BMW Motorrad Days – 40,000 Visitors in the Alps

Posted on 9 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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BMW Motorrad in Munich today said that 40,000 visitors attended Motorrad Days 2025 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is the world’s largest BMW Motorrad gathering, which is held in the Bavarian Alpine Mountains. (read AutoInformed.com on: BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever)

“For the 20th anniversary in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the Hausbergbahn – overall the 23rd BMW Motorrad Days – the international BMW Motorrad community celebrated with product innovations, exhibitors, shows, test ride opportunities, and not least with rustic Bavarian lifestyle and great party atmosphere,” Motorrad said. Continue reading →

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California Strikes Back for Clean Air

Posted on 9 July 2025 by Ken Zino

California state agencies today announced a series of “dialogue sessions to generate public discussion around proposed measures to support increased zero emission vehicle adoption in California.” The agencies are planning to host three in-person sessions during business hours and one evening session online. If upheld, President Trump’s rollback of the state’s regulations would cost Californians an estimated $45 billion in health care costs.*

“In response to illegal federal efforts to revoke California’s clean air waivers, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on June 12, 2025. The order directed the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California State Transportation Agency, and Department of Consumer Affairs to assess additional actions to spur light-, medium-, and heavy-duty zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption in California, and to deliver formal recommendations for additional actions to the governor in August,” the agencies said. Continue reading →

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Porsche Macan Sales ~60% Electric

Posted on 8 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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Porsche (P911.DE) said today in Stuttgart that it increased its share of electrified vehicles sold during the first half of 2025 to ~36%  for a 14.5 percentage points increase year-over-year.* These consist of 23.5% fully electric vehicles and 12.6 % plug-in hybrids. The strongest growth among the sports car manufacturer’s six model lines was posted by the Macan with a 15% increase.

“The fully electric Macan is making a significant contribution to our proportion of electrified cars,” said Matthias Becker, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “Overall, we have succeeded in keeping sales volumes stable and balanced across the sales regions despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. Our customers continue to place great value on individualized vehicles, and we will continue to expand our offerings in this area.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Cunning Scott Dixon wins at Mid-Ohio

Posted on 7 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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Veteran IndyCar driver Scott Dixon was  the third different winner in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season, in the number 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to the win in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport yesterday. Dixon scored his record seventh win at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. He made completed all 90 laps on just two pit stops using his considerable “lift and coast” racing skills. His other Mid-Ohio victories were in 2019, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009 and 2007. 

“It was definitely a tough race,” Dixon said. “We had fantastic cars. But just so much fun to try and pull off what we did and do it with what we had was fantastic. They were supposed to (remove downforce) from the front wing on the last stop. I just had to look at the corner, and the car was going to turn. I was just hoping the rear tires were going to hold on,” said Dixon. Continue reading →

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Happy Fourth of July 2025! Let’s Return to our Founding Ideals

Posted on 4 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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On this day, the Fourth of July 1776, the Continental Congress after considerable debate released our Declaration of Independence. AutoInformed notes that this is or should be our still continuing guide to what were then awakened American ideals. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston – the so-called Committee of Five – did much of the enlightenment conceptual work. Jefferson, the most eloquent writer in the Congress, created one of our essential documents with the input of what were 56 men of the opinion that all of us equals could and would work at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Then in the course of human events these ideals led to our following War of Independence. It turns out that these ideas were powerful. So powerful that they were bigger than the despots, Redcoats, Hessians and other mercenaries deployed against us. We overcame this oppression and the Divine Right of Kings against impossible odds with the help of the French. Who also later  added the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Continue reading →

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Nürburgring – BMW M2 CS Beats Audi RS-3 Record

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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BMW said today that the new BMW M2 CS set a new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025.* Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 12.9-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. In March Audi set a new record lap in the compact vehicle class on the Nordschleife at 7:33.123 minutes. Depending on the ongoing Trump tariff wars, Audi might still retain the lower price entry point for a top Nordschleife runner., depending on who you value – in currency units – the ~8 seconds in elapsed times.

“The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of 7:25.5 on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology, and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle,” said Franciscus van Meel, the Managing Director of BMW M GmbH. ‘We are proud that the M2 CS has once again set a new benchmark in the compact car class with this lap time.” Continue reading →

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Bungling Fireworks Use Can Cause Tragedies

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is asking the public to prioritize fireworks safety during Fourth of July festivities. In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks last year – a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries respectively compared to 2023. There were an estimated 1700 emergency room treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.

“Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy,” CPSC said. Continue reading →

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U.S. May Trade Deficit increases $11.3 Billion

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said today that the goods and services deficit was $71.5 billion in May, up $11.3 billion from $60.3 billion in April, revised. May exports were $279.0 billion, $11.6 billion less than April exports. May imports were $350.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports.

Noteworthy was that the May deficit with China ($13.9 billion) was the lowest since March 2020 ($11.7 billion). However, May exports to China ($6.6 billion) were the lowest since September 2009 ($5.8 billion). This in the middle of the ongoing Trump Tariff chaos.* Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Adds Ferrari Dealership in Modena!

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* said today that it has completed the acquisition of the Ferrari dealership in Modena, Italy. Located in Emilia Romagna, the heart of the so-called Italian Motor Valley that is home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, Ducati and Dallara, this Ferrari dealership expands the PAG’s existing luxury presence in Italy to 29 automotive retail locations. PAG now represents nine Ferrari locations worldwide, including Maranello Classic Parts, the only official Ferrari classic parts distributor in the world. The forecast estimated annualized revenue of the Modena location is $40 million. (read AutoInformed.com on: Penske Automotive Group – Q1 2025 +13% Net Income)

“We are honored to represent the Ferrari brand at such an iconic location in Italy.  Our luxury brand presence in northern Italy, strong reputation and experienced leadership team will help us provide exceptional service to Ferrari customers.  We welcome the Ferrari brand in Italy, its customers and its existing employees to our team,” said Randall Seymore, PAG Head of International Operations. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive

Posted on 2 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence.

“Our future MPVs have once again impressively demonstrated their suitability for everyday use on the long-distance route. With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome – the Mercedes-Benz VLE demonstrates impressive efficiency of the new Van Electric Architecture,” claimed Dr. Andreas Zygan, Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mercedes-Benz AG. Continue reading →

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American Honda Posts Q2 2025 Sales Increase of 8.4%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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American Honda said today that it posted sales increases in June, Q2 and thereby leading to relatively strong First Half Sales Increase of 8.4%.

“The Honda and Acura brands continue to buck industry trends with sales increases in June and the second quarter as our strong sales momentum continues through the first half of the year,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Driven by the success of all-new products like the Honda Passport and Acura ADX, and record sales of electrified models we continue to meet customer needs and manage changing market conditions.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor North America Q2 Sales up 7.2%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM) today reported June 2025 U.S. sales of 193,248 vehicles, up 0.1 % on a volume basis and up 8.4 % on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared to June 2024. Sales of electrified vehicles for the month totaled 90,426 up 6.7 % on a volume basis and up 15.5% on a DSR basis representing 46.8 % of total sales volume. For the second quarter, TMNA reported sales of 666,469 vehicles, up 7.2 % on a volume basis and up 7.2 % on a DSR basis versus the Q2 of 2024. Sales of electrified vehicles for the second quarter totaled 320,817 up 29.7 % on a volume basis and up 29.7% on a DSR basis representing 48.1% of total sales volume. June sales were clearly hurt by Trump Tariff chaos, but were at ~three times the industry average increase. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Trump Tariff Legacy – U.S. June Auto Sales Soft)

“Steady demand for our Toyota and Lexus brands resulted in strong sales throughout the second quarter,” said Mark Templin, executive vice president and chief operating officer, TMNA. “Our lineup of 32 electrified vehicles was a big part of that draw as they represented over 46% of our sales in June.” Continue reading →

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GM Posts Strong YTD 2025 U.S. Sales

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino
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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that its U.S. sales increased 7% in the second quarter and 12% in the 2025 first half. GM led the U.S. automotive industry in total and retail sales in the year’s first six months, with sales growth well ahead of the estimated 4% total auto industry growth. This is in sharp contrast to Ford Motor Company claims today and is the result of selective use of categories and time periods by both companies. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Ford Motor Q2 2025 Sales up 14.2% )

“The investments we have made in our crossovers, SUVs, and pickups – both gas and electric – along with great execution by our employees, suppliers and dealers, have made GM the engine of growth for the U.S. industry this year,” said Duncan Aldred, GM senior VP and president of North America. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Q2 2025 Sales up 14.2%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that Q2 sales rose 14.2%, largely because of sales of trucks and SUVs. Ford claimed that it was well ahead of the U.S. industry in Q2 by increasing, sales ~10 times the estimated 1.4% industry increase. It also said it expanded market share to an estimated 14.3%, up 1.8 percentage points compared to Q1 2025. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Ford Motor Q1 U.S. Retail Sales Up 5%)

“We blew the doors off the overall industry with our second-quarter sales,” claimed Andrew Frick, president, Ford Blue and Model e, and interim head of Ford Pro. “Customers continue appreciating our broad powertrain choices – gas, hybrid, electric, and diesel -digital productivity tools that save time and money.” Continue reading →

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GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks

Posted on 30 June 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.

“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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