Tag Archives: Ken Zino

Nissan Shows Max-Out EV Convertible Concept

The Nissan Max-Out in Nissan marketing/styling jargon is “created on the fundamental concept of being one with the car…two-seater convertible is designed to provide a liberating sense of openness while offering an enhanced, dynamic driving experience. The Max-Out displays Nissan’s innovation to develop a diverse range of advanced and striking vehicles, with a clear vision of how they can benefit both individuals and society.” Continue reading

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FAA on Droning The Super Bowl LVII

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LVII. Drones will be restricted before and during the 12 Sunday February. Drone operators who enter the so-called TFRs – aka Temporary Flight Restrictions – without permission and a clearance could face drone confiscation, fines that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution. Continue reading

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Toyota Joins Third Row Parade – First-Ever Grand Highlander

“A unique SUV with room for all and the ‘stuff’ we need, Grand Highlander is the active family cruiser fit for everything from short excursions to cross-country adventures. With a spacious third row with ample legroom for adults and children coupled with enough cargo space to fit seven pieces of luggage in the back – the freshly designed, three-row SUV is fully functional for the road ahead,” Toyota said. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Adds 2024 GLE 400e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid

The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is equipped with a permanently excited 134 hp synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of system torque. The Hybrid drive program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate driving situations. During city driving, the GLE prioritizes electric driving. With an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is available with a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger as well as an optional 60 kW DC charger. Continue reading

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Three Rows Have It – 2024 Mazda CX-90 Debuts

In a nod to US tastes and market reality, Mazda North American Operations today introduced the first-ever 2024 Mazda CX-90 due at dealers this spring. Built on Mazda’s new large platform, the three-row crossover with seating for up to eight passengers becomes the company’s new flagship vehicle that is wider and longer than any previous Mazda before after its long-standing hookup with a leading SUV maker, Ford Motor, which ultimately dissolved. Continue reading

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GM Posts Record $14.5 Billion in Earnings During 2022

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) said today that fourth-quarter 2022 revenue was $43.1 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.0 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $3.8 billion. GM’s full-year 2022 revenue was $156.7 billion, net income attributable to stockholders was $9.9 billion and EBIT-adjusted was a record $14.5 billion. Results were at the high-end of the company’s revised EBIT-adjusted guidance range. GM stock was up almost $3 per share immediately after the announcement. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Cuts Prices on Mustang Mach-E

Ford Motor said today it is increasing production of the Mustang Mach-E and reducing prices* to keep it competitive in the growing EV marketplace. Virtually all of Mustang Mach-E’s growth to date is incremental to the Ford brand with two-thirds … Continue reading

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IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona Thrills Largest Crowd in History

What was said to be a record crowd at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this past weekend were on hand to view some of the closest, fierce racing in recent IMSA history that resulted in several cars contending up to … Continue reading

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NASCAR – Johnson, Rockenfeller, Button to Drive Camaro ZL1 at the 24-Hour Le Mans Race in June

The Garage 56 project is a business and/or marketing deal among NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear – the winning-est team, manufacturer and tire in the sport’s 75-year history. All three drivers will participate in next week’s two-day test at Daytona International Speedway. The Camaro will have to have working headlights and taillights of course, not the usual NASCAR decals simulating them at NASCAR races. Jordan Taylor, who currently competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Corvette Racing, will serve as the backup driver and “help coach the drivers.” Taylor won the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE Pro Class and has finished on the podium four times. He is a four-time IMSA champion. Continue reading

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Corvette Z06 GT3.R 2024 Racecar Shown at Daytona

During 2024, Chevrolet and Corvette Racing will continue seeking key sports car racing championships with North American and global entries. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will see up to four Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries with a mix of GTD PRO and GTD teams starting with the 2024 Rolex 24. Two Corvette chassis will be bound for FIA WEC in hopes of a double entry in the yet-to-be-named GT category, which would include the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chevrolet Motorsports said it will also be appraising opportunities to be represented in SRO Motorsports including SRO America and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Specific team announcements including drivers will be announced at a later date. Continue reading

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Ford Offers Free Pickup, Delivery and Mobile Service To All

The nationwide program is part of Ford’s commitment to improve the ownership experience by providing convenient, seamless options for vehicle service, from simple oil changes to recall repairs. Recalls have been infecting Ford Motor products for years. During 2022, Ford Motor led all makers in recalls with 67 totaling more than 8.6 million vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. No word on when or if Lincoln Dealers will participate. Continue reading

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Almost Autonomous – Mercedes-Benz 2024 S‑Class, EQS?

If Mercedes is able to deliver model year 2024 Mercedes‑Benz S-Class and EQS Sedans late in 2023, then its optional DRIVE PILOT system would be the first and perhaps the only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorized for use on US public freeways. Mercedes‑Benz also aspires to expand to California later this year with the certification documents already filed with state authorities. General Motors, among other automakers, is also actively pursuing  autonomous vehicles. Several GM brands are partially there already with its Super Cruise system. Continue reading

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January US Vehicle Sales Up as Transaction Prices Hit Record

The record transaction prices means that buyers are on track to spend nearly $39.9 billion on new vehicles this month, the highest level ever for the month of January, an increase of 2.4% from January 2022 despite the Federal Reserve’s efforts to send the US into a recession. The looming Republican creation of a depression over the deficit, aka Congressional contract hit on America II, remains ominous. Continue reading

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Crash Course – Euro NCAP on 2022 Safety Tests

However, AutoInformed thinks the emerging fresh data on electric vehicles is the most notable result. As in 2021, the EV market continues to expand quickly. During 2022, full electric vehicles made up 22 out of 65 new models, or 34%. Specifically, five out of six Euro NCAP’s Best in Class winners were electric. Europe’s bestselling car the Tesla Model Y and new Model S both achieved Top Scores in Euro NCAP. Perhaps this is a good thing because Tesla’s autopilot is a dismal safety failure on the road, as class action suits in the US attest. Also, since EVs are heavier, it remains to be seen how they affect other non-EVs when the two types collide – so-called crash compatibility. Continue reading

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Death of the Diesel – EPA Fines Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services

GWRSI estimates that the company will spend approximately $42 million to comply with the consent decree requirements which will reduce NOx emissions from its locomotives by approximately 469 tons per year and particulate matter emissions by 14 tons per year. As these things go, this appears to be an amiable settlement to AutoInformed. Continue reading

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