July 4th Week – a Record 72.2 Million to Travel Domestically!

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino

AAA* said today that it forecasts some 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 6 July 2025 . This domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to cover more of the surging flow of holiday travelers.

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”** Continue reading →

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Classic Land Rover Defender Coming to U.S. as an EV

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Classic Land Rover Defender Coming to U.S. as an EV

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BEDEO, a UK based electric vehicle technology and retrofit company, today announced a partnership with Monarch Defender – known for customizing the Land Rover Defender – to sell the so-called Icons Defender to US-based clients later in 2025.*

“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO. “Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy, and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people – and they know how to elevate that experience without losing its soul.” Continue reading →

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Mazda Restructures Its Waning Japanese Business

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T) today announced its “Domestic Business Structural Reform Policy” to revive its failing operations in its home market. Domestic sales volume for the Japanese Fiscal Year ending 31 March 2025 was 152,000 units – just barely above its all-time low of 148,445 in 1974. Mazda has a ~4% market share in Japan.*

“The three pillars of the business structural reform are investment for growth to nurture brand, designate priority regions and thorough front-line support to improve in-store experience,” Mazda said in a release. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Italia and Ferragamo

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Porsche (P911.DE) said today that Porsche Italia is observing its 40th anniversary with two special-edition models based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the Porsche Taycan 4S. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workers have decoratively enhanced the exterior and the interior of the two sports cars.

“Our dream was to create something truly unique that embodies the spirit that has guided us for the past 40 years: Porsche style combined with Italian culture and aesthetics. That’s why we chose Ferragamo as a partner for this project, a brand with which we share values such as excellence of craftsmanship, timeless elegance and a tireless attention to detail,” said Pietro Innocenti, CEO of Porsche Italia. Salvatore Ferragamo became famous in Hollywood by custom-making shoes for movie stars. In 1927, the ‘shoemaker of dreams’, as he was known, returned to his homeland and settled near Florence. Continue reading →

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VW Driver Access Program adds Torsten Gross

Posted on 18 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Volkswagen of America* today announced a change to its Driver Access program with the addition of ambassador, a quadriplegic race-car driver. Volkswagen and Gross are working to make mobility more inclusive and empowering for drivers with physical disabilities. Through the Driver Access program, eligible customers can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for the purchase and installation of eligible adaptive equipment on new or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Volkswagen vehicles. The current program is open to eligible Volkswagen customers with a documented physical disability who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle.

“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.” Continue reading →

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Honda Joins American Red Cross Disaster Giving List

Posted on 18 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Joins American Red Cross Disaster Giving List

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Honda U.S. (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today announced that it is increasing its support for American Red Cross disaster relief efforts across the nation by joining the nonprofit’s Annual Disaster Giving Program. The Red Cross program helps ensure it can respond to the more than 65,000 disasters that take place each year. The annual Honda contribution of $1 million went into effect 1 April 2025.*

“We are proud to build on our longstanding commitment to American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts,” said Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Through the Annual Disaster Giving Program, we will strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to provide immediate support when it is needed in communities across America, where Honda associates, customers, dealers and suppliers live and work.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Shows All-New Third-Generation LEAF

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Shows All-New Third-Generation LEAF - photo copyright Nissan.

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Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR)* today unveiled the all-new 2026 LEAF. The all-new LEAF will reach U.S. Nissan dealerships in the Fall, with other markets to follow, subject to the of the man who would be King, aka Donald Trump. The all-new Nissan LEAF will be assembled for the U.S. and Canada markets alongside the Ariya at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan.

“Completely re-imagined with clean, dynamic body lines, the third-generation LEAF combines a sleek profile with an SUV-like stance. Inside, a refined, minimalist cabin is optimized for roominess, comfort and well-being to accommodate all of life’s journeys. With over 15 years of proven dependability and the customer insights of almost 700,000 global sales, the all-new LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass-market,” Nissan said.** Continue reading →

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Bike Lane Delivery – Honda Shows Fastport eQuad Prototype

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today announced the establishment of Fastport, a new business dedicated to transforming the last-mile delivery industry with what it calls “innovative micro-mobility solutions.” Fastport uses the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) swappable batteries and is a software-defined vehicle (SDV) project. The Fastport eQuad in theory will help address urban congestion and rising consumer demand for faster, more frequent deliveries.

“The Fastport team has worked tirelessly to create the Fastport eQuad, a zero-emission alternative to delivery vans that solves the challenge of last mile urban logistics by meeting the needs of urban residents expecting on-demand deliveries of packages, groceries and other items,” said Jose Wyszogrod, general manager and founding member of Fastport. “Drawing from the deep knowledge of Honda design and engineering talent in the U.S., the Fastport eQuad is a testament to the commitment of Honda to advancing a more sustainable future through innovative mobility solutions.” Continue reading →

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First Look – the 2026 Corvette ZR1X Hypercar

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said this morning that it is introducing an all-wheel drive Corvette with the ZR1 designation.* The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is GM rated at 1250 horsepower [footnote 1] and has electrified all-wheel drive. This makes the ZR1X the most advanced Corvette ever. With ZR1 and ZR1X, Chevrolet now has the most powerful American performance car duet of any auto manufacturer. (TF Sport’s No. 81 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R of Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade and Tom Van Rompuy finished on the LMGT3 podium last Sunday in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the first podium finish in the world’s biggest sports car racing for the Corvette GT3 program.- AutoCrat)

“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars [3] and delivering world-class performance at every level.” Continue reading →

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Bring Your Own Bronco Optional at Off-Roadeo

Posted on 16 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Ford Motor (NYSE:F) said today that it is now offering Bronco owners who have attended the complimentary Bronco Off-Rodeo – an immersive driving school available to new Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Bronco Raptor owners the chance to bring their own Bronco to an advanced dirt driving program so to speak.

“Ninety percent of Bronco Off-Roadeo participants say they want to return and learn even more,” said Kelsey Gerken, Bronco consumer strategy manager at Ford. “Bring Your Own Bronco gives them that chance, expanding the Off-Roadeo experience to two unique, four-hour courses that further grow a Bronco owner’s skillset.” Bronco Off-Roadeo is an immersive and complimentary driving experience available to new Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Bronco Raptor owners, teaching safe and responsible off-road driving, building confidence and fostering camaraderie across the Bronco community. Continue reading →

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Ford Updates Nascent WEC Hypercar Program

Posted on 13 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Today Ford Motor (NYSE: F) during opening events prior to the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans* announced its chassis partner, ORECA, and its program lead, Dan Sayers. The Ford WEC Hypercar program will debut at the season-opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in less than two years.

“Bringing Ford back to the top class at Le Mans has always been a dream for many of us including our Executive Chair Bill Ford,” said Ford Motor Company President and CEO, Jim Farley. “To be able to partner with ORECA is a proud moment for Ford. We are coming back to Le Mans to win, and we aren’t making that a secret. On Sunday, it will be exactly 56 years since we last took the top step of the overall podium here. That is long enough. In 2027, we are coming with the same level of expectation, and we are entrusting ORECA to help us take on Ferrari and the other top-class teams as we did back in the 1960s.” Continue reading →

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CARB Blasts Trump’s Attack on California Clean Air Act

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Today the California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph responded to President Trump signing” illegal actions” attacking California’s Clean Air Act waivers for Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus. The California Attorney General is challenging the actions in Federal court.

“Despite the President’s signature, this remains an unconstitutional, illegal, and foolish attempt to undermine California’s clean air protections. We welcome Governor Newsom’s and California Attorney General Bonta’s prompt legal action and look forward to judicial review. In the meantime, CARB will use every tool at its disposal to continue our critical work to clean the air and address the climate crisis. The health and well-being of all Californians depends on it– especially those who live in underserved communities with unhealthy air. We look forward to engaging with the state legislature, stakeholders, and the public as we follow the Governor’s executive order to further advance the state’s clean vehicle transition,” said Liane Randolph. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Toyota Indiana Builds 1-Millionth Hybrid

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) celebrated today the manufacturing of the 1-millionth hybrid vehicle at the Princeton Indiana plant. The Sienna van has been assembled at Toyota Indiana since 2003, with the all-hybrid model being the latest iteration built by the plant’s 7650 team members.

“It’s a significant achievement to reach this milestone and something our team members should be proud of,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Indiana. “The all-hybrid Sienna demonstrates our commitment to electrification and remains a top-selling vehicle in Toyota’s lineup.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Gazoo Racing Shows Hydrogen-Fueled Racing Car

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept at le Mans yesterday, a liquid hydrogen-fueled test car for the potential use of advanced technology in motorsports.

“The presentation of the forward-looking GR LH2 Racing Concept completes a celebration of past, present and future which marks the 40th anniversary of Toyota’s first participation at Le Mans, following the introduction of a unique combination of livery designs. The #7 GR010 Hybrid of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries carries a red and white tribute livery inspired by the iconic TS020 which participated in 1998. The #8 GR010 Hybrid, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, represents the team’s present determination to win. Its matt black livery is built around a GR logo, capturing the team’s “Hate to lose” spirit and the “Prototype” concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars and continuous evolution,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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GlobalData – Chinese BYD Hidden Debt Risk

Posted on 9 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The massive China-based electric vehicle company BYD (1211 HKG)* with more than 968,000 employees and a market capitalization of ~$155.5B is not only caught in the tariff crossfire between Donald Trump and the Chinese Government, but it has its own business structure problems as well.

“BYD posted record 2024 results with revenues of $108.1 billion (CNY777.1 billion) (+29% year-on-year (YoY)) and net profit of $5.6 billion (CNY40.2 billion) (+34% YoY). However, experts warn that the company’s growing reliance on supply chain financing could expose it to serious financial risks if market conditions deteriorate,” said Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at the respected GlobalData consultancy.** Continue reading →

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