Tag Archives: Ken Zino of AutoInformed

Annals of Marketing – Amazon Style Taking Over Car Buying?

Posted on 1 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Plunging market share for traditional giants such as Ford, Vauxhall and even top selling Volkswagen reflects an Amazon-style approach to choosing cars by British motorists, according to an analysis just released by Vehicle Data Global (VDG).*

“The decline for some of Britain’s household car brands was not driven by motorists falling out of love with those badges. Instead, it reflects broader changes in the way people buy products in general, beginning online with feature comparisons before visiting stores or dealer showrooms,” said Ben Hermer, Operations Director of VDG. Consumers now choose cars in a similar way to buying products on Amazon. Continue reading →

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Honda and Alex Palou Win 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Titles

Posted on 31 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Incredible,” Palou said. “I owe everything to this team. So proud of this team. It is great to have another championship and ready for the next one.” Palou, 29, also became the youngest driver in series history to win five titles. A.J. Foyt was 32 when he earned his fifth championship in 1967. Only Foyt, with seven, and Scott Dixon, with six, have won more IndyCar Series titles than Palou. Continue reading →

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Trump-Conomics = Everybody Loses a U.S.-Canada Trade War

Posted on 28 August 2026 by Ken Zino

AutoInformed fully agrees with CAR and Abraham Lincoln. This is not a U.S. Government of the people, by the people and for the people. AutoInformed is against tariffs by tyrants or kings. Continue reading →

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SAP Races – Porsche sells MHP to Tata Consultancy Services

Posted on 28 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Porsche is taking another important step in its strategy to focus resolutely on its core business with the transfer of MHP to Tata Consultancy Services,” said Dr Michael Leiters, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “At the same time, we are gaining a strategic partner in TCS. By combining Porsche’s automotive expertise with TCS’s digital technology and AI capabilities, we will further strengthen our innovative power, increase efficiency and boost our competitiveness in an increasingly data- and software-driven world of mobility.” Continue reading →

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BMW to Make New Active Safety Assistance Systems Standard

Posted on 27 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The broad rollout of our new active safety functions as standard is based on our ‘Smart, Symbiotic, Safe’ philosophy. We bring drivers and assistance systems together into a cooperative system that works in harmony. At BMW, active safety functions operate as quiet, intelligent companions in the background, discreet yet highly effective when it matters most in critical situations,” says Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development at the BMW Group. Continue reading →

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Police Reports Undercount Cellphone Use Before Crashes

Posted on 27 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“It’s widely accepted that police reports often fail to capture the role of cellphones in crashes. Many smartphone functions are hard for a witness to see, and drivers are reluctant to admit being distracted,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “Telematics are allowing us to understand the true magnitude of the problem.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Two Million BMW Group BEVs Sold

Posted on 27 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Selling two million BEVs underlines how BMW and MINI models are winning over customers worldwide. In Europe, the positive development has continued since the market launch of the BMW iX3*, and we will soon be reaching the milestone of 100,000 new orders. This shows the tremendous importance of the Neue Klasse for the ongoing ramp-up of electromobility at the BMW Group,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Volvo Cars Connected Safety Alerts

Posted on 26 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B: STO. ADR OTC VLVCY) said today that it is introducing new Connected Safety features to alert drivers of hazards ahead, so they have more time to adapt and drive more safely. As part of the same software … Continue reading →

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Veloce Racing to Run in 2026 FIA Extreme H World Cup

Posted on 26 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Veloce Racing said today that Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor will reunite with the team for the 2026 FIA Extreme H World Cup.* They were indisputably one of the top driver line-ups in Extreme H’s predecessor, Extreme E. Hansen and … Continue reading →

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Unobtrusive Technology Favored by New Vehicle Buyers

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The technology customers value most is often the technology they barely notice because it simply works,” said Doron Hikry, director of customer success at JD Power. “Smart ignition and smart climate control make every day driving easier without demanding the driver’s attention, while more automation and additional screens don’t necessarily translate into a better experience. For automakers, the opportunity is to prioritize technology that makes driving simpler, not more complicated. The features that solve real problems without adding effort or stress for the driver are the ones resonating most with customers.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Recalls Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid Pickup Trucks

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The subject vehicles are equipped with front and rear shock absorbers that have an external oil reservoir attached to the shock absorber using a welded flange of a certain length. The untreated metal surfaces between the flange, reservoir, and the shock absorber can corrode over time due to moisture intrusion. The corrosion buildup can create an expansive force on the welds securing the reservoir to the shock absorber, which can lead to weld failure.

“In some cases, the reservoir can detach from the shock absorber. If the reservoir detaches while driving, it can create a road hazard, potentially increasing the risk of a crash or an injury to another road user,” Toyota said in the mandatory recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Continue reading →

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August 2026 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for August 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,347,600, a 4.8% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. August new-vehicle retail sales on track for 6.9% decrease year over year, however annual comparisons are skewed by the EV tax credit pull-ahead effect on sales in 2025. August global light-vehicle sales are expected to decline 5.1% from August 2025 to 6.9 million units. This is a selling rate of 91.5 million units, down by 5.3% year-over-year. Continue reading →

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John Deere UAW Members Refuse Contract Extension Offer

Posted on 24 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“While John Deere continues to outsource jobs, 1600 workers are still laid off. Our members rejected Deere’s offer to extend their contract because they know their worth and what they deserve,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “The company failed to make an offer that addressed the issues weighing on the minds of our members, especially job security. We’ll see Deere at the table in 2027.” Continue reading →

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Kirkwood Wins DC Freedom 250 in a Sam’s Club Honda

Posted on 24 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Kyle Kirkwood yesterday won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC.* IndyCar driver Kirkwood was driving his No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda. [We are not making this up , But would change the name by adding Uncle in front of Sam – AutoCrat] Kirkwood posted a 3.0906-second victory over the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of Christian Lundgaard on the seven-turn, 1.7-mile temporary street circuit. Kirkwood took his second victory of the season leading 128 of 147 laps after starting second. Continue reading →

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GM Starts Stars, Stripes, and Skilled Trades Job Training

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“At General Motors, we believe creating clear pathways to good jobs is central to strengthening our communities and the broader economy,” said General Motors Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship David Massaron. “Yet, too many transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses still face uncertain employment prospects. At the same time, our industry faces a critical shortage of skilled trades and manufacturing talent. Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades, builds on a century of GM’s support for America’s heroes. By connecting this incredible talent with high-demand careers, we are expanding the pipeline that will power the future of American manufacturing.” Continue reading →

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