Tag Archives: autoinformed.com

Toyota, Mazda Testing EV Battery Energy-Storage System

Posted on 21 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) said today that they have started field tests of Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The system rapidly switches each battery’s power flow on and off, even when new batteries are connected to degraded or different capacity batteries.

“For the tests, the power system at Mazda’s headquarters campus, the only power generation system operated by an automaker in Japan, and Toyota’s system that uses batteries from electrified vehicles will be connected through their respective energy management systems. This will enable the verification of stable, high-quality, and efficient charging and discharging. In the future, the storage system will be used to regulate power supply and demand from renewable energy, which fluctuates depending on weather and time of day, contributing to carbon neutrality,” the companies said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, energy, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gen 3 2026 Nissan Leaf Less than $30,000?

Posted on 21 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The 2026 model year Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) Leaf* at dealerships this fall has a projected Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the S+ grade starting at $29,9902. This is the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the U.S. [ see footnote 3]. This of course depends on the whims and chaos of the Trump Administration’s ongoing trade policies. That is why the pricing and details on the entry-grade LEAF S will be announced at a later date. It might not appear in the 2026 lineup. Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volvo Car USA to Offer Insurance

Posted on 20 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“By launching Volvo Car Insurance Services, we are extending Volvo Cars’ commitment to safety and simplicity well beyond the vehicle,” said Tony Nicolosi, President & CEO, Volvo Car Financial Services. “This expanded offering combines a seamless digital experience with flexible, personalized coverage options, supported by licensed insurance agents who provide expert, transparent guidance, creating a new standard for what customers should expect from automotive insurance.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, insurance, milestones, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MINI Expanding Proactive Care to More Markets

Posted on 20 August 2025 by Ken Zino

MINI said today that it is expanding its so-called Proactive Care service to more markets, including the U.S. eventually. The service lets the vehicle act as a digital concierge, recognizing existing and predictable service needs and proactively reaching out to the customer with proposed solutions.

“With the introduction of Proactive Care at MINI, we are now implementing our service promise ‘RELAX. WE CARE.’ in the premium segment of small and compact cars. Our offering acts as a digital concierge, proactively analyzing all service needs and providing timely support to our customers. This ensures that our customers are always well-informed and that potential needs are identified early,” says Ralf Hattler, Senior Vice President Customer Support and Aftersales. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Solid State Batteries – Nissan and LiCAP Partner

Posted on 20 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Developing a dry electrode production process for cathode electrode is highly beneficial for the smooth production and commercialization of ASSBs. Compared to conventional solvent-process electrodes, dry-process electrodes eliminate the need for drying and solvent recovery, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact. However, when considering future mass production, achieving high production efficiency remains a major challenge for dry-process electrodes,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Used Vehicle Prices Down as Consumer Sentiment Drops

Posted on 19 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“We started to see stronger sales trends in late July and early August for retail and wholesale markets, and that’s causing some additional volatility in wholesale pricing trends in recent weeks, against a stronger comparison from last year,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, news analysis, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

California Movies Ahead as Fed Agencies Retreat on Clean Air

Posted on 19 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Cleaner vehicles will also save Californians billions of dollars in fuel, maintenance and healthcare costs as the state pushes for the cleanest, most affordable ways to travel,” the agencies said. Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, litigation, news, news analysis, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

ACSI – Customer Satisfaction with Autos Dropping

Posted on 19 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Automakers are navigating a market where innovation and practicality collide,” said Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. “Customers expect advanced technology and efficiency, but they’re also scrutinizing every dollar spent. The brands that thrive will be those that can deliver meaningful improvements without losing sight of what matters most to drivers right now.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Ford Motor Recalls – Lincoln Corsairs, F-150s, Mach-Es

Posted on 18 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling a variety of vehicles for safety defects according to the mandatory recall documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ford is operating under a NHTSA consent decree because of its previous problems with defective vehicles and if or how safety recalls were conducted. The largest recall (~103,174) covers 2023-2025 model year F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. This is a recall of a previously ineffective recall as customer complaints continued to be received by NHTSA. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Ford Transit at Nürburgring?

Posted on 18 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance (NYSE: F) said today that a Ford Transit SuperVan 4.2 – a custom 2000-horsepower electric SuperVan driven by Romain Dumas [not your typical white van man driver – AutoCrat] posted a time of 6:48.393, which makes it the … Continue reading →

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More C9 Corvette Concepts Seen in California

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) today gave car enthusiasts and racing fans another, yet another glimpse of the high-performance future. Two Corvette concept cars, the Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo, debuted at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering in California. If these promotional events proceed at the pace of previous events and press releases, they could outnumber the sales of the production C9 Corvette when it appears. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan Armada Starts at $58,840

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Following the all-new debut of the 2025 model year, Nissan continues to deliver an Armada for every adventure – offering supreme comfort, premium technology, a bold new design and uncompromising capability. With three rows of seating, a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds [3], and the added confidence of standard Nissan Safety Shield® 3604, the Armada is ready for whatever the road – or trail – may bring,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, prices, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Production of Ford GT Mk IV Track Day Cars Ending

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance (NYSE: F) said today that it is about release the third and final wave of production of the Ford GT Mk IV. After nearly a decade of hand assembling every Ford GT of this generation in the same facility, this run will mark the end of this line for the road and race cars.

“With the majority of the 67 total units produced already in the hands of customers, Ford Performance is now taking orders on the remaining cars. Created in conjunction with our GT racing partner Multimatic Motorsports, the Mk IV boasts technology that exceeds that of most GT race cars and on-track capabilities unimaginable for the street. The Ford GT Mk IV finds itself perfectly placed as a collector car that will be too thrilling to be kept in the garage,” said Mark Rushbrook global director of Ford Performance. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Acura RSX Prototype EV Debuts

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Acura yesterday at Monterey Car Week staged the world-debut of the Acura RSX Prototype, promoting the brand’s next-generation all-electric performance SUV.

“The dramatic styling of our Acura RSX Prototype demonstrates that it’s not just a new EV, but a compelling all-new Acura model,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “RSX will deliver on nearly four decades of Acura Precision Crafted Performance brand DNA with appealing design and cutting-edge technology.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Art Car World Tour – Pebble Beach Next

Posted on 14 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Art Cars by American artists Andy Warhol and Julie Mehretu will be exhibited at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, BMW said today. The display at the concours marks the beginning of the North America segment of the BMW Art Car World Tour which celebrates the collection in its 50th year globally.

“The display at the concours marks the beginning of the North America leg of the BMW Art Car World Tour, which celebrates the iconic collection in its jubilee year around the globe from Vienna to Hong Kong and Shanghai, from Dubai to Marrakech and Milan. The two BMW Art Cars will travel on to The Bridge and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington D.C. respectively,” BMW said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, people, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment