging networks, Honda and Acura EV drivers now have added peace of mind with a wider range of dependable DC fast charging options nationwide.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Our Volvo Story Sweepstakes

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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Volvo Car Americas said today that it is debuting a new ad campaign dubbed “Our Volvo Story” along with a sweepstakes to celebrate 70 years in the United States.*

“Everyone has a Volvo story and this is about honoring the people who have been a part of our journey, from families who have passed down their Volvo through generations, to the employees and retailers who have helped shape the brand,” said Luis Rezende, President, Volvo Car Americas. “As we celebrate 70 years and the impact we’ve had in the United States, we’re excited to invite consumers to create their own Volvo story with a chance to win a new Volvo EX90, assembled right here in South Carolina. This celebration is not just about where we’ve been but about honoring the people who’ve been with us along the way, and where we’re going next.”** Continue reading →

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GM Posts Q2 Earnings of $3 Billion

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts Q2 Earnings of $3 Billion

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) today posted relatively strong earnings for Q2 and H1 2025 given the ongoing chaos of the Trump Administration and its obsession with economic policies and tariffs that are harmful to the economy, consumers, and GM, which took expensive tariff hits of $1.1 billion on its balance sheet. With Q2 global sales of 1,539,000, and strong U.S. Q2 sales growth at all brands, GM estimated it increased its U.S. market share to 17.4%, making it first in total sales, with 747,000 vehicles delivered during and Q2 and 1.4 million H1 deliveries. This not arguably, but almost certainly makes GM number one in retail sales, up 10% Q2 YoY and up 12% H1 YoY.

“Despite slower EV industry growth, we believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO, “Overall, GM is well positioned to succeed in an ICE market that now has a longer runway, Barra said. Continue reading →

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Ford Fuel Injector Leak Recall Now at ~694,000

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5-liter engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment and cause a fire. This is an ongoing safety problem related to NHTSA Recall numbers 22V859, 24V187, 25V165. It’s the latest in a growing series of Ford recalls that were not properly repaired the first time because of software programming errors, requiring a recall of the recall, so to speak. The injectors were supplied by Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies S.R.L. of Italy. (read AutoInformed.com on: Ford Recalls Previous Bronco and Escape Fire Recalls)

The fix is currently under development. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are not expected to be mailed until 18 August 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, according to documents released by the National Highway Safety Administration today. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Struggles – Q2 2025 Shipments Mostly Down Again

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) today released some preliminary and unaudited financial information for the First Half of 2025, in addition to its global quarterly consolidated shipment estimates and commentary on related trends in what appears to be an attempt to ameliorate financial market expectations based on its recently dismal operating results and program cancellations as it struggles to maintain what some consider too many brands and too little resources. See The Stellantis Spin below. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Stellantis Net Profit Down 70% in 2024)*

“In the absence of financial guidance, which was suspended by the Company on April 30, 2025, financial analyst consensus forecasts currently constitute the primary metric for market expectations. The disclosure of the following preliminary financial data for the First Half 2025 is intended to address the difference between these analyst consensus forecasts and the Company’s performance for the period,” Stellantis said.** Continue reading →

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Milestones – Honda Anna Engine Plant 40 Years

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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Honda  said today that that its Anna Engine Plant (AEP) has built more than 32.5 million engines for automobiles and powersports products, as well as a variety of powertrain components for engines and transmissions since it began production of motorcycle engines on July 22, 1985. Production of auto engines began in 1986 with a 4-cylinder powerplant for the Honda Civic. (Read AutoInformed.com on: American Honda Posts Q2 2025 Sales Increase of 8.4% and Milestones – Honda Makes 30 Millionth US Vehicle)

“Everything that Honda has accomplished at the Anna Engine Plant during the past 40 years has been achieved through the skills and commitment of our associates and this will continue as we pursue an expanded form of flexible manufacturing in the future,” said Michael Tinch, plant lead of Anna Engine Plant. “As we maximize production of ICE and hybrid models, even while preparing for the future of EV production, I know our associates will continue to produce high quality products that meet the needs of our customers.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group – My Trips Apps Now Show Driver’s Carbon Footprint

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group - My Trips Apps Now Show Driver’s Carbon Footprint

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The BMW Group said today that it is now offering customers an analysis of their driving personal carbon footprint stats in the My BMW App and MINI App for the first time. This in AutoInformed’s view is a breakthrough that will ease the ride on the sometimes-bumpy road to electrification.*

“Our usage research shows: The information in My Trips is one of the most popular features in the app,” said Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalization. “We are now expanding this successful function with carbon footprint calculation, giving our customers simple and straightforward access to sustainability-related information via a popular and widely used channel.” Continue reading →

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Streets of Toronto – O’Ward Wins with a Chevy Engine!

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward yesterday broke the Honda winning curse at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto by winning his second race in eight days as Alex Palou finished 12th. Series leader Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing qualified second in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. He held a 129-point lead over the field before the race with five races remaining as he attempts for his third consecutive season championship and fourth in five years. Palou finished fourth in in the Toronto race last year, which was extended by five laps this year.

“Oh, man, I can’t say I saw this (win) coming,” O’Ward said. “But I was feeling so good on the (primary) tires all weekend really. We were just struggling to get the alternates to work in qualifying. Sadly, that’s the one you need to transfer. But I knew we had a great car under me to race with, and (the crew) nailed it on the strategy.” Continue reading →

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Oppama Plant Closing – Nissan Starts Talking with Stakeholders

Posted on 18 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201 T) said today that it has begun “engagement” with key stakeholders after the July 15 announcement that Nissan will cease vehicle production at the Oppama plant at the end of  the Japanese fiscal year 2027. Nissan plans to transfer vehicle production from the Oppama Plant to Nissan Motor Kyushu. (read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on: Nissan to Close Oppama Plant!)*

“We recognize that this transition affects not only our employees, but also our partners and wider stakeholders who have supported the Oppama Plant for decades. That’s why we’ve begun immediate engagement with local government leaders, suppliers, and labor representatives. Our goal is to ensure that every step of this process is guided by transparency, respect, and collaboration. We are committed to listening, supporting, and working together to shape a responsible and sustainable path forward,” said Ivan Espinosa, chief executive officer of Nissan Motor. Continue reading →

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First GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate Debuts in Late 2025

Posted on 17 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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GMC (NYSE: GM) said today that the 2026 Acadia mid-size SUV will be the  latest vehicle in GMC’s lineup to receive the so-called ultra-premium Denali Ultimate trim.

“Denali Ultimate represents the pinnacle of premium expression for the GMC brand, delivering an innovative mixture of stunning craftsmanship and real-world capability,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, global vice president, Buick and GMC. “Expanding Denali Ultimate’s innovative technologies and exclusive design elements to the Acadia nameplate allows us to further differentiate our mid-size offering in a highly competitive segment.” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Posts Q2 2025 -10B SEK Loss

Posted on 17 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Posts Q2 2025 -10.0B SEK Loss

Not out of the woods yet?

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.STO) said today that it posted a Q2 group operating profit (EBIT) of SEK -10.0 billion.* The gigantic loss followed a warning this week that it would take an impairment charge (read AutoInformed.com on: Chinese Trade Wars – Volvo Q2 2025 Impairment Charge). The Chinese owned company also said that it would build its best-selling car in the U.S. in South Carolina starting in late 2026 (Volvo Cars to Build XC60 SUV in Ridgeville).** The loss, down from a profit of 8B SEK year-over year, appears to have surprised analysts who thought the loss would be much higher.

“The market continued to be challenging in Q2 as well,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Demand remains under pressure from the macroeconomic environment, tariff-related uncertainties and tougher competition. However, our turnaround actions are starting to show results. In a Q2 market with headwinds we made a clear improvement of free cash flow versus Q1 and our EBIT margin excluding items affecting comparability was slightly higher.” Continue reading →

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