transportation:autos
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| - | See also [[transportation: | + | See also [[:transportation: |
| ====== Autos ====== | ====== Autos ====== | ||
| - | |||
| ====== Articles ====== | ====== Articles ====== | ||
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| == Honda Refuses to Track Stolen Accord Because Owner Didn't Pay for HondaLink: Report == | == Honda Refuses to Track Stolen Accord Because Owner Didn't Pay for HondaLink: Report == | ||
| - | You gotta pay to play...err...find out where your car is. | + | You gotta pay to play…err…find out where your car is. |
| By James Gilboy - December 11, 2019 | By James Gilboy - December 11, 2019 | ||
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| Although our constant inundation with technology in 2019 means our locations are always being tracked and our conversations analyzed, there is at least one upside to this Orwellian nightmare: It's mighty tricky to steal a modern car and get away with it. GPS trackers can pinpoint a stolen vehicle' | Although our constant inundation with technology in 2019 means our locations are always being tracked and our conversations analyzed, there is at least one upside to this Orwellian nightmare: It's mighty tricky to steal a modern car and get away with it. GPS trackers can pinpoint a stolen vehicle' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Pocket-sized personal transporters could soon be seen on the streets of Tokyo == | == Pocket-sized personal transporters could soon be seen on the streets of Tokyo == | ||
| - | Reuters August 7, 2015 8:29 AM | + | Reuters August 7, 2015 8:29 AM |
| - | http:// | + | [[http:// |
| == California allows ' | == California allows ' | ||
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| Self-driving delivery vehicles could soon become a relatively common sight on California streets. The state' | Self-driving delivery vehicles could soon become a relatively common sight on California streets. The state' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Driver stranded after connected rental car can’t call home == | == Driver stranded after connected rental car can’t call home == | ||
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| Over the weekend, a trip to the Californian boonies by Guardian journalist Kari Paul turned into a cautionary tale about the perils of the connected car and the Internet of Things. Paul had rented a car through a local car-sharing service called GIG Car Share, which offers a fleet of hybrid Toyota Priuses and electric Chevrolet Bolt EVs in the Bay Area and Sacramento, with plans to spend the weekend in a more rural part of the state about three hours north of Oakland. But on Sunday, she was left stranded on an unpaved road when the car's telematics system lost its cell signal. Without being able to call home, the rented Prius refused to move. | Over the weekend, a trip to the Californian boonies by Guardian journalist Kari Paul turned into a cautionary tale about the perils of the connected car and the Internet of Things. Paul had rented a car through a local car-sharing service called GIG Car Share, which offers a fleet of hybrid Toyota Priuses and electric Chevrolet Bolt EVs in the Bay Area and Sacramento, with plans to spend the weekend in a more rural part of the state about three hours north of Oakland. But on Sunday, she was left stranded on an unpaved road when the car's telematics system lost its cell signal. Without being able to call home, the rented Prius refused to move. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Autocycles Are Here, Even If They Face Slow Public Acceptance == | == Autocycles Are Here, Even If They Face Slow Public Acceptance == | ||
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| In an article posted yesterday, I discussed what an autocycle is. I also mentioned some of the realities autocycle manufacturers are facing. Those included the changing regulations recognizing them as a separate vehicle class from a motorcycle, a growing shift to, and acceptance of, electric motivation, and the psychological barriers for consumers who want to stay with the crowd, versus purchasing something out of the norm. Today, I will go over some of the autocycle manufacturers that are making headway in the marketplace. There are even a few more that soon are just starting out. | In an article posted yesterday, I discussed what an autocycle is. I also mentioned some of the realities autocycle manufacturers are facing. Those included the changing regulations recognizing them as a separate vehicle class from a motorcycle, a growing shift to, and acceptance of, electric motivation, and the psychological barriers for consumers who want to stay with the crowd, versus purchasing something out of the norm. Today, I will go over some of the autocycle manufacturers that are making headway in the marketplace. There are even a few more that soon are just starting out. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Envisics to Bring AR Holography to Windshields == | == Envisics to Bring AR Holography to Windshields == | ||
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| Imagine not having to take your eyes off the road to see your speed or navigation while driving. While one faction of technology is focusing on autonomous vehicles, there are others who want to use technology to still allow you to remain in control. Envisics has raised the funding to bring AR holography to windshields in cars to allow you to have all the information you need while never having to take your eyes off the road. | Imagine not having to take your eyes off the road to see your speed or navigation while driving. While one faction of technology is focusing on autonomous vehicles, there are others who want to use technology to still allow you to remain in control. Envisics has raised the funding to bring AR holography to windshields in cars to allow you to have all the information you need while never having to take your eyes off the road. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Why is everyone building an electric pickup truck? == | == Why is everyone building an electric pickup truck? == | ||
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| General Motors dropped a pretty penny to debut its new electric Hummer during the World Series on Tuesday, with a 2 minute, 15 second ad that took up an entire commercial break. But you won’t be able to drive the $112,595 truck off the lot until at least next fall. Tesla staged a smashing reveal for its Cybertruck pickup nearly a year ago, but it hasn’t yet built the factory in Texas that will make the thing—reservation holders can probably expect their truck late next year. Other contenders on the horizon include the Rivian R1T, which, after delays, should show up around June; the Lordstown Endurance (sometime in 2021); the Bollinger B2 (probably next year); the Ford F-150 EV (due mid-2022); and the Nikola Badger (thanks to the company’s leadership troubles, who knows). The competition for the hearts and minds of the American electric pickup truck buyer is bound to be intense. | General Motors dropped a pretty penny to debut its new electric Hummer during the World Series on Tuesday, with a 2 minute, 15 second ad that took up an entire commercial break. But you won’t be able to drive the $112,595 truck off the lot until at least next fall. Tesla staged a smashing reveal for its Cybertruck pickup nearly a year ago, but it hasn’t yet built the factory in Texas that will make the thing—reservation holders can probably expect their truck late next year. Other contenders on the horizon include the Rivian R1T, which, after delays, should show up around June; the Lordstown Endurance (sometime in 2021); the Bollinger B2 (probably next year); the Ford F-150 EV (due mid-2022); and the Nikola Badger (thanks to the company’s leadership troubles, who knows). The competition for the hearts and minds of the American electric pickup truck buyer is bound to be intense. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The car you buy in 2025 will include a terabyte of storage. Robo-taxis might need 11TB == | == The car you buy in 2025 will include a terabyte of storage. Robo-taxis might need 11TB == | ||
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| The firm made that prediction in a whitepaper titled, “Storage Capacity Requirement for Autonomous Vehicles in the Next Decade,” that points out that cars are increasingly adding sensors and compute capacity that allows them to automate some or all aspects of driving. | The firm made that prediction in a whitepaper titled, “Storage Capacity Requirement for Autonomous Vehicles in the Next Decade,” that points out that cars are increasingly adding sensors and compute capacity that allows them to automate some or all aspects of driving. | ||
| - | The authors add that much of that data will be accumulated because the cars of the future won’t just use sensors to make real-time decisions but will also store data for upload at convenient moments. “This data will be used to inform everything from training artificial intelligence systems to developing new business models,” the whitepaper stated. | + | The authors add that much of that data will be accumulated because the cars of the future won’t just use sensors to make real-time decisions but will also store data for upload at convenient moments. “This data will be used to inform everything from training artificial intelligence systems to developing new business models,” the whitepaper stated. |
| - | https:// | + | |
| == 5 Things to Check Before Buying a New or Used Car to Save Money == | == 5 Things to Check Before Buying a New or Used Car to Save Money == | ||
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| If you're buying a new car or are in the market for a used car, check these car buying guides to know how to buy a car and save money. | If you're buying a new car or are in the market for a used car, check these car buying guides to know how to buy a car and save money. | ||
| - | Buying the right car can save you a lot of money over the years of ownership. A car is one of the most-used devices in your life, so you want to ensure you get a reliable machine that fits your needs. You want it to last long, get great mileage, be good on the environment, | + | Buying the right car can save you a lot of money over the years of ownership. A car is one of the most-used devices in your life, so you want to ensure you get a reliable machine that fits your needs. You want it to last long, get great mileage, be good on the environment, |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Proposed Federal Standard Would Require Cars To ' | == Proposed Federal Standard Would Require Cars To ' | ||
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| // | // | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == 7 Trustworthy Websites to Value Your Used Car == | == 7 Trustworthy Websites to Value Your Used Car == | ||
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| To avoid either of these unpleasant scenarios, it's best to get an accurate value of your used car before going into negotiations. Thanks to technology, getting a car appraisal is now easier than ever before. Here are seven trustworthy websites to value your used car for free. | To avoid either of these unpleasant scenarios, it's best to get an accurate value of your used car before going into negotiations. Thanks to technology, getting a car appraisal is now easier than ever before. Here are seven trustworthy websites to value your used car for free. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How to end the American obsession with driving == | == How to end the American obsession with driving == | ||
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| To fight climate change, cities need to be designed with much more walking, biking, and public transit use in mind. | To fight climate change, cities need to be designed with much more walking, biking, and public transit use in mind. | ||
| - | By Gabby Birenbaum Sep 12, 2021, 8:30am EDT | + | By Gabby Birenbaum Sep 12, 2021, 8:30am EDT |
| This summer’s series of extreme wildfires, hurricanes, and tropical storms have made it more apparent than ever that the effects of climate change are here. | This summer’s series of extreme wildfires, hurricanes, and tropical storms have made it more apparent than ever that the effects of climate change are here. | ||
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| Limiting the damage caused by future disasters will require a whole-of-government approach — one not limited to what the federal government can do. There’s a host of ideas that states and municipalities could implement to curb greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in some of the world’s biggest polluters: American cities. | Limiting the damage caused by future disasters will require a whole-of-government approach — one not limited to what the federal government can do. There’s a host of ideas that states and municipalities could implement to curb greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in some of the world’s biggest polluters: American cities. | ||
| - | According to a 2021 study published in Frontiers, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles have some of the highest per-capita emissions totals in the world. The study broke down cities’ emissions based on sector, using the most recently available data (from 2009 and 2010), and found a large portion of those emissions come from transportation. | + | According to a 2021 study published in Frontiers, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles have some of the highest per-capita emissions totals in the world. The study broke down cities’ emissions based on sector, using the most recently available data (from 2009 and 2010), and found a large portion of those emissions come from transportation. |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Used car market gets even more bizarre == | == Used car market gets even more bizarre == | ||
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| The latest: The industry’s key index of used vehicle prices jumped another 9.2% over the span of just a month. That puts the index 38% higher than a year ago — compared to “just” 27% for the same stat in September. | The latest: The industry’s key index of used vehicle prices jumped another 9.2% over the span of just a month. That puts the index 38% higher than a year ago — compared to “just” 27% for the same stat in September. | ||
| - | Why it matters: The market for cars and trucks is one of those that’s most impacted by pandemic-era supply problems. That’s unfortunate because vehicles are big-ticket items that most Americans rely on to get to work and generally engage in life. | + | Why it matters: The market for cars and trucks is one of those that’s most impacted by pandemic-era supply problems. That’s unfortunate because vehicles are big-ticket items that most Americans rely on to get to work and generally engage in life. |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Gas-Powered Vehicles Just Got One Step Closer to Extinction == | == Gas-Powered Vehicles Just Got One Step Closer to Extinction == | ||
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| Mack DeGeurin - 10 November 2021 12:20PM | Mack DeGeurin - 10 November 2021 12:20PM | ||
| - | The world may be one baby step closer to ditching gas-powered cars thanks to a new agreement among nations, companies, and cities aimed at ending fossil fuel vehicles by 2040. The pledge, called, The Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans, was introduced at this year’s COP26 climate conference. | + | The world may be one baby step closer to ditching gas-powered cars thanks to a new agreement among nations, companies, and cities aimed at ending fossil fuel vehicles by 2040. The pledge, called, The Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans, was introduced at this year’s COP26 climate conference. |
| Major carmakers involved include General Motors, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, | Major carmakers involved include General Motors, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Homebuilt pickups and trailer hitches: How underage teens skirt the law to drive in Sweden == | == Homebuilt pickups and trailer hitches: How underage teens skirt the law to drive in Sweden == | ||
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| The one-of-a-kind creations became known as EPA tractors. A taxi driver that I talked to in Gothenburg explained EPA was a store that sold low-priced goods, kind of like Lidl or Aldi today. In popular culture, the name EPA became synonymous with something that’s affordable, home-made, and a little off-beat. Use a rope to hold up your pants and you’ve got an EPA belt; turn a Volvo PV544 into a tractor and you’ve just built an EPA tractor. | The one-of-a-kind creations became known as EPA tractors. A taxi driver that I talked to in Gothenburg explained EPA was a store that sold low-priced goods, kind of like Lidl or Aldi today. In popular culture, the name EPA became synonymous with something that’s affordable, home-made, and a little off-beat. Use a rope to hold up your pants and you’ve got an EPA belt; turn a Volvo PV544 into a tractor and you’ve just built an EPA tractor. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == 8 Ways to Remove Your Personal Data From a Car == | == 8 Ways to Remove Your Personal Data From a Car == | ||
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| So, why is personal data a problem, and how can you remove it before you sell your car? | So, why is personal data a problem, and how can you remove it before you sell your car? | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How Does a Car HUD Work? == | == How Does a Car HUD Work? == | ||
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| The technology behind the HUD isn't a recent innovation. It was first used on fighter jets 70 years ago for faster and safer flights during the night. So, unless you are a jet pilot, there' | The technology behind the HUD isn't a recent innovation. It was first used on fighter jets 70 years ago for faster and safer flights during the night. So, unless you are a jet pilot, there' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The jerrycan design goes back over 80 years, and it’s showing no signs of retirement == | == The jerrycan design goes back over 80 years, and it’s showing no signs of retirement == | ||
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| Now and again, an invention becomes so ubiquitous that it’s rendered practically invisible. An industrial designer might consider that the ultimate compliment—a bellwether for a product’s longevity. All this was running through my brain when I recently had to explain to a friend what “that red thing” was, and what purpose it served. Really, when’s the last time you thought especially hard about the humble jerrycan? | Now and again, an invention becomes so ubiquitous that it’s rendered practically invisible. An industrial designer might consider that the ultimate compliment—a bellwether for a product’s longevity. All this was running through my brain when I recently had to explain to a friend what “that red thing” was, and what purpose it served. Really, when’s the last time you thought especially hard about the humble jerrycan? | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The US just announced that cars will have to be a lot more fuel efficient by 2026 == | == The US just announced that cars will have to be a lot more fuel efficient by 2026 == | ||
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| The federal mandate to cut emissions supports “the freedom of our country to chart its future without being subject to other countries and to the decisions that are being made in the boardrooms of energy companies, | The federal mandate to cut emissions supports “the freedom of our country to chart its future without being subject to other countries and to the decisions that are being made in the boardrooms of energy companies, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == What Is the OBD-II Port and What Is It Used For? == | == What Is the OBD-II Port and What Is It Used For? == | ||
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| The OBD-II onboard computer features a 16-pin port under the driver' | The OBD-II onboard computer features a 16-pin port under the driver' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How to Find Your Cars VIN and Why You Need It == | == How to Find Your Cars VIN and Why You Need It == | ||
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| The automotive industry uses the Vehicle Identification Number (or VIN) to identify every car, bus, truck, and motorcycle. You could say that a car's VIN is similar to its fingerprint. But what is a VIN, and what information does it contain about your car? | The automotive industry uses the Vehicle Identification Number (or VIN) to identify every car, bus, truck, and motorcycle. You could say that a car's VIN is similar to its fingerprint. But what is a VIN, and what information does it contain about your car? | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Markups.org Is Exposing How Greedy Car Dealerships Really Are – Here’s How (and Why) == | == Markups.org Is Exposing How Greedy Car Dealerships Really Are – Here’s How (and Why) == | ||
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| Quarter 1 2022 profit reports declare that it’s a golden time to be a dealership. A May publication from Haig Partners found that the average gross profit per new vehicle sold sits at $6,244. In turn, the average publicly owned dealership made $7.1 million in the 12 months leading up to March 2022. Unfortunately, | Quarter 1 2022 profit reports declare that it’s a golden time to be a dealership. A May publication from Haig Partners found that the average gross profit per new vehicle sold sits at $6,244. In turn, the average publicly owned dealership made $7.1 million in the 12 months leading up to March 2022. Unfortunately, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The End of Manual Transmission == | == The End of Manual Transmission == | ||
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| That streak may soon be over. When it comes time to replace my current car, I probably won’t be able to get another like it. In 2000, more than 15 percent of new and used cars sold by the auto retailer CarMax came with stick shifts; by 2020, that figure had dropped to 2.4 percent. Among the hundreds of new car models for sale in the United States this year, only about 30 can be purchased with a manual transmission. Electric cars, which now account for more than 5 percent of car sales, don’t even have gearboxes. There are rumors that Mercedes-Benz plans to retire manuals entirely by the end of next year, all around the world, in a decision driven partly by electrification; | That streak may soon be over. When it comes time to replace my current car, I probably won’t be able to get another like it. In 2000, more than 15 percent of new and used cars sold by the auto retailer CarMax came with stick shifts; by 2020, that figure had dropped to 2.4 percent. Among the hundreds of new car models for sale in the United States this year, only about 30 can be purchased with a manual transmission. Electric cars, which now account for more than 5 percent of car sales, don’t even have gearboxes. There are rumors that Mercedes-Benz plans to retire manuals entirely by the end of next year, all around the world, in a decision driven partly by electrification; | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The Real Reason Why Are Trucks Getting Bigger == | == The Real Reason Why Are Trucks Getting Bigger == | ||
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| It's not " | It's not " | ||
| - | It's a claim that you encounter a lot—an insult really—that people are buying bigger and bigger trucks to compensate for… something. Here's one particularly cringe-worthy example, because the person making it doesn' | + | It's a claim that you encounter a lot—an insult really—that people are buying bigger and bigger trucks to compensate for… something. Here's one particularly cringe-worthy example, because the person making it doesn' |
| - | < | + | |
| + | < | ||
| utility vs. ego pic.twitter.com/ | utility vs. ego pic.twitter.com/ | ||
| + | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| == Stealthy Box Truck Hides a Five-Star Interior With a Luxurious, Spa-Like Bathroom == | == Stealthy Box Truck Hides a Five-Star Interior With a Luxurious, Spa-Like Bathroom == | ||
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| The first thing that hits you right as you open the door is the flooring with mood lighting coming through the hallway entrance. Blue LED light switches on the wall control both the floor lighting as well as the main lights in the vehicle. | The first thing that hits you right as you open the door is the flooring with mood lighting coming through the hallway entrance. Blue LED light switches on the wall control both the floor lighting as well as the main lights in the vehicle. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The Difference Between Horsepower and Torque Explained == | == The Difference Between Horsepower and Torque Explained == | ||
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| But what exactly are horsepower and torque, and how are they different? | But what exactly are horsepower and torque, and how are they different? | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How to Install a Kill Switch On Any Car == | == How to Install a Kill Switch On Any Car == | ||
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| Unfortunately, | Unfortunately, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == NPR Dives Into the Rise of the ' | == NPR Dives Into the Rise of the ' | ||
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| The catchy portmanteau refers to dealerships that sell vehicles or perform maintenance for exorbitant fees. Yes, dealers need to make a profit to stay in business, but what differentiates a dealership from a stealership is the stealership’s insistence on adding thousands of dollars of markups at every possible opportunity. You’ll also usually find fast-talking sales folk who are adept at gauging your willingness to pay a lot of money just to get out the door with a vehicle. | The catchy portmanteau refers to dealerships that sell vehicles or perform maintenance for exorbitant fees. Yes, dealers need to make a profit to stay in business, but what differentiates a dealership from a stealership is the stealership’s insistence on adding thousands of dollars of markups at every possible opportunity. You’ll also usually find fast-talking sales folk who are adept at gauging your willingness to pay a lot of money just to get out the door with a vehicle. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Computing VIN checksums == | == Computing VIN checksums == | ||
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| This post captures the algorithm in Python code. See the earlier post for documentation. | This post captures the algorithm in Python code. See the earlier post for documentation. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == EV Adoption In US Is Happening Faster than Predicted == | == EV Adoption In US Is Happening Faster than Predicted == | ||
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| Liz Najman, Researcher - August 25, 2022 | Liz Najman, Researcher - August 25, 2022 | ||
| - | Almost every year since 2018, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has released a market projection for EV adoption. The analysis is thorough and thoughtful, with thousands of words of supporting detail on how the projections are designed. | + | Almost every year since 2018, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has released a market projection for EV adoption. The analysis is thorough and thoughtful, with thousands of words of supporting detail on how the projections are designed. |
| - | Each report shows stacked bar charts that, year after year, demonstrate the accelerating growth of EV sales. The 2022 report is no different. Global EV adoption is projected to multiply by 2025, 2030 and 2035 – fueled by sales in major auto markets like the US and China. | + | Each report shows stacked bar charts that, year after year, demonstrate the accelerating growth of EV sales. The 2022 report is no different. Global EV adoption is projected to multiply by 2025, 2030 and 2035 – fueled by sales in major auto markets like the US and China. BCG projections for EV adoption |
| - | BCG projections for EV adoption | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == What Is a CAN Bus and What Role Does It Play in Automotive Systems? == | == What Is a CAN Bus and What Role Does It Play in Automotive Systems? == | ||
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| So what is the CAN protocol, and how does it help the devices on your vehicle' | So what is the CAN protocol, and how does it help the devices on your vehicle' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == ‘The old bait and switch scam’: Man says he was scammed while attempting to buy a car at a Chevy dealership == | == ‘The old bait and switch scam’: Man says he was scammed while attempting to buy a car at a Chevy dealership == | ||
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| 'Our dealership tacked on 5K surcharge. My husband said “I don’t pay over sticker” and left. They called us the next day with a better deal.' | 'Our dealership tacked on 5K surcharge. My husband said “I don’t pay over sticker” and left. They called us the next day with a better deal.' | ||
| - | Braden Bjella | + | Braden Bjella - Posted on Oct 1, 2022 |
| - | A user on TikTok has gone viral after sharing his negative experience at a local Chevrolet dealership. | + | A user on TikTok has gone viral after sharing his negative experience at a local Chevrolet dealership. |
| In a video with over 8.8 million views, car-focused TikTok user @Pbsquamer recounted his experience at the Woodbridge, Virginia-based dealership, Lindsay Chevrolet. | In a video with over 8.8 million views, car-focused TikTok user @Pbsquamer recounted his experience at the Woodbridge, Virginia-based dealership, Lindsay Chevrolet. | ||
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| The TikToker politely declined, at which point he discovered the fee was not optional. | The TikToker politely declined, at which point he discovered the fee was not optional. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Wait, why are there so few dead bugs on my windshield these days? == | == Wait, why are there so few dead bugs on my windshield these days? == | ||
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| One of the first to realize their potential, in 1996, was Anders Pape Moller, a Danish biologist with (a) the iconoclastic streak necessary to even consider using windshields as a bug-measurement device and (b) the stubbornly ferocious work ethic needed to see the scheme through. | One of the first to realize their potential, in 1996, was Anders Pape Moller, a Danish biologist with (a) the iconoclastic streak necessary to even consider using windshields as a bug-measurement device and (b) the stubbornly ferocious work ethic needed to see the scheme through. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Studies find automatic braking can cut crashes over 40% == | == Studies find automatic braking can cut crashes over 40% == | ||
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| The studies released Tuesday, one by a government-auto industry partnership and the other by the insurance industry, each used crash data to make the calculations. Automatic emergency braking can stop vehicles if a crash is imminent, or slow them to reduce the severity. | The studies released Tuesday, one by a government-auto industry partnership and the other by the insurance industry, each used crash data to make the calculations. Automatic emergency braking can stop vehicles if a crash is imminent, or slow them to reduce the severity. | ||
| - | Some automakers are moving toward a voluntary commitment by 20 companies to make the braking technology standard equipment on 95% of their light-duty models during the current model year that ends next August. | + | Some automakers are moving toward a voluntary commitment by 20 companies to make the braking technology standard equipment on 95% of their light-duty models during the current model year that ends next August. |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The Top 6 Accessories to Always Keep in Your Vehicle == | == The Top 6 Accessories to Always Keep in Your Vehicle == | ||
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| From electrical accessories to non-electrical essentials, here are some of the best accessories you should keep in your vehicle throughout the year. | From electrical accessories to non-electrical essentials, here are some of the best accessories you should keep in your vehicle throughout the year. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == What to Do After Your Car Has Been Stolen (and What to Do if Its Recovered!) == | == What to Do After Your Car Has Been Stolen (and What to Do if Its Recovered!) == | ||
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| So, what do you do after your car is stolen? | So, what do you do after your car is stolen? | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Gas-Powered Cars Won't Die Off Any Time Soon == | == Gas-Powered Cars Won't Die Off Any Time Soon == | ||
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| According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of light vehicles on the road in the U.S. is now at an all-time high of 12.5 years, up three months from 2022. Two decades ago, their average was 9.7 years. Axios reports: | According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of light vehicles on the road in the U.S. is now at an all-time high of 12.5 years, up three months from 2022. Two decades ago, their average was 9.7 years. Axios reports: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | The impact: The transition from gas to electric cars will take decades. | + | |
| + | It'll likely take until at least 2050 – and possibly longer – before most gas-powered cars are off the road, Campau says. | ||
| - | It'll likely take until at least 2050 -- and possibly longer -- before most gas-powered cars are off the road, Campau says. | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == American Cars Are Huge And Unsafe, But Automakers Don't Want The Simple Solution == | == American Cars Are Huge And Unsafe, But Automakers Don't Want The Simple Solution == | ||
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| Wired spoke with the chief engineering and technology officer for Stellantis recently, Ned Curic, and discussed this exact problem — how to make bigger cars safe. While he mentioned the prospect of shrinking cars, he stopped short of suggesting it for the States: | Wired spoke with the chief engineering and technology officer for Stellantis recently, Ned Curic, and discussed this exact problem — how to make bigger cars safe. While he mentioned the prospect of shrinking cars, he stopped short of suggesting it for the States: | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Why do we have right-on-red, | == Why do we have right-on-red, | ||
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| By 1972, 13 states allowed ROTR, according to a legislative history of the practice in Connecticut. By the end of the decade, nearly every state in the country had it. (Although not New York City - and the patchwork of municipalities which do or don't allow it only adds to the behind-the-wheel confusion.) | By 1972, 13 states allowed ROTR, according to a legislative history of the practice in Connecticut. By the end of the decade, nearly every state in the country had it. (Although not New York City - and the patchwork of municipalities which do or don't allow it only adds to the behind-the-wheel confusion.) | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The Beginning of the End of Private Cars in American Cities == | == The Beginning of the End of Private Cars in American Cities == | ||
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| Then the car became a portal to survival with young kids. You literally can’t leave a hospital after giving birth unless your newborn is buckled into a carseat, an indicator of just how intertwined young parenthood and cars are. I felt uneasily grateful to have a car, but it made life so much more convenient than schlepping strollers on transit or figuring out how to strap a carseat into an Uber. But I always imagined we would return to our less car-dependent ways once our kids got older. Among the milestones of parenting – Done with diapers! Done with strollers! – I waited for the Done with Car Ownership! milestone. I think we’re just about there. | Then the car became a portal to survival with young kids. You literally can’t leave a hospital after giving birth unless your newborn is buckled into a carseat, an indicator of just how intertwined young parenthood and cars are. I felt uneasily grateful to have a car, but it made life so much more convenient than schlepping strollers on transit or figuring out how to strap a carseat into an Uber. But I always imagined we would return to our less car-dependent ways once our kids got older. Among the milestones of parenting – Done with diapers! Done with strollers! – I waited for the Done with Car Ownership! milestone. I think we’re just about there. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Why the $25,000 car is going extinct == | == Why the $25,000 car is going extinct == | ||
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| In February 2025, the share of overall new auto sales under $25k was 4.8%, according to the automotive pricing source Edmunds, down from 23% during the same month in 2019. | In February 2025, the share of overall new auto sales under $25k was 4.8%, according to the automotive pricing source Edmunds, down from 23% during the same month in 2019. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Trump wants tiny Japanese-style cars for US even as he cuts mpg goals == | == Trump wants tiny Japanese-style cars for US even as he cuts mpg goals == | ||
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| Yet at the very announcement of that rollback, surrounded by compliant US automotive executives, the president decided to go off piste to declare his admiration for tiny Japanese Kei cars, telling Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to make them street-legal in the US. | Yet at the very announcement of that rollback, surrounded by compliant US automotive executives, the president decided to go off piste to declare his admiration for tiny Japanese Kei cars, telling Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to make them street-legal in the US. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == 10 Hacks Every Car Owner Should Know == | == 10 Hacks Every Car Owner Should Know == | ||
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| America is a car-centric culture—more than 90% of U.S. households have at least one vehicle. There are a lot of different kinds of cars, from old classics being maintained with love, to snazzy new electric rides, or luxury cruisers filled with cutting-edge tech. Whichever kind you drive, getting the most out of your vehicle demands regular maintenance and sensible driving practices, but you can also goose just a bit more out of any vehicle with these universal car hacks. | America is a car-centric culture—more than 90% of U.S. households have at least one vehicle. There are a lot of different kinds of cars, from old classics being maintained with love, to snazzy new electric rides, or luxury cruisers filled with cutting-edge tech. Whichever kind you drive, getting the most out of your vehicle demands regular maintenance and sensible driving practices, but you can also goose just a bit more out of any vehicle with these universal car hacks. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
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| ===== 4WD / AWD ===== | ===== 4WD / AWD ===== | ||
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| As one Subaru Crosstrek owner recently learned the hard way, it bears repeating that all-wheel drive is not the same as four-wheel drive. A Subie owner posted a warning letter they received a month after driving on Colorado River Overlook Road in Canyonlands National Park to the r/ | As one Subaru Crosstrek owner recently learned the hard way, it bears repeating that all-wheel drive is not the same as four-wheel drive. A Subie owner posted a warning letter they received a month after driving on Colorado River Overlook Road in Canyonlands National Park to the r/ | ||
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| ===== Accessories ===== | ===== Accessories ===== | ||
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| Brady Snyder - Feb 1, 2026, 5:00 PM EST | Brady Snyder - Feb 1, 2026, 5:00 PM EST | ||
| - | Road trips can be incredible experiences when done right, but they can also turn into stressful disappointments without the right gear and proper preparation. I've made the 2,400-mile drive from Arizona to New Jersey four times now, and on one occasion, I drove coast-to-coast from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, CA to the Atlantic Ocean in Long Beach Island, NJ — all in my Tesla Model Y without stopping in hotels. In other words, I know what gadgets and tools you need to make your road trip successful. | + | Road trips can be incredible experiences when done right, but they can also turn into stressful disappointments without the right gear and proper preparation. I've made the 2,400-mile drive from Arizona to New Jersey four times now, and on one occasion, I drove coast-to-coast from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, CA to the Atlantic Ocean in Long Beach Island, NJ — all in my Tesla Model Y without stopping in hotels. In other words, I know what gadgets and tools you need to make your road trip successful. MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAY |
| - | MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAY | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | The best car gadgets for long road trips keep me prepared and safe for any situation, and there are a few that only leave my car when it's time to charge them. I can't live without a sturdy car mount and wireless charger, portable air compressor, and battery-powered vacuum on extreme trips. These are my go-to picks for those categories and a few essential others, and there' | + | |
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| - | https:// | + | |
| + | The best car gadgets for long road trips keep me prepared and safe for any situation, and there are a few that only leave my car when it's time to charge them. I can't live without a sturdy car mount and wireless charger, portable air compressor, and battery-powered vacuum on extreme trips. These are my go-to picks for those categories and a few essential others, and there' | ||
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| ===== Applications ===== | ===== Applications ===== | ||
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| Using an app, you can see the available inventory at all your local dealers before going down there in person, and even get cars delivered to your door. So give one (or all) of these apps a try before you head down to a dealership to see if you can find your next dream car on your phone. | Using an app, you can see the available inventory at all your local dealers before going down there in person, and even get cars delivered to your door. So give one (or all) of these apps a try before you head down to a dealership to see if you can find your next dream car on your phone. | ||
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| ===== Autonomous Vehicles ===== | ===== Autonomous Vehicles ===== | ||
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| == REE Presents Autonomous Use For Its Revolutionary EV Platform == | == REE Presents Autonomous Use For Its Revolutionary EV Platform == | ||
| - | May 21, 2020 at 5:11pm By: Gustavo Henrique Ruffo | + | May 21, 2020 at 5:11pm By: Gustavo Henrique Ruffo |
| The wheels alone are more than enough to turn the automotive world upside down. | The wheels alone are more than enough to turn the automotive world upside down. | ||
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| So far, there is nothing autonomous for sale, but the video allows us to understand the plans REE has for its invention. When level 4 autonomy is available, the REEcorner and its electric platform, called REEboard, will play an important role in transportation. | So far, there is nothing autonomous for sale, but the video allows us to understand the plans REE has for its invention. When level 4 autonomy is available, the REEcorner and its electric platform, called REEboard, will play an important role in transportation. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Watching Unlisted Driving Videos From GM's Cruise Autonomous Cars Reveals Some Alarming Behavior == | == Watching Unlisted Driving Videos From GM's Cruise Autonomous Cars Reveals Some Alarming Behavior == | ||
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| That also means that if we’re brutally honest, we still have a long way to go before we hit full Level 5 autonomy, and you can clearly see this in some in-car videos shot by Cruise’s fleet of test cars running around San Francisco. I don’t think that was the point these videos were trying to make, though. | That also means that if we’re brutally honest, we still have a long way to go before we hit full Level 5 autonomy, and you can clearly see this in some in-car videos shot by Cruise’s fleet of test cars running around San Francisco. I don’t think that was the point these videos were trying to make, though. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == China' | == China' | ||
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| AutoX claims this is possible thanks to a “5th generation” autonomous driving system that includes a pair of LiDAR sensors on the sides, “4D” radar sensors and thorough blind spot sensing. The robotaxis can react to even the smaller objects around them, and the company is touting a battle-tested platform that knows how to navigate everything from illegally-parked cars through to unprotected U-turns. | AutoX claims this is possible thanks to a “5th generation” autonomous driving system that includes a pair of LiDAR sensors on the sides, “4D” radar sensors and thorough blind spot sensing. The robotaxis can react to even the smaller objects around them, and the company is touting a battle-tested platform that knows how to navigate everything from illegally-parked cars through to unprotected U-turns. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The world is waking up to driver monitoring systems == | == The world is waking up to driver monitoring systems == | ||
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| Across the globe, DMS will become a standard safety feature as soon as 2023. Provisions in the U.S. bipartisan infrastructure bill will require the Department of Transportation to begin making rules to stop distracted and drunk driving as well as update the U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). European standards, at first, will apply to distracted and drowsy driving. Eventually, Europe will require the systems to detect impairment to include alcohol and drugs. | Across the globe, DMS will become a standard safety feature as soon as 2023. Provisions in the U.S. bipartisan infrastructure bill will require the Department of Transportation to begin making rules to stop distracted and drunk driving as well as update the U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). European standards, at first, will apply to distracted and drowsy driving. Eventually, Europe will require the systems to detect impairment to include alcohol and drugs. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The 6 Levels of Driving Automation Explained == | == The 6 Levels of Driving Automation Explained == | ||
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| So, here's what we know so far regarding the categories and levels of self-driving vehicles. | So, here's what we know so far regarding the categories and levels of self-driving vehicles. | ||
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| == An Autonomous Car Blocked a Fire Truck Responding to an Emergency == | == An Autonomous Car Blocked a Fire Truck Responding to an Emergency == | ||
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| It’s the most unnerving of a handful of incidents involving Cruise vehicles alleged by the city of San Francisco, as officials object to parts of a proposed permit program being crafted by the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates ride-hail across the state. | It’s the most unnerving of a handful of incidents involving Cruise vehicles alleged by the city of San Francisco, as officials object to parts of a proposed permit program being crafted by the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates ride-hail across the state. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Behind the scenes of Waymo’s worst automated truck crash == | == Behind the scenes of Waymo’s worst automated truck crash == | ||
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| While Waymo’s autonomous semi truck was not at fault in the hit and run, the incident highlights gaps in reporting mechanisms, and raises questions about how ready the public and law enforcement are to cope with heavy, fast-moving vehicles that have no human driver. | While Waymo’s autonomous semi truck was not at fault in the hit and run, the incident highlights gaps in reporting mechanisms, and raises questions about how ready the public and law enforcement are to cope with heavy, fast-moving vehicles that have no human driver. | ||
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| ===== Buying / Purchasing (New) ===== | ===== Buying / Purchasing (New) ===== | ||
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| Speaking on their YouTube channel, they took viewers through some top tips to keep costs down when buying a new or used motor. | Speaking on their YouTube channel, they took viewers through some top tips to keep costs down when buying a new or used motor. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Six Things You Should Write Into the Contract When You Buy a New Car == | == Six Things You Should Write Into the Contract When You Buy a New Car == | ||
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| One reason the process sucks so much: Car dealerships are notorious for using tricky, sneaky tactics to get you to pay more than you need to. But you can turn the tables on them a little, because once you’ve struck a deal, in principle you have more leverage—the salesperson can smell that sale, and if you walk away, their time is as wasted as yours. This is the moment to ask for all the little things that won’t cost the dealer much, but can add up to a nice package of savings and perks for you, making this purchase a little less painful. | One reason the process sucks so much: Car dealerships are notorious for using tricky, sneaky tactics to get you to pay more than you need to. But you can turn the tables on them a little, because once you’ve struck a deal, in principle you have more leverage—the salesperson can smell that sale, and if you walk away, their time is as wasted as yours. This is the moment to ask for all the little things that won’t cost the dealer much, but can add up to a nice package of savings and perks for you, making this purchase a little less painful. | ||
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| ===== Buying / Purchasing (Used) ===== | ===== Buying / Purchasing (Used) ===== | ||
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| When considering buying a used car, you’re not just acquiring a mode of transportation, | When considering buying a used car, you’re not just acquiring a mode of transportation, | ||
| - | The notebook I used to generate the results in this post can be found here (https:// | + | The notebook I used to generate the results in this post can be found here ([[https:// |
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| - | https://www.amolas.dev/blog/buy-used-cars/ | + | |
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| ===== Cost ===== | ===== Cost ===== | ||
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| But as things stand, cars are still really expensive for many Americans. Just 10 percent of new car listings are currently priced below $30,000, according to CoPilot. Things are not much better in the used car market, where only 28 percent of listings are currently priced below $20,000. | But as things stand, cars are still really expensive for many Americans. Just 10 percent of new car listings are currently priced below $30,000, according to CoPilot. Things are not much better in the used car market, where only 28 percent of listings are currently priced below $20,000. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | == Here’s why there are so few new cars for under $30,000 == | + | == Here’s why there are so few new cars for under $30,000 == |
| Five years ago it was a lot easier to buy a car for less than $30,000. | Five years ago it was a lot easier to buy a car for less than $30,000. | ||
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| June was also the last month it was possible to buy a new car for less than $20,000, now that Mitsubishi has ended production of the Mirage and discontinued incentives for that model. | June was also the last month it was possible to buy a new car for less than $20,000, now that Mitsubishi has ended production of the Mirage and discontinued incentives for that model. | ||
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| ==== China ==== | ==== China ==== | ||
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| Tim Levin reports via InsideEVs: | Tim Levin reports via InsideEVs: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Two things of note in the electric vehicle world happened today around the same time. First, the Geely Group-owned Chinese EV brand Zeekr debuted on the New York Stock Exchange today at a valuation of around $5.2 billion. Then, around 250 miles south in Washington, D.C., news emerged that the Biden Administration is set to quadruple tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars if they hit American roads. The timing may be purely coincidental. But after this week, one thing feels clearer than ever: the automotive Cold War between China and the West is fully underway, and EVs specifically are at the center of it all. | + | |
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| ==== Subscription ==== | ==== Subscription ==== | ||
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| A company spokesperson told The Drive that BMW " | A company spokesperson told The Drive that BMW " | ||
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| ===== Dashboard / Buttons ===== | ===== Dashboard / Buttons ===== | ||
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| Physical buttons are increasingly rare in modern cars. Most manufacturers are switching to touchscreens – which perform far worse in a test carried out by Vi Bilägare. The driver in the worst-performing car needs four times longer to perform simple tasks than in the best-performing car. | Physical buttons are increasingly rare in modern cars. Most manufacturers are switching to touchscreens – which perform far worse in a test carried out by Vi Bilägare. The driver in the worst-performing car needs four times longer to perform simple tasks than in the best-performing car. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Buttons beat touchscreens in cars, and now there’s data to prove it == | == Buttons beat touchscreens in cars, and now there’s data to prove it == | ||
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| VB tested 11 new cars alongside a 2005 Volvo C70, timing how long it took to perform a list of tasks in each car. These included turning on the seat heater, increasing the cabin temperature, | VB tested 11 new cars alongside a 2005 Volvo C70, timing how long it took to perform a list of tasks in each car. These included turning on the seat heater, increasing the cabin temperature, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Carmakers Must Bring Back Physical Buttons, Says Europe == | == Carmakers Must Bring Back Physical Buttons, Says Europe == | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from Hagerty: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from Hagerty: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Euro NCAP, the automotive safety industry body for Europe, is introducing new guidance for 2026 which means that five important tasks in every car will have to be performed by actual buttons instead of by accessing a screen. Indicators, hazard warning lights, windscreen wipers, horn, and SOS features will have to be controlled by proper switches in order for cars to be granted Euro NCAP's coveted five star safety rating. | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
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| == Is 2026 the year buttons come back to cars? Crash testers say yes. == | == Is 2026 the year buttons come back to cars? Crash testers say yes. == | ||
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| Many of those design trends may have been annoying, but the switch away from buttons isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s affecting safety. And increasingly, | Many of those design trends may have been annoying, but the switch away from buttons isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s affecting safety. And increasingly, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| + | |||
| + | == Physical buttons outperform touchscreens in new cars == | ||
| + | |||
| + | January 20, 2023 | ||
| + | |||
| + | Drivers take much longer to perform regular tasks on in-vehicle touch screens compared to physical buttons and switches, according to tests carried out by a Swedish motoring magazine. | ||
| + | Vi Bilägare selected 11 modern cars from different manufacturers for tests at an airfield, | ||
| + | Drivers had time to get to know the cars and their infotainment systems before the test began. | ||
| + | According to the magazine’s conclusions, | ||
| + | |||
| + | At the other end of the scale, was the Chinese electric car, the MG Marvel R. The driver needed 44.6 seconds before all the tasks were completed, during which the car had travelled 1,372 meters – more than four times the distance compared to the old Volvo. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The BMW iX and Seat Leon performed better, but both were still too complicated. The driver needed almost a kilometre to perform the tasks. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Despite also being fitted with touch screens, the Dacia Sandero and Volvo C40 performed even better, according to the authors – perhaps due to a more limited feature set and simplified design. But completing the tasks in those vehicles still took a third longer than in the old Volvo, during which the vehicle travelled an additional 100 meters. | ||
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| + | Research by TRL in the UK in 2020 found that mobile phone interfaces for car touch screens, | ||
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| The news comes from Autocar, which quotes Watola as saying the ID.2All concept and its buttons " | The news comes from Autocar, which quotes Watola as saying the ID.2All concept and its buttons " | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Volkswagen: Drivers want more physical buttons instead of touch controls == | == Volkswagen: Drivers want more physical buttons instead of touch controls == | ||
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| In Autocar' | In Autocar' | ||
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| == Volkswagen Bows to Touchscreen Criticism, Will Bring Back Physical Buttons == | == Volkswagen Bows to Touchscreen Criticism, Will Bring Back Physical Buttons == | ||
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| The news out of Volkswagen has filtered out to the U.S. and lit a small fire in those pining for physical controls on devices. Autocar first reported late last week that Volkswagen is going to relent on its all-touchscreen interior design and filter back in physical buttons for future car models, starting with the next-gen Volkswagen Tiguan. The company’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, previously told Autocar that the touchscreen-heavy layout of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Volkswagen Golf “definitely did a lot of damage” to the brand, with more drivers antagonistic to having to swipe on menus to turn on lights or access heat controls. | The news out of Volkswagen has filtered out to the U.S. and lit a small fire in those pining for physical controls on devices. Autocar first reported late last week that Volkswagen is going to relent on its all-touchscreen interior design and filter back in physical buttons for future car models, starting with the next-gen Volkswagen Tiguan. The company’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, previously told Autocar that the touchscreen-heavy layout of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Volkswagen Golf “definitely did a lot of damage” to the brand, with more drivers antagonistic to having to swipe on menus to turn on lights or access heat controls. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Volkswagen Will Bring Back Physical Buttons In New Cars == | == Volkswagen Will Bring Back Physical Buttons In New Cars == | ||
| - | Down with touch screen controls. | + | Down with touch screen controls. |
| Dec 18, 2023 at 2:30pm ET - Rob Stumpf | Dec 18, 2023 at 2:30pm ET - Rob Stumpf | ||
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| Volkswagen is still intent on marching its entire lineup of vehicles toward electrification in many of its markets. With that modernization of vehicle powertrains also comes more contemporary interiors; that means meshing design languages with current industry trends like minimalism, which involves ditching physical interior buttons with touch screen controls. | Volkswagen is still intent on marching its entire lineup of vehicles toward electrification in many of its markets. With that modernization of vehicle powertrains also comes more contemporary interiors; that means meshing design languages with current industry trends like minimalism, which involves ditching physical interior buttons with touch screen controls. | ||
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| ===== Data ===== | ===== Data ===== | ||
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| Unfortunately—and not surprisingly—they can also tell a lot of other people those things, along with an alarmingly long list of other stuff about you, your driving habits, and other information. The situation is so bad that cars have been called the “worst product category” in terms of privacy—which is saying something, in a world where smartphones and smart TVs exist. | Unfortunately—and not surprisingly—they can also tell a lot of other people those things, along with an alarmingly long list of other stuff about you, your driving habits, and other information. The situation is so bad that cars have been called the “worst product category” in terms of privacy—which is saying something, in a world where smartphones and smart TVs exist. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How to escape Honda’s privacy hell == | == How to escape Honda’s privacy hell == | ||
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| “Pretty much everything, | “Pretty much everything, | ||
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| == Automakers Sold Driver Data For Pennies, Senators Say == | == Automakers Sold Driver Data For Pennies, Senators Say == | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from the New York Times: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from the New York Times: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | If you drive a car made by General Motors and it has an internet connection, your car's movements and exact location are being collected and shared anonymously with a data broker. This practice, disclosed in a letter (PDF) sent by Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts to the Federal Trade Commission on Friday, is yet another way in which automakers are tracking drivers (source may be paywalled; alternative source), often without their knowledge. Previous reporting in The New York Times which the letter cited, revealed how automakers including G.M., Honda and Hyundai collected information about drivers' | + | |
| The two Democratic senators, both known for privacy advocacy, zeroed in on G.M., Honda and Hyundai because all three had made deals, The Times reported, with Verisk, an analytics company that sold the data to insurers. In the letter, the senators urged the F.T.C.' | The two Democratic senators, both known for privacy advocacy, zeroed in on G.M., Honda and Hyundai because all three had made deals, The Times reported, with Verisk, an analytics company that sold the data to insurers. In the letter, the senators urged the F.T.C.' | ||
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| </ | </ | ||
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| ===== Manufacturer Location Data ===== | ===== Manufacturer Location Data ===== | ||
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| Connected cars have been promised to bring about a variety of quality-of-life improvements, | Connected cars have been promised to bring about a variety of quality-of-life improvements, | ||
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| ===== Digital License Plate ===== | ===== Digital License Plate ===== | ||
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| California-based Reviver, which produces the only apparent commercialized E Ink digital license plates, known as the Rplate, thanked various interest groups in the state for passing the bill after a trial program was authorized in 2013. Reviver said it put 10,000 Rplates on the road in California during the trial period from 2017. The company was founded in 2009. | California-based Reviver, which produces the only apparent commercialized E Ink digital license plates, known as the Rplate, thanked various interest groups in the state for passing the bill after a trial program was authorized in 2013. Reviver said it put 10,000 Rplates on the road in California during the trial period from 2017. The company was founded in 2009. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == California Legalizes Digital License Plates, With $1,100 Price Tag == | == California Legalizes Digital License Plates, With $1,100 Price Tag == | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from Bloomberg: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from Bloomberg: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Digital license plates approved for all vehicles in California == | == Digital license plates approved for all vehicles in California == | ||
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| The revised legislation sets out the conditions for using an e-ink plate (referred to in the bill as an " | The revised legislation sets out the conditions for using an e-ink plate (referred to in the bill as an " | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Digital License Plates Become Legal for All Cars in California == | == Digital License Plates Become Legal for All Cars in California == | ||
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| There’s currently just one company, a firm called Reviver, authorized to offer digital license plates to California drivers. The license plates come in two models: battery-powered or hard-wired. The battery-powered option comes with a five-year or 50,000-mile battery life, according to Reviver. | There’s currently just one company, a firm called Reviver, authorized to offer digital license plates to California drivers. The license plates come in two models: battery-powered or hard-wired. The battery-powered option comes with a five-year or 50,000-mile battery life, according to Reviver. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Digital License Plates == | == Digital License Plates == | ||
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| California just legalized digital license plates, which seems like a solution without a problem. | California just legalized digital license plates, which seems like a solution without a problem. | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | The Rplate can reportedly function in extreme temperatures, | + | |
| Perhaps most importantly to the average car owner, Reviver said Rplate owners can renew their registration online through the Reviver mobile app. | Perhaps most importantly to the average car owner, Reviver said Rplate owners can renew their registration online through the Reviver mobile app. | ||
| + | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Researchers Track GPS Location of All of California' | == Researchers Track GPS Location of All of California' | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from Motherboard: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from Motherboard: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | A team of security researchers managed to gain "super administrative access" | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Security Researchers Say They Hacked California' | == Security Researchers Say They Hacked California' | ||
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| Yes, for the past several years, Cali has been on a weird mission to digitize its car tags. Advocates claims that this modernization effort will offer a host of benefits to drivers, including “visual personalization” and easy in-app registration renewal, but security experts have long warned that if you hook your plates up to the web, somebody will inevitably try to mess with them. | Yes, for the past several years, Cali has been on a weird mission to digitize its car tags. Advocates claims that this modernization effort will offer a host of benefits to drivers, including “visual personalization” and easy in-app registration renewal, but security experts have long warned that if you hook your plates up to the web, somebody will inevitably try to mess with them. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hackers Can Jailbreak Digital License Plates To Make Others Pay Their Tolls, Tickets == | == Hackers Can Jailbreak Digital License Plates To Make Others Pay Their Tolls, Tickets == | ||
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| Longtime Slashdot reader sinij shares a report from Wired with the caption: "This story will be an on-going payday for traffic ticket lawyers. I am ordering one now." From the report: | Longtime Slashdot reader sinij shares a report from Wired with the caption: "This story will be an on-going payday for traffic ticket lawyers. I am ordering one now." From the report: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Digital license plates, already legal to buy in a growing number of states and to drive with nationwide, offer a few perks over their sheet metal predecessors. You can change their display on the fly to frame your plate number with novelty messages, for instance, or to flag that your car has been stolen. Now one security researcher has shown how they can also be hacked to enable a less benign feature: changing a car's license plate number at will to avoid traffic tickets and tolls -- or even pin them on someone else. | + | |
| Josep Rodriguez, a researcher at security firm IOActive, has revealed a technique to " | Josep Rodriguez, a researcher at security firm IOActive, has revealed a technique to " | ||
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| ===== Digital Title ===== | ===== Digital Title ===== | ||
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| Brandon Vigliarolo - Sat 28 Jan 2023 01:58 UTC | Brandon Vigliarolo - Sat 28 Jan 2023 01:58 UTC | ||
| - | The California Department of Motor Vehicles doesn' | + | The California Department of Motor Vehicles doesn' |
| According to CA DMV chief digital officer Ajay Gupta, the move to put titles on a private Tezos blockchain will increase efficiency and transparency while reducing costs. In an interview with Fortune, Gupta said the agency hoped to fully replicate the DMV's title database onto its blockchain within the next three months, with consumer-facing applications to come after. A proof-of-concept database has already been tested. | According to CA DMV chief digital officer Ajay Gupta, the move to put titles on a private Tezos blockchain will increase efficiency and transparency while reducing costs. In an interview with Fortune, Gupta said the agency hoped to fully replicate the DMV's title database onto its blockchain within the next three months, with consumer-facing applications to come after. A proof-of-concept database has already been tested. | ||
| - | The DMV sees NFT car titles as a way to modernize its process, Gupta said. Its private Tezos chain, once fully fleshed out and accompanying mobile apps are built to act as wallets for storing NFT titles, is intended to be used to make title transfers between individuals and jurisdictions easier. | + | The DMV sees NFT car titles as a way to modernize its process, Gupta said. Its private Tezos chain, once fully fleshed out and accompanying mobile apps are built to act as wallets for storing NFT titles, is intended to be used to make title transfers between individuals and jurisdictions easier. |
| - | + | ||
| - | "The DMV's perception of lagging behind should definitely change," | + | |
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| - | https:// | + | |
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| + | "The DMV's perception of lagging behind should definitely change," | ||
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| ===== Fire Truck ===== | ===== Fire Truck ===== | ||
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| It wouldn’t be the last time something like this happened to one of the departments’ 96 rigs. Weeks later, another truck dropped a rear axle responding to a medical emergency. And in January, the department threw a mock 30th birthday for one of its trucks — it was older than many firefighters on the force. | It wouldn’t be the last time something like this happened to one of the departments’ 96 rigs. Weeks later, another truck dropped a rear axle responding to a medical emergency. And in January, the department threw a mock 30th birthday for one of its trucks — it was older than many firefighters on the force. | ||
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| ===== Insurance ===== | ===== Insurance ===== | ||
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| == State Farm declares 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for new insurance in Louisiana == | == State Farm declares 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for new insurance in Louisiana == | ||
| - | The cars are blacklisted because they are vulnerable to theft, employees say. | + | The cars are blacklisted because they are vulnerable to theft, employees say. |
| Devin Bartolotta, WWL-TV - Feb 2, 2023 at 9:35 am / Updated Feb 2, 2023 at 9:41 am | Devin Bartolotta, WWL-TV - Feb 2, 2023 at 9:35 am / Updated Feb 2, 2023 at 9:41 am | ||
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| The employees say they were sent a chart of models and years that are included in the restriction. It reads: “Kia and Hyundai models and years with an ‘x’ below will be ineligible unless the sales associate has verified the presence of a passive engine immobilizer.” | The employees say they were sent a chart of models and years that are included in the restriction. It reads: “Kia and Hyundai models and years with an ‘x’ below will be ineligible unless the sales associate has verified the presence of a passive engine immobilizer.” | ||
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| ==== Data ==== | ==== Data ==== | ||
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| Automakers, including G.M., Honda, Kia, and Hyundai, have been collecting detailed driving data from millions of Americans through internet-enabled connected-car apps. The data, which includes information on speed, hard braking, and rapid accelerations, | Automakers, including G.M., Honda, Kia, and Hyundai, have been collecting detailed driving data from millions of Americans through internet-enabled connected-car apps. The data, which includes information on speed, hard braking, and rapid accelerations, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == So apparently my Lightning has been reporting every spirited acceleration to my insurance (Liberty Mutual) and they dropped me and now I'm having trouble finding insurance... (self.F150Lightning) == | == So apparently my Lightning has been reporting every spirited acceleration to my insurance (Liberty Mutual) and they dropped me and now I'm having trouble finding insurance... (self.F150Lightning) == | ||
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| Does anyone know how to turn this off? My lexisnexis report has every hard acceleration I've done in a years ownership (not thousands but obviously more than zero) and Liberty Mutual dropped me as a result and even with a broker I am having trouble finding insurance that is not $899/month. Ideas? | Does anyone know how to turn this off? My lexisnexis report has every hard acceleration I've done in a years ownership (not thousands but obviously more than zero) and Liberty Mutual dropped me as a result and even with a broker I am having trouble finding insurance that is not $899/month. Ideas? | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Lawsuit == | == Lawsuit == | ||
| - | Case 9 : 24- cv- 80281- DMM | + | Case 9 : 24- cv- 80281- DMM UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICTOF FLORIDA Romeo Chicco, individually and on behalf of others - Plaintiff V. General Motors LLC, OnStar LLC, LexisNexis Risk Solutions Inc. - Defendant CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR: 1 ) THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ET SEQ.; 2 ) THE FLORIDA DECEPTIVE AND UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT , FLA . STAT 501.201 ET SEQ . 3 ) FLORIDA COMMON- LAW OF PRIVACY 1. The United States Congress has found that inaccurate consumer reports directly impair the efficiency of our economy and undermine public confidence . Congress enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act , 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.( FCRA ), to ensure fair and accurate reporting , promote efficiency in the banking system , and protect consumer privacy. Because consumer reporting agencies have assumed such a vital role in assembling and evaluating consumer credit and other consumer information, |
| - | UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICTOF FLORIDA | + | |
| - | Romeo Chicco, individually and on behalf of others - Plaintiff | + | |
| - | V. | + | |
| - | General Motors LLC, OnStar LLC, LexisNexis Risk Solutions Inc. - Defendant | + | |
| - | CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR: | + | |
| - | 1 ) THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ET SEQ.; | + | |
| - | 2 ) THE FLORIDA DECEPTIVE AND UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT , FLA . STAT 501.201 ET SEQ . | + | |
| - | 3 ) FLORIDA COMMON- LAW OF PRIVACY | + | |
| - | 1. The United States Congress has found that inaccurate consumer reports directly impair the efficiency of our economy and undermine public confidence . Congress enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act , 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.( FCRA ), to ensure fair and accurate reporting , promote efficiency in the banking system , and protect consumer privacy. Because consumer reporting agencies have assumed such a vital role in assembling and evaluating consumer credit and other consumer information, | + | |
| - | https:// | + | |
| == Your car is secretly spying on you and driving your insurance rates through the roof: report == | == Your car is secretly spying on you and driving your insurance rates through the roof: report == | ||
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| Dahl said that his insurance agent told him the price increase was based on data collected by LexisNexis, which compiled a report tracking each and every time he and his wife drove their Chevy Bolt over a six-month period. | Dahl said that his insurance agent told him the price increase was based on data collected by LexisNexis, which compiled a report tracking each and every time he and his wife drove their Chevy Bolt over a six-month period. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Carmakers’ shady data sharing takes spotlight in GM connected car scandal == | == Carmakers’ shady data sharing takes spotlight in GM connected car scandal == | ||
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| However, buried in OnStar' | However, buried in OnStar' | ||
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| == General Motors Quits Sharing Driving Behavior With Data Brokers == | == General Motors Quits Sharing Driving Behavior With Data Brokers == | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from the New York Times: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from the New York Times: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | General Motors said Friday that it had stopped sharing details about how people drove its cars with two data brokers that created risk profiles for the insurance industry. The decision followed a New York Times report this month that G.M. had, for years, been sharing data about drivers' | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How G.M. Tricked Millions of Drivers Into Being Spied On (Including Me) == | == How G.M. Tricked Millions of Drivers Into Being Spied On (Including Me) == | ||
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| My husband’s LexisNexis report had a breakdown of the 203 trips we had taken in the car since January, including the distance, the start and end times, and how often we hard-braked or accelerated rapidly. The Verisk report, which dated back to mid-December and recounted 297 trips, had a high-level summary at the top: 1,890.89 miles driven; 4,251 driving minutes; 170 hard-brake events; 24 rapid accelerations, | My husband’s LexisNexis report had a breakdown of the 203 trips we had taken in the car since January, including the distance, the start and end times, and how often we hard-braked or accelerated rapidly. The Verisk report, which dated back to mid-December and recounted 297 trips, had a high-level summary at the top: 1,890.89 miles driven; 4,251 driving minutes; 170 hard-brake events; 24 rapid accelerations, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
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| == How GM Tricked Millions of Drivers Into Being Spied On == | == How GM Tricked Millions of Drivers Into Being Spied On == | ||
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| General Motors (GM) has been selling data about the driving behavior of millions of people to insurance companies, leading to higher premiums for some drivers, according to a recent investigation. The affected drivers were not informed about the tracking, which was carried out through GM's OnStar connected services plan and the Smart Driver program. The New York Times reporter who broke the story discovered that her own driving data had been shared with data brokers working with the insurance industry, despite not being enrolled in the program. GM has since discontinued the Smart Driver product and stopped sharing data with LexisNexis and Verisk, following customer feedback and federal lawsuits filed by drivers across the country. | General Motors (GM) has been selling data about the driving behavior of millions of people to insurance companies, leading to higher premiums for some drivers, according to a recent investigation. The affected drivers were not informed about the tracking, which was carried out through GM's OnStar connected services plan and the Smart Driver program. The New York Times reporter who broke the story discovered that her own driving data had been shared with data brokers working with the insurance industry, despite not being enrolled in the program. GM has since discontinued the Smart Driver product and stopped sharing data with LexisNexis and Verisk, following customer feedback and federal lawsuits filed by drivers across the country. | ||
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| ===== License Plates ===== | ===== License Plates ===== | ||
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| Jon Keegan - Aug 21, 2023 | Jon Keegan - Aug 21, 2023 | ||
| - | During summer vacation car rides as a kid, I remember the thrill of seeing an unusual license plate from a faraway state. There were 50 possible plates to see (plus D.C.) each with distinct colors and often the state motto. Today the game of license plate bingo has gotten incredibly complex. | + | During summer vacation car rides as a kid, I remember the thrill of seeing an unusual license plate from a faraway state. There were 50 possible plates to see (plus D.C.) each with distinct colors and often the state motto. Today the game of license plate bingo has gotten incredibly complex. |
| - | By my count, there are currently 8,291 different vehicle license plates offered by the 50 states and the District of Columbia. States now offer a vast menu of personalized plate options for a dizzying array of organizations, | + | By my count, there are currently 8,291 different vehicle license plates offered by the 50 states and the District of Columbia. States now offer a vast menu of personalized plate options for a dizzying array of organizations, |
| My count was conducted over June and July 2023, so this should be considered a snapshot, as I'm sure some plates have changed already. | My count was conducted over June and July 2023, so this should be considered a snapshot, as I'm sure some plates have changed already. | ||
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| For years, members of the military and veterans have been able to pick plates reflecting the honors they have received and the missions they have served in. Drivers have also been able to pick plates drawing attention to a large number of medical conditions such as breast cancer, downs syndrome, diabetes and autism, raising funds for various foundations through registration fees. | For years, members of the military and veterans have been able to pick plates reflecting the honors they have received and the missions they have served in. Drivers have also been able to pick plates drawing attention to a large number of medical conditions such as breast cancer, downs syndrome, diabetes and autism, raising funds for various foundations through registration fees. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == us-license-plates == | == us-license-plates == | ||
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| This data goes with the story All of the 8,291 License Plates in America, published by Jon Keegan at Beautiful Public Data. | This data goes with the story All of the 8,291 License Plates in America, published by Jon Keegan at Beautiful Public Data. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
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| ==== Oregon ==== | ==== Oregon ==== | ||
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| But even with those rules clearly printed on the application, | But even with those rules clearly printed on the application, | ||
| - | Below is the full list of rejected plates from 2022: | + | Below is the full list of rejected plates from 2022: |
| - | + | ||
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| ===== Limiter ===== | ===== Limiter ===== | ||
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| The systems themselves have been working their way into newly introduced models of cars starting in 2022, so quite a few new cars on the road already feature them. The July 2024 regulation extends that mandate to all new vehicles being manufactured for sale in the EU. | The systems themselves have been working their way into newly introduced models of cars starting in 2022, so quite a few new cars on the road already feature them. The July 2024 regulation extends that mandate to all new vehicles being manufactured for sale in the EU. | ||
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| ===== Manual transmission ===== | ===== Manual transmission ===== | ||
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| Ah, but isn't that just another way of saying that " | Ah, but isn't that just another way of saying that " | ||
| - | < | + | < |
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| ===== NTSB ===== | ===== NTSB ===== | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: | ||
| + | |||
| < | < | ||
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| ===== OnStar ===== | ===== OnStar ===== | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Drive: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Drive: | ||
| + | |||
| < | < | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == General Motors charging mandatory $1,500 fee for three years of optional car features == | == General Motors charging mandatory $1,500 fee for three years of optional car features == | ||
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| OnStar, which is owned by GM, provides a variety of safety services for the automaker and its subsidiaries' | OnStar, which is owned by GM, provides a variety of safety services for the automaker and its subsidiaries' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
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| ===== Ownership ===== | ===== Ownership ===== | ||
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| A replacement car is out of the question, because she barely has enough money for rent. But even if Luna had the funds to go shopping, it’s unlikely she’d find anything remotely reasonable. The average new car today sells for nearly $49,000, and the average used car lists at more than $26,000 – representing a 31% increase for new cars and nearly 40% increase for used cars since 2020, according to data from the industry group Cox Automotive. | A replacement car is out of the question, because she barely has enough money for rent. But even if Luna had the funds to go shopping, it’s unlikely she’d find anything remotely reasonable. The average new car today sells for nearly $49,000, and the average used car lists at more than $26,000 – representing a 31% increase for new cars and nearly 40% increase for used cars since 2020, according to data from the industry group Cox Automotive. | ||
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| ===== Polution / EPA ===== | ===== Polution / EPA ===== | ||
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| Starting in 2009, the U.S. government have given car manufacturers towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions if they included " | Starting in 2009, the U.S. government have given car manufacturers towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions if they included " | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | [America' | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| "I absolutely hate Start-Stop systems," | "I absolutely hate Start-Stop systems," | ||
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| Post your own thoughts and experiences in the comments. Start-Stop systems — fuel-saving innovation, or a modern-day auto annoyance" | Post your own thoughts and experiences in the comments. Start-Stop systems — fuel-saving innovation, or a modern-day auto annoyance" | ||
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| ===== Quality ===== | ===== Quality ===== | ||
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| Quality of new vehicles sold in the United States is declining as factors such as growing use of technology and lower build quality of certain parts are making the models more " | Quality of new vehicles sold in the United States is declining as factors such as growing use of technology and lower build quality of certain parts are making the models more " | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Build quality of certain parts such as audio systems and cup-holders have resulted in quality issues, the report said, which collected data from 93,380 purchasers and lessees of 2023 model-year vehicles. Automakers have been leaning on software and technology as they rush to roll out innovative models amid easing supply constraints and labor shortages. Problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) rose 30 PP100 during the past two years, the report said. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality. | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
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| ===== Repair ===== | ===== Repair ===== | ||
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| Home: All Service Manuals | Home: All Service Manuals | ||
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| == Minor Car Crashes Mean High Tech Repairs == | == Minor Car Crashes Mean High Tech Repairs == | ||
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| "With all the improvements in car safety over the decades, the recent addition of a plethora of high tech sensors and warnings comes with increased costs," | "With all the improvements in car safety over the decades, the recent addition of a plethora of high tech sensors and warnings comes with increased costs," | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Some vehicles require " | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
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| ===== Safety ===== | ===== Safety ===== | ||
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| A bollard is: | A bollard is: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | </ | + | |
| In the words of a local city engineer, as he was explaining why a bollard placed near where pedestrians congregate to cross a large roadway would be innapropriate: | In the words of a local city engineer, as he was explaining why a bollard placed near where pedestrians congregate to cross a large roadway would be innapropriate: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Barriers (bollards, guardrail, etc.) are considered for installation if the result of a vehicle striking the barrier will be less severe than hitting the unshielded object. | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
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| ==== Headlight ==== | ==== Headlight ==== | ||
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| Key Points | Key Points | ||
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| - | | + | * * Regulations capping maximum brightness for LED headlights have still not been formulated. |
| The Bright Headlights Crisis Is Far From Over | The Bright Headlights Crisis Is Far From Over | ||
| - | If you find yourself squinting while driving at night, you’re not alone. The IIHS reports that average headlight brightness has roughly doubled in the last decade. The NHTSA receives growing consumer complaints regarding headlight brightness. There’s a real, widespread anger out there; there’s even a subreddit with over 44,000 members complaining about this growing and very real crisis. | + | If you find yourself squinting while driving at night, you’re not alone. The IIHS reports that average headlight brightness has roughly doubled in the last decade. The NHTSA receives growing consumer complaints regarding headlight brightness. There’s a real, widespread anger out there; there’s even a subreddit with over 44,000 members complaining about this growing and very real crisis. |
| The numbers support the public’s frustration. Older halogen bulbs produced approximately 1,000 lumens. Newer factory-fitted LEDs produce up to 4,000 lumens or more. Some aftermarket LEDs have been found to produce 10,000 lumens or more. But the problem is that the federal brightness standards for automotive headlights have not changed for decades. | The numbers support the public’s frustration. Older halogen bulbs produced approximately 1,000 lumens. Newer factory-fitted LEDs produce up to 4,000 lumens or more. Some aftermarket LEDs have been found to produce 10,000 lumens or more. But the problem is that the federal brightness standards for automotive headlights have not changed for decades. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How Bright Headlights Escaped Regulation == | == How Bright Headlights Escaped Regulation == | ||
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| Longtime Slashdot reader schwit1 shares a report from Autoblog: | Longtime Slashdot reader schwit1 shares a report from Autoblog: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | ... the problem is that the federal brightness standards for automotive headlights have not changed for decades. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 hasn't had significant updates since 1986, with an addition allowing Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights coming only in 2022. The NHTSA last investigated (PDF) the issue of headlamp glare in 2003. The current standards include huge loopholes for auto manufacturers to emit as much light as desired, as long as the manufacturer meets the requirements of the other parts of the regulation. | + | |
| + | LEDs can be made to focus light using lasers, and auto manufacturers use this ability to their advantage. The regulatory standard prohibits excessive light in certain areas by referencing old technologies, | ||
| - | LEDs can be made to focus light using lasers, and auto manufacturers use this ability to their advantage. The regulatory standard prohibits excessive light in certain areas by referencing old technologies, | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| ===== Security ===== | ===== Security ===== | ||
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| Today, a group of independent security researchers revealed that they'd found a flaw in a web portal operated by the carmaker Kia that let the researchers reassign control of the internet-connected features of most modern Kia vehicles—dozens of models representing millions of cars on the road—from the smartphone of a car’s owner to the hackers’ own phone or computer. By exploiting that vulnerability and building their own custom app to send commands to target cars, they were able to scan virtually any internet-connected Kia vehicle’s license plate and within seconds gain the ability to track that car’s location, unlock the car, honk its horn, or start its ignition at will. | Today, a group of independent security researchers revealed that they'd found a flaw in a web portal operated by the carmaker Kia that let the researchers reassign control of the internet-connected features of most modern Kia vehicles—dozens of models representing millions of cars on the road—from the smartphone of a car’s owner to the hackers’ own phone or computer. By exploiting that vulnerability and building their own custom app to send commands to target cars, they were able to scan virtually any internet-connected Kia vehicle’s license plate and within seconds gain the ability to track that car’s location, unlock the car, honk its horn, or start its ignition at will. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Flaw In Kia's Web Portal Let Researchers Track, Hack Cars == | == Flaw In Kia's Web Portal Let Researchers Track, Hack Cars == | ||
| Line 1562: | Line 1433: | ||
| SpzToid shares a report: | SpzToid shares a report: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Today, a group of independent security researchers revealed that they'd found a flaw in a web portal operated by the carmaker Kia that let the researchers reassign control of the Internet-connected features of most modern Kia vehicles | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Carmakers Rush To Remove Chinese Code Under New US Rules == | == Carmakers Rush To Remove Chinese Code Under New US Rules == | ||
| Line 1574: | Line 1443: | ||
| "How Chinese is your car?" asks the Wall Street Journal. " | "How Chinese is your car?" asks the Wall Street Journal. " | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Modern cars are packed with internet-connected widgets, many of them containing Chinese technology. Now, the car industry is scrambling to root out that tech ahead of a looming deadline, a test case for America' | + | |
| The move is "one of the most consequential and complex auto regulations in decades," | The move is "one of the most consequential and complex auto regulations in decades," | ||
| - | Carmakers will need to attest to the U.S. government that, as of March 17, core elements of their products don't contain code that was written in China or by a Chinese company. The rule also covers software for advanced autonomous driving and will be extended to connectivity hardware starting in 2029. Connected cars made by Chinese or China-controlled companies are also banned, wherever their software comes from... | + | Carmakers will need to attest to the U.S. government that, as of March 17, core elements of their products don't contain code that was written in China or by a Chinese company. The rule also covers software for advanced autonomous driving and will be extended to connectivity hardware starting in 2029. Connected cars made by Chinese or China-controlled companies are also banned, wherever their software comes from… |
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ==== FOB ==== | ==== FOB ==== | ||
| Line 1597: | Line 1463: | ||
| They’re small, they’re convenient, and, according to security researchers, | They’re small, they’re convenient, and, according to security researchers, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| + | ===== Self-Driving ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Trapped! Inside a Self-Driving Car During an Anti-Robot Attack == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Posted by EditorDavid on Sunday March 22, 2026 03:55PM | ||
| + | |||
| + | A man crossing the street one San Francisco night spotted a self-driving car — and decided to confront its passenger, 37-year-old tech worker Doug Fulop. The New York Times reports the man yelled that "he wanted to kill Fulop and the other two passengers for giving money to a robot." | ||
| + | |||
| + | < | ||
| + | A taxi driver would have simply driven away. But Fulop' | ||
| + | |||
| + | It did not seem safe to get out and run, he added, since the man was trying to open the locked doors and said he wanted to kill the passengers. They called 911 and Waymo' | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | https:// | ||
| Line 1604: | Line 1485: | ||
| ===== Speed ===== | ===== Speed ===== | ||
| + | |||
| ===== Surveillance ===== | ===== Surveillance ===== | ||
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| Key Takeaways | Key Takeaways | ||
| - | - Federal mandate requires surveillance cameras monitoring driver alertness in new vehicles by 2027 | + | * - Federal |
| + | * - Infrared sensors track eye movement and prevent ignition if impairment detectedInfrared sensors track eye movement and prevent ignition if impairment detected | ||
| + | * - Technology adds $100-500 per vehicle cost while raising biometric data privacy concernsTechnology adds $100-500 per vehicle cost while raising biometric data privacy concerns | ||
| - | - Infrared sensors track eye movement | + | Your next car purchase comes with an unwelcome passenger: a federal mandate requiring surveillance technology that monitors your every blink, glance, |
| - | - Technology adds $100-500 per vehicle | + | [[https:// |
| + | |||
| + | == Your car’s most boring sensor is broadcasting your location — and there’s no off switch == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Car dashboard showing the tire pressure sensor readings | ||
| + | |||
| + | Chris Hachey - Mar 19, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT | ||
| + | |||
| + | Any time a light turns on in a car's dashboard, immediate panic rushes over you as a driver. Seeing the little symbols pop up makes you try to decipher what each one means to deduce the problem. If you're a car person, you probably have no issue with this and were taught what each of them meant, so your mind focuses easily and you're able to know the next step. If you're like many of the rest of us, you have no clue and are already dreading opening up the car manual or bringing it into the shop. | ||
| + | |||
| + | One alert that can pop up on many modern cars is that your tire pressure is low. You're looking for a horseshoe with an exclamation point in the middle of it to indicate that. If that pops up, you know you either need to put some air in the tires, or you potentially have a leak. But the sensors that are alerting you that your tire pressure is low may also be giving away your location to anyone who wants it. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | == US Jobs Too Important To Risk Chinese Car Imports, Says Ford CEO == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Posted by BeauHD on Wednesday April 15, 2026 03:00PM | ||
| + | |||
| + | In an interview with Fox News, Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that allowing Chinese | ||
| + | |||
| + | < | ||
| + | "First of all, the Chinese have huge direct support for their auto companies," | ||
| + | |||
| + | " | ||
| + | |||
| + | Farley has praised Chinese EVs like the Xiaomi SU7, even going on podcasts to sing its praises. But he believes Ford's forthcoming affordable Kentucky-built EVs, due to start hitting dealerships next year, have what it takes to be competitive. When asked about new car prices rising an average of 2 percent last year, Farley repeatedly said that Ford had " | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Trillions of miles of data: Your car is spying on you, and it's only just the beginning == | ||
| + | |||
| + | 13 May 2026 - Thomas Germain | ||
| + | |||
| + | From your weight and facial expressions to your destination, | ||
| + | |||
| + | Cars used to mean freedom. When I first got the keys to the old family Toyota it was a rite of passage, a sign I was old enough to step away from the watchful eyes of my parents and enter a world where time and decisions were mine alone. Things change. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Modern cars are computers on wheels, and giant corporations are using them to suck up intimate details about your life and make more money. If you think driving today is a chance for solitude and independence, | ||
| + | |||
| + | Car companies will tell you themselves if you wade through their privacy | ||
| + | |||
| + | This is a privacy problem that can cost you money. Among the biggest customers for car data are insurance companies, and they' | ||
| + | |||
| + | " | ||
| + | |||
| + | https:// | ||
| - | Your next car purchase comes with an unwelcome passenger: a federal mandate requiring surveillance technology that monitors your every blink, glance, and head nod. Thanks to Section 24220 of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, NHTSA must finalize rules forcing all new passenger vehicles to include “advanced impaired driving prevention technology”—essentially turning your dashboard into a judgment-free zone that’s anything but judgment-free. | ||
| - | https:// | ||
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| The discussion comes at a time when governments are exploring how driver monitoring systems can make roads safer. The European Union’s new vehicle safety rules, which went into effect in July, require all new vehicles from July 2024 to be equipped with multiple features including systems that monitor driver drowsiness. Earlier this summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expanded its investigation into whether Tesla’s Autopilot system exacerbates “human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining effectiveness of the driver’s supervision.” The agency’s initial investigation, | The discussion comes at a time when governments are exploring how driver monitoring systems can make roads safer. The European Union’s new vehicle safety rules, which went into effect in July, require all new vehicles from July 2024 to be equipped with multiple features including systems that monitor driver drowsiness. Earlier this summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expanded its investigation into whether Tesla’s Autopilot system exacerbates “human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining effectiveness of the driver’s supervision.” The agency’s initial investigation, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Should we let cars use the road as a projection screen? == | == Should we let cars use the road as a projection screen? == | ||
| Line 1646: | Line 1574: | ||
| Jesse Crosse - 12 September 2022 | Jesse Crosse - 12 September 2022 | ||
| + | < | ||
| + | Headlight road sign projection | ||
| + | Road surface is used to display information such as an icy weather warning | ||
| - | Headlight road sign projection | + | Rapid charging |
| - | Road surface | + | Tailored charging protocols could mean ultra-rapid charging |
| - | | + | Headlight road sign projection |
| + | Rapid charging | ||
| - | Tailored charging protocols could mean ultra-rapid charging is possible without deteriorating batteries | + | </ |
| - | Headlight road sign projection | + | News by Jesse Crosse 3 mins read 12 September 2022 Share |
| - | Rapid charging | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | News | + | |
| - | by Jesse Crosse | + | |
| - | 3 mins read | + | |
| - | 12 September 2022 | + | |
| - | Share | + | |
| Finding ways for drivers to control their cars and give them vital information without distraction has proved tricky over the years. | Finding ways for drivers to control their cars and give them vital information without distraction has proved tricky over the years. | ||
| Line 1670: | Line 1595: | ||
| Touchscreens were intended to reduce the level of distraction but have proven controversial, | Touchscreens were intended to reduce the level of distraction but have proven controversial, | ||
| - | Ford recently revealed details of its work on high-resolution headlights, which use the road surface as a kind of screen on which to project symbols, such as direction arrows from the sat-nav system or weather-related information like the ice warning symbol that appears on the instrument display. | + | Ford recently revealed details of its work on high-resolution headlights, which use the road surface as a kind of screen on which to project symbols, such as direction arrows from the sat-nav system or weather-related information like the ice warning symbol that appears on the instrument display. |
| Headlights could also project lines showing the width of the car, making it less risky to squeeze through tight spaces at night. | Headlights could also project lines showing the width of the car, making it less risky to squeeze through tight spaces at night. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == 6 Reasons You'll Want Smart Glass in Your Next Car == | == 6 Reasons You'll Want Smart Glass in Your Next Car == | ||
| Line 1688: | Line 1613: | ||
| Smart glass offers numerous benefits, such as customizability, | Smart glass offers numerous benefits, such as customizability, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == American drivers have a blinding headlight problem. It could last for years. == | == American drivers have a blinding headlight problem. It could last for years. == | ||
| Line 1698: | Line 1623: | ||
| " | " | ||
| - | Seery' | + | Seery' |
| This isn't because headlight regulations have shifted — they haven' | This isn't because headlight regulations have shifted — they haven' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Throw out all those black boxes and say hello to the software-defined car == | == Throw out all those black boxes and say hello to the software-defined car == | ||
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| Of course, this only works if that software is any good. "There is absolutely no question that software has been treated like a stepchild—I always say the fifth wheel in the car. So like a necessity, but not something that has been managed with care," said Maria Anhalt, CEO of the automotive supplier Elektrobit, which develops digital systems and software for OEMs. | Of course, this only works if that software is any good. "There is absolutely no question that software has been treated like a stepchild—I always say the fifth wheel in the car. So like a necessity, but not something that has been managed with care," said Maria Anhalt, CEO of the automotive supplier Elektrobit, which develops digital systems and software for OEMs. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ==== Advertisements ==== | ==== Advertisements ==== | ||
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| " | " | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | In a move that has left drivers both frustrated and bewildered, Stellantis has introduced full-screen pop-up ads on its infotainment systems. Specifically, | + | |
| One Jeep 4xe owner recently shared their frustration on an online forum, detailing how these pop-ups disrupt the driving experience. Stellantis, responding through their " | One Jeep 4xe owner recently shared their frustration on an online forum, detailing how these pop-ups disrupt the driving experience. Stellantis, responding through their " | ||
| + | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Jeep Introduces Pop-Up Ads That Appear Every Time You Stop == | == Jeep Introduces Pop-Up Ads That Appear Every Time You Stop == | ||
| Line 1744: | Line 1665: | ||
| " | " | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | In a move that has left drivers both frustrated and bewildered, Stellantis has introduced full-screen pop-up ads on its infotainment systems. Specifically, | + | |
| One Jeep 4xe owner recently shared their frustration on an online forum, detailing how these pop-ups disrupt the driving experience. Stellantis, responding through their " | One Jeep 4xe owner recently shared their frustration on an online forum, detailing how these pop-ups disrupt the driving experience. Stellantis, responding through their " | ||
| + | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Jeep Claims ' | == Jeep Claims ' | ||
| Line 1760: | Line 1681: | ||
| "Since I'm a journalist, or at least close enough, I decided that I should at least get Stellantis/ | "Since I'm a journalist, or at least close enough, I decided that I should at least get Stellantis/ | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Would Stellantis do something so woefully misguided and annoying? I reached out to our Stellantis/ | + | |
| - | "This was an in-vehicle message designed to inform Jeep customers about Mopar extended vehicle care options. A temporary software glitch affected the ability to instantly opt out in a few isolated cases, though instant opt-out is the standard for all our in-vehicle messages. Our team had already identified and corrected the error, and we are following up directly with the customer to ensure the matter is fully resolved..." | + | "This was an in-vehicle message designed to inform Jeep customers about Mopar extended vehicle care options. A temporary software glitch affected the ability to instantly opt out in a few isolated cases, though instant opt-out is the standard for all our in-vehicle messages. Our team had already identified and corrected the error, and we are following up directly with the customer to ensure the matter is fully resolved…" |
| I suppose a glitch is possible, though I've not seen any examples of this ad popping up with the instant opt-out option available, but I guess it must exist, since not all Jeep owners seem to have had to deal with these ads. I suspect if this was happening to more people than these "few isolated cases" we'd still be cleaning up from the aftermath of the riots and uprisings. | I suppose a glitch is possible, though I've not seen any examples of this ad popping up with the instant opt-out option available, but I guess it must exist, since not all Jeep owners seem to have had to deal with these ads. I suspect if this was happening to more people than these "few isolated cases" we'd still be cleaning up from the aftermath of the riots and uprisings. | ||
| + | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | Because, as they write, " | + | Because, as they write, " |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Jeep Owners Fed Up With In-Car Pop-Up Ads == | == Jeep Owners Fed Up With In-Car Pop-Up Ads == | ||
| Line 1786: | Line 1707: | ||
| But the problem could presage a more significant issue for future drivers. Last year, Ford filed a patent for an in-car advertising system that would use the car’s speakers and display screen to serve ads to drivers and passengers. That system would also use the car’s GPS tracker to serve ads relevant to the driver’s route. | But the problem could presage a more significant issue for future drivers. Last year, Ford filed a patent for an in-car advertising system that would use the car’s speakers and display screen to serve ads to drivers and passengers. That system would also use the car’s GPS tracker to serve ads relevant to the driver’s route. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| ==== Dashcam ==== | ==== Dashcam ==== | ||
| Line 1798: | Line 1717: | ||
| Unfortunately, | Unfortunately, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == We Spent the Last 3 Weeks Testing 24 Dashcams to Find the Best Option for 2025 == | == We Spent the Last 3 Weeks Testing 24 Dashcams to Find the Best Option for 2025 == | ||
| Line 1828: | Line 1747: | ||
| Modern dashcams offer WiFi, GPS tracking, and app integration for easy access to footage. We tested each model’s connectivity, | Modern dashcams offer WiFi, GPS tracking, and app integration for easy access to footage. We tested each model’s connectivity, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Road safety isn’t one-size-fits-all, | == Road safety isn’t one-size-fits-all, | ||
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| Sponsored - Mar 17, 2026, 9:49 AM EDT | Sponsored - Mar 17, 2026, 9:49 AM EDT | ||
| - | The below articles are sponsored by one of our partners. Product choices and opinions expressed are from the sponsor and do not reflect the views of the MUO editorial staff. | + | The below articles are sponsored by one of our partners. Product choices and opinions expressed are from the sponsor and do not reflect the views of the MUO editorial staff. Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: |
| - | Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: | + | |
| We tend to think of road safety as a set of universal practices that work equally well for every road user. Stay alert, drive defensively, | We tend to think of road safety as a set of universal practices that work equally well for every road user. Stay alert, drive defensively, | ||
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| Modern road safety isn’t about a standard set of solutions, but about flexible solutions that adapt to your needs. This is at the core of 70mai’s latest dashcam models—the 70mai 4K Omni and 70mai 4K T800—which take two distinct approaches to ensure road safety. But no matter which you choose, the dashcams are available for less on Amazon with exclusive discount codes: 4K Omni: MUFOMNI26 and 4K T800: MUF70MAI26. | Modern road safety isn’t about a standard set of solutions, but about flexible solutions that adapt to your needs. This is at the core of 70mai’s latest dashcam models—the 70mai 4K Omni and 70mai 4K T800—which take two distinct approaches to ensure road safety. But no matter which you choose, the dashcams are available for less on Amazon with exclusive discount codes: 4K Omni: MUFOMNI26 and 4K T800: MUF70MAI26. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| ==== Touchscreen / Infotainment ==== | ==== Touchscreen / Infotainment ==== | ||
| Line 1858: | Line 1775: | ||
| But are touchscreens in cars a good idea? Importantly, | But are touchscreens in cars a good idea? Importantly, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The Glorious Return of a Humble Car Feature == | == The Glorious Return of a Humble Car Feature == | ||
| Line 1872: | Line 1789: | ||
| The touchscreen pullback is the result of consumer backlash, not the enactment of overdue regulations or an awakening of corporate responsibility. Many drivers want buttons, not screens, and they’ve given carmakers an earful about it. Auto executives have long brushed aside safety concerns about their complex displays—and all signs suggest they would have happily kept doing so. But their customers are revolting, which has forced them to pay attention. | The touchscreen pullback is the result of consumer backlash, not the enactment of overdue regulations or an awakening of corporate responsibility. Many drivers want buttons, not screens, and they’ve given carmakers an earful about it. Auto executives have long brushed aside safety concerns about their complex displays—and all signs suggest they would have happily kept doing so. But their customers are revolting, which has forced them to pay attention. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Are Vehicle Infotainment Screens Headed for the Scrap Heap? == | == Are Vehicle Infotainment Screens Headed for the Scrap Heap? == | ||
| Line 1888: | Line 1805: | ||
| Automakers have been eagerly adding new functions to these screens. Some infotainment systems let you access iMessage and even Netflix from the driver’s seat, while others use them to keep all your car’s controls in one place, often behind layers of menus. | Automakers have been eagerly adding new functions to these screens. Some infotainment systems let you access iMessage and even Netflix from the driver’s seat, while others use them to keep all your car’s controls in one place, often behind layers of menus. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | == Why Your Car's Touchscreen Is More Dangerous Than Your Phone == | + | == Why Your Car's Touchscreen Is More Dangerous Than Your Phone == |
| Posted by EditorDavid on Saturday June 21, 2025 06:34PM | Posted by EditorDavid on Saturday June 21, 2025 06:34PM | ||
| Line 1896: | Line 1813: | ||
| " | " | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | The consequences are measurable and severe: studies now show touchscreen vehicles require up to four times longer to perform basic functions than their button-equipped counterparts, | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Are touchscreens in cars dangerous? == | == Are touchscreens in cars dangerous? == | ||
| Line 1910: | Line 1825: | ||
| It might not have been the first to have a touchscreen but it was Tesla’s Model S, with its minimalist cabin built around a huge full-colour display, that set the trend. For years almost every new car sold has come with a high-tech, futuristic screen, which controls everything from the air conditioning and satnav to the music. Even safety features like automatic lane-keeping are sometimes screen-controlled. | It might not have been the first to have a touchscreen but it was Tesla’s Model S, with its minimalist cabin built around a huge full-colour display, that set the trend. For years almost every new car sold has come with a high-tech, futuristic screen, which controls everything from the air conditioning and satnav to the music. Even safety features like automatic lane-keeping are sometimes screen-controlled. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ==== Head-Up Displays / Heads-Up Displays ==== | ==== Head-Up Displays / Heads-Up Displays ==== | ||
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| This is why heads-up displays project relevant information onto the windshield in an area easily accessible in the driver' | This is why heads-up displays project relevant information onto the windshield in an area easily accessible in the driver' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == A holographic windshield from Hyundai Mobis is a big upgrade for in-car HUDs at CES 2025 == | == A holographic windshield from Hyundai Mobis is a big upgrade for in-car HUDs at CES 2025 == | ||
| Line 1940: | Line 1851: | ||
| Unlike traditional reflective HUDs, Hyundai Mobis’ holographic windshield display (HWD) consists of two main components: a projector (or in this case multiple projectors) hidden beneath the dash and a special optical film with a carefully tuned wavelength sensitivity embedded inside the windshield itself. This combination allows the HWD to pump out brighter and more colorful images with much shallower viewing angles. Unless you’re sitting in the right spot, you may not even see the HUD at all. | Unlike traditional reflective HUDs, Hyundai Mobis’ holographic windshield display (HWD) consists of two main components: a projector (or in this case multiple projectors) hidden beneath the dash and a special optical film with a carefully tuned wavelength sensitivity embedded inside the windshield itself. This combination allows the HWD to pump out brighter and more colorful images with much shallower viewing angles. Unless you’re sitting in the right spot, you may not even see the HUD at all. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ==== Homelink ==== | ==== Homelink ==== | ||
| Line 1962: | Line 1865: | ||
| Basically, HomeLink is designed to minimize the clutter of having to use multiple remotes. If you're not familiar with this system and think it could improve your daily experience, keep reading. | Basically, HomeLink is designed to minimize the clutter of having to use multiple remotes. If you're not familiar with this system and think it could improve your daily experience, keep reading. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ==== Radio ==== | ==== Radio ==== | ||
| Line 1975: | Line 1875: | ||
| The Boston Globe reports that U.S. Senator Ed. Markey just sent a letter to more than 20 car manufacturers asking them to continue including AM radios in future car models — including electric vehicles: | The Boston Globe reports that U.S. Senator Ed. Markey just sent a letter to more than 20 car manufacturers asking them to continue including AM radios in future car models — including electric vehicles: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Some EV manufacturers have raised concerns even as far back as 2016 about how the battery power of an EV can interfere with AM radio signals. However, Markey addressed these concerns saying, "car manufacturers appear to have developed innovative solutions to this problem." | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == The end of AM radio in your car? Not if Ed Markey has anything to say about it == | == The end of AM radio in your car? Not if Ed Markey has anything to say about it == | ||
| Line 1995: | Line 1893: | ||
| Markey cited statistics from the Pew Research Center News Platform Fact Sheet from September 2022 which said 47% of Americans receive their news from the radio. | Markey cited statistics from the Pew Research Center News Platform Fact Sheet from September 2022 which said 47% of Americans receive their news from the radio. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == 2024 Ford Mustang Drops AM Radio From Infotainment == | == 2024 Ford Mustang Drops AM Radio From Infotainment == | ||
| Line 2003: | Line 1901: | ||
| The new 2024 Ford Mustang is losing its AM radio receiver, reports The Drive. A Ford spokesperson confirmed the feature' | The new 2024 Ford Mustang is losing its AM radio receiver, reports The Drive. A Ford spokesperson confirmed the feature' | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | The availability of AM radio in new cars has declined over the last decade with shifts in media consumption habits, with AM radio' | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Control EMI, Don’t Dump AM Receivers == | == Control EMI, Don’t Dump AM Receivers == | ||
| Line 2021: | Line 1917: | ||
| EMI can be suppressed in EVs using well-known mitigation techniques such as shielding cables and electric motors, installing filters and carefully locating electrical components within the vehicle. Within receivers, EMI can be limited by isolating and shielding antenna and RF sections, filtering connections and carefully grounding and placing receiver components. | EMI can be suppressed in EVs using well-known mitigation techniques such as shielding cables and electric motors, installing filters and carefully locating electrical components within the vehicle. Within receivers, EMI can be limited by isolating and shielding antenna and RF sections, filtering connections and carefully grounding and placing receiver components. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Saving AM Radio - the Case For and Against == | == Saving AM Radio - the Case For and Against == | ||
| Line 2029: | Line 1925: | ||
| This weekend the Washington Post updated the current status of AM radio: | This weekend the Washington Post updated the current status of AM radio: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | Automakers, such as BMW, Volkswagen, Mazda and Tesla, are removing AM radios from new electric vehicles because electric engines can interfere with the sound of AM stations. And Ford, one of the nation' | + | |
| Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Jaguar Land Rover — said they have no plans to eliminate AM. | Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Jaguar Land Rover — said they have no plans to eliminate AM. | ||
| + | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Congress Moves To Preserve AM Radio in Cars == | == Congress Moves To Preserve AM Radio in Cars == | ||
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| A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to make it illegal for carmakers to eliminate AM radio from their cars, arguing public safety is at risk. From the report: | A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to make it illegal for carmakers to eliminate AM radio from their cars, arguing public safety is at risk. From the report: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | AM radio is one key way that government officials communicate with the public during natural disasters and other emergencies. Officials worry that if drivers don't have access, they might miss important safety alerts. Some manufacturers are eliminating AM radio from their electric vehicles (EVs) because of interference from the electric motors that creates annoying buzzing noises and faded signals. | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == CarPlay? Android Auto? Most People Still Just Listen to AM/FM Radio == | == CarPlay? Android Auto? Most People Still Just Listen to AM/FM Radio == | ||
| Line 2053: | Line 1947: | ||
| Posted by EditorDavid on Monday October 23, 2023 12:34AM | Posted by EditorDavid on Monday October 23, 2023 12:34AM | ||
| - | "New data suggests that what a lot of people do most often in their car is listen to AM/FM radio," | + | "New data suggests that what a lot of people do most often in their car is listen to AM/FM radio," |
| The market research company Edison Research used one-day listening diarires (for Americans older than 13) to measure the amount of time spent listening to audio — then compared results for those with and without an in-car entertainment system. | The market research company Edison Research used one-day listening diarires (for Americans older than 13) to measure the amount of time spent listening to audio — then compared results for those with and without an in-car entertainment system. | ||
| Line 2059: | Line 1953: | ||
| Those without an in-car entertainment system spent 67% of their time listening to AM/FM radio — with the rest listening to Sirius XM (12%), a streaming service (9%), or podcasts (4%). | Those without an in-car entertainment system spent 67% of their time listening to AM/FM radio — with the rest listening to Sirius XM (12%), a streaming service (9%), or podcasts (4%). | ||
| - | But among those with an in-car entertainment system... 46% still listened to AM/FM radio. Less than a fifth listened to Sirus XM (19%), a streaming service (18%), or podcasts (7%). | + | But among those with an in-car entertainment system… 46% still listened to AM/FM radio. Less than a fifth listened to Sirus XM (19%), a streaming service (18%), or podcasts (7%). |
| The researchers' | The researchers' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Don’t force drivers to buy AM radios == | == Don’t force drivers to buy AM radios == | ||
| Line 2071: | Line 1965: | ||
| One of the principal tenets of progress and innovation is that we are not tethered to old technology. For example, when consumers purchase the latest smartphone that can connect to the internet or download applications, | One of the principal tenets of progress and innovation is that we are not tethered to old technology. For example, when consumers purchase the latest smartphone that can connect to the internet or download applications, | ||
| - | If such an ecosystem existed, our homes would be filled with printing presses and wind-up clocks instead of smartphones, | + | If such an ecosystem existed, our homes would be filled with printing presses and wind-up clocks instead of smartphones, |
| - | Unfortunately, | + | Unfortunately, |
| Proponents of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act claim the legislation is critical for ensuring public safety and is necessary, because car manufacturers have begun to remove AM radios from newer models, particularly electric vehicles. The reality, though, is that fewer and fewer Americans use AM radio to receive safety alerts, meaning it is less relevant to ensuring public safety. In addition, an AM radio mandate would unnecessarily inflate the cost of automobiles, | Proponents of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act claim the legislation is critical for ensuring public safety and is necessary, because car manufacturers have begun to remove AM radios from newer models, particularly electric vehicles. The reality, though, is that fewer and fewer Americans use AM radio to receive safety alerts, meaning it is less relevant to ensuring public safety. In addition, an AM radio mandate would unnecessarily inflate the cost of automobiles, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == AM radio law opposed by tech and auto industries is close to passing == | == AM radio law opposed by tech and auto industries is close to passing == | ||
| Line 2093: | Line 1987: | ||
| “Broadcasters are grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in both chambers of Congress," | “Broadcasters are grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in both chambers of Congress," | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Now's Your Chance to Save AM Radio == | == Now's Your Chance to Save AM Radio == | ||
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| Once America’s dominant broadcasting channel, AM has fallen on hard times in recent years. While it still enjoys tens of millions of listeners, fewer and fewer people have been tuning in. As its popularity has waned, car manufacturers have made a concerted push to discontinue its availability in newer vehicle models. If the bill currently before Congress passes, that won’t happen—and the inclusion of AM radio in new cars will become a federal mandate. So hey, call your senator and tell them what you think. | Once America’s dominant broadcasting channel, AM has fallen on hard times in recent years. While it still enjoys tens of millions of listeners, fewer and fewer people have been tuning in. As its popularity has waned, car manufacturers have made a concerted push to discontinue its availability in newer vehicle models. If the bill currently before Congress passes, that won’t happen—and the inclusion of AM radio in new cars will become a federal mandate. So hey, call your senator and tell them what you think. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == AM Radio Law Opposed By Tech and Auto Industries Is Close To Passing == | == AM Radio Law Opposed By Tech and Auto Industries Is Close To Passing == | ||
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| An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: | An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | A controversial bill that would require all new cars to be fitted with AM radios looks set to become a law in the near future. Yesterday, Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass) revealed that the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" now has the support of 60 US Senators, as well as 246 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Bill requiring AM radio in new cars gets closer to law == | == Bill requiring AM radio in new cars gets closer to law == | ||
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| Rebecca Bellan - 1:00 PM PDT September 18, 2024 | Rebecca Bellan - 1:00 PM PDT September 18, 2024 | ||
| - | A House committee overwhelmingly voted to approve a bill that would require new cars to be built with AM radio at no additional cost to the owner. The AM for Every Vehicle Act will now head to the House floor for final approval. If successful, it’ll go to the president’s desk to be signed into law, pending a veto. | + | A House committee overwhelmingly voted to approve a bill that would require new cars to be built with AM radio at no additional cost to the owner. The AM for Every Vehicle Act will now head to the House floor for final approval. If successful, it’ll go to the president’s desk to be signed into law, pending a veto. |
| - | Advocates for the bill have argued the decline of AM radio, a consequence of the software-defined vehicle, could make it difficult to broadcast emergency information, | + | Advocates for the bill have argued the decline of AM radio, a consequence of the software-defined vehicle, could make it difficult to broadcast emergency information, |
| Ford reversed its decision shortly after lawmakers introduced the bill. At the time, Ford told TechCrunch that less than 5% of its customers listened to AM radio. | Ford reversed its decision shortly after lawmakers introduced the bill. At the time, Ford told TechCrunch that less than 5% of its customers listened to AM radio. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == House Committee Approves Bill Requiring New Cars To Have AM Radio == | == House Committee Approves Bill Requiring New Cars To Have AM Radio == | ||
| Line 2139: | Line 2031: | ||
| The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which mandates that automakers include AM radio in new vehicles without additional charges. The Verge reports: | The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which mandates that automakers include AM radio in new vehicles without additional charges. The Verge reports: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | The bill passed the committee on a roll-call vote of 45-2 and now heads to the full House for final approval. The bill, titled the AM for Every Vehicle Act, would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that " | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == House committee approves bill requiring new cars to have AM radio == | == House committee approves bill requiring new cars to have AM radio == | ||
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| Supporters say they are pushing the bill out of a concern that the slow demise of AM radio could make it more difficult to broadcast emergency information during a natural disaster or other related events. Conservatives are also worried about losing a lucrative platform for right-wing news and media. | Supporters say they are pushing the bill out of a concern that the slow demise of AM radio could make it more difficult to broadcast emergency information during a natural disaster or other related events. Conservatives are also worried about losing a lucrative platform for right-wing news and media. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == AM Radio For All Vehicles Legislation Reintroduced == | == AM Radio For All Vehicles Legislation Reintroduced == | ||
| Line 2165: | Line 2055: | ||
| A bipartisan group of legislators has reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, aiming to mandate AM radio in all new vehicles at no additional cost. Adweek reports: | A bipartisan group of legislators has reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, aiming to mandate AM radio in all new vehicles at no additional cost. Adweek reports: | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was first introduced in May 2023. It continued to take on new co-sponsors through the fall of 2024. It was reintroduced as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 with 62 cosponsors. Upper Midwest senators showing support for the bill include Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer R-North Dakota, and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, DFL- Minnesota. | + | |
| If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring new vehicles to maintain access to broadcast AM radio at no additional cost to the consumer and provide small vehicle manufacturers at least four years after the date DOT issues the rule to comply. The act also requires automakers to inform consumers, during the period before the rule takes effect, that the vehicles do not maintain access to broadcast AM radio. | If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring new vehicles to maintain access to broadcast AM radio at no additional cost to the consumer and provide small vehicle manufacturers at least four years after the date DOT issues the rule to comply. The act also requires automakers to inform consumers, during the period before the rule takes effect, that the vehicles do not maintain access to broadcast AM radio. | ||
| + | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| "With 82 million Americans tuning in each month, AM radio delivers more than just emergency alerts," | "With 82 million Americans tuning in each month, AM radio delivers more than just emergency alerts," | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| ===== Theft ===== | ===== Theft ===== | ||
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| With a new $1.2 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, the team is set to begin large-scale testing of Battery Sleuth, a vehicle security system that can protect against sophisticated wireless hacking, old-school jimmying and everything in between. | With a new $1.2 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, the team is set to begin large-scale testing of Battery Sleuth, a vehicle security system that can protect against sophisticated wireless hacking, old-school jimmying and everything in between. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == How 'Smart Keys' Have Fueled a New Wave of Car Thefts == | == How 'Smart Keys' Have Fueled a New Wave of Car Thefts == | ||
| Line 2196: | Line 2085: | ||
| "One London resident watched on CCTV as a thief walked up to his £40,000 car and drove away," reports the Observer. "Now manufacturers say they are being drawn in to a hi-tech 'arms race' with criminals." | "One London resident watched on CCTV as a thief walked up to his £40,000 car and drove away," reports the Observer. "Now manufacturers say they are being drawn in to a hi-tech 'arms race' with criminals." | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | [H]i-tech devices disguised as handheld games consoles are being traded online for thousands of pounds and are used by organised crime gangs to mimic the electronic key on an Ioniq 5, opening the doors and starting the engine. The device, known as an " | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | https:// | + | |
| + | [[https:// | ||
| ===== Tire ===== | ===== Tire ===== | ||
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| Years ago, in days of old, cars came with wheels that had very deep dish styling. Life was good, cars looked cool and everyone was happy (okay, maybe that’s a stretch). Over the years, as technology marched on, deep dish wheels got shallower until finally, starting about 20 years ago, they became essentially flat on the outside. Why did this happen? Well, in a word, “steering” is what happened. The change from deep dish wheels to flat wheels can be traced back to improvements in the steering system — in particular, to the popularity and advantages of rack and pinion steering. | Years ago, in days of old, cars came with wheels that had very deep dish styling. Life was good, cars looked cool and everyone was happy (okay, maybe that’s a stretch). Over the years, as technology marched on, deep dish wheels got shallower until finally, starting about 20 years ago, they became essentially flat on the outside. Why did this happen? Well, in a word, “steering” is what happened. The change from deep dish wheels to flat wheels can be traced back to improvements in the steering system — in particular, to the popularity and advantages of rack and pinion steering. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ====== Electric Vehicles ====== | ====== Electric Vehicles ====== | ||
| == Acquired by Mercedes-Benz, | == Acquired by Mercedes-Benz, | ||
| + | |||
| Tim Woolmer, Founder and CTO, thinks his axial-flux motors could be a mobility game-changer | Tim Woolmer, Founder and CTO, thinks his axial-flux motors could be a mobility game-changer | ||
| Line 2234: | Line 2117: | ||
| By contrast, the ‘radial’ electric motor design is more common in today’s EV market. Even Tesla relies on radial electric motors, a legacy technology more than 40 years old with very little left to give in terms of innovation. | By contrast, the ‘radial’ electric motor design is more common in today’s EV market. Even Tesla relies on radial electric motors, a legacy technology more than 40 years old with very little left to give in terms of innovation. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Toyota, Honda urge Congress to reject expanded tax incentive that would benefit Ford, GM, Stellantis == | == Toyota, Honda urge Congress to reject expanded tax incentive that would benefit Ford, GM, Stellantis == | ||
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| The proposal — which Toyota blasted as “blatantly biased” and “exorbitant” in a letter to Congress — would expand the federal tax incentives from $7,500 to as much as $12,500 for union- and domestically manufactured cars. Vehicles with batteries manufactured in the U.S. would be eligible for an additional $500. If the legislation passes, vehicles from automakers like Toyota, Honda and Tesla would be excluded from the expanded credit, while the “Big Three” manufacturers in Detroit would all qualify. | The proposal — which Toyota blasted as “blatantly biased” and “exorbitant” in a letter to Congress — would expand the federal tax incentives from $7,500 to as much as $12,500 for union- and domestically manufactured cars. Vehicles with batteries manufactured in the U.S. would be eligible for an additional $500. If the legislation passes, vehicles from automakers like Toyota, Honda and Tesla would be excluded from the expanded credit, while the “Big Three” manufacturers in Detroit would all qualify. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == 9 Ways to Protect Against Keyless Car Theft == | == 9 Ways to Protect Against Keyless Car Theft == | ||
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| So, read on to learn about how keyless car theft works and how you can prevent keyless car theft from your home. | So, read on to learn about how keyless car theft works and how you can prevent keyless car theft from your home. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Why Are Electric Vehicles So Fast? == | == Why Are Electric Vehicles So Fast? == | ||
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| EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid absolutely destroy everything in their paths in terms of performance. The trend also extends across segments, as even EV pickups are faster than most sports cars. So the question is: why are EVs so fast? | EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid absolutely destroy everything in their paths in terms of performance. The trend also extends across segments, as even EV pickups are faster than most sports cars. So the question is: why are EVs so fast? | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ===== Lef eBike ===== | ===== Lef eBike ===== | ||
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| == Dutch EV is more than an ebike, less than a car == | == Dutch EV is more than an ebike, less than a car == | ||
| - | By Ben Coxworth - January 19, 2021 | + | By Ben Coxworth - January 19, 2021 |
| - | For people who mainly make short trips around town, a full-on electric car may be more than they need, while an ebike isn't enough. It was with such folks in mind that the three-wheeled, | + | For people who mainly make short trips around town, a full-on electric car may be more than they need, while an ebike isn't enough. It was with such folks in mind that the three-wheeled, |
| - | https:// | + | |
| == LEF Is A Dutch E-Bike/Car Chimera Promising 66 Miles Of Range With No Pedaling Necessary == | == LEF Is A Dutch E-Bike/Car Chimera Promising 66 Miles Of Range With No Pedaling Necessary == | ||
| - | January 28th, 2021 by Derek Markham | + | January 28th, 2021 by Derek Markham |
| For those looking for a micromobility solution that has an enclosed cabin, a comfortable seated driving position, and space inside the vehicle to haul groceries, laundry, your work bag, or whatever you like, there have been a few fairly successful offerings, including Organic Transit’s pedal electric ELF models, which also have onboard solar for charging their batteries (and the company is now for sale, by the way). | For those looking for a micromobility solution that has an enclosed cabin, a comfortable seated driving position, and space inside the vehicle to haul groceries, laundry, your work bag, or whatever you like, there have been a few fairly successful offerings, including Organic Transit’s pedal electric ELF models, which also have onboard solar for charging their batteries (and the company is now for sale, by the way). | ||
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| But what if you don’t even want to pedal? That’s where tiny EVs that more resemble micro cars than e-bikes come in, such as the LEF from the Netherlands’ EV Mobility. | But what if you don’t even want to pedal? That’s where tiny EVs that more resemble micro cars than e-bikes come in, such as the LEF from the Netherlands’ EV Mobility. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| ===== Dodge Charger ===== | ===== Dodge Charger ===== | ||
| Line 2303: | Line 2177: | ||
| == Dodge Chargers Now Have Pop-Up Ads at Every Stoplight… Just What Nobody Asked For == | == Dodge Chargers Now Have Pop-Up Ads at Every Stoplight… Just What Nobody Asked For == | ||
| - | Kay Leadfoot - March 12, 2025 | + | Kay Leadfoot - March 12, 2025 |
| Nothing quite says “high-performance muscle car” like a popup ad for a Mopar Extended Warranty covering your whole center console. | Nothing quite says “high-performance muscle car” like a popup ad for a Mopar Extended Warranty covering your whole center console. | ||
| Line 2311: | Line 2185: | ||
| This garbage feature was spotted in the wild, where a Charger owner posted a photo of their infotainment screen absolutely hijacked by an ad for an extended warranty. Take a look: | This garbage feature was spotted in the wild, where a Charger owner posted a photo of their infotainment screen absolutely hijacked by an ad for an extended warranty. Take a look: | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| ===== Jeep ===== | ===== Jeep ===== | ||
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| == Awesomely weird Alibaba electric vehicle of the week: $1,700 electric Jeep == | == Awesomely weird Alibaba electric vehicle of the week: $1,700 electric Jeep == | ||
| - | Micah Toll - Jan. 30th 2021 8:00 am ET | + | Micah Toll - Jan. 30th 2021 8:00 am ET |
| Remember when the coolest kids on the block had those ride-on PowerWheels Jeeps? Well, just because we’re adults now doesn’t mean we can’t still have the same type of fun. This week’s entry for the Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week is a fun-looking little electric Jeep with room for two adventure-loving adults. | Remember when the coolest kids on the block had those ride-on PowerWheels Jeeps? Well, just because we’re adults now doesn’t mean we can’t still have the same type of fun. This week’s entry for the Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week is a fun-looking little electric Jeep with room for two adventure-loving adults. | ||
| - | I knew it was going to be tough to top the awesome little $4,000 electric pickup truck I found for last week’s feature. | + | I knew it was going to be tough to top the awesome little $4,000 electric pickup truck I found for last week’s feature. But I think I might have actually succeeded, because now I really need someone to talk me out of buying one of these electric Jeep things. |
| - | But I think I might have actually succeeded, because now I really need someone to talk me out of buying one of these electric Jeep things. | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | https:// | + | |
| + | [[https:// | ||
| ====== Hybrid ====== | ====== Hybrid ====== | ||
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| Posted by EditorDavid on Sunday January 04, 2026 03:49PM | Posted by EditorDavid on Sunday January 04, 2026 03:49PM | ||
| - | America' | + | America' |
| - | < | + | < |
| - | The EV market is slowing in the U.S., but analysts expect hybrid sales to continue accelerating. CarGurus Inc., a digital listings platform that covers most of the US auto market, predicts nearly one in six new cars next year will be a hybrid, as automakers green-light more and better machines with the technology. And though these cars and trucks will still burn gas, they will quietly move the needle on both transportation emissions and the transition to fully electric cars and trucks... CarGurus calls hybrids the success story of 2025. Indeed, the fastest-selling car in the country this year has been the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid; it sat on lots for fewer than 14 days on average... | + | |
| + | While carmakers have struggled to turn a profit on fully electric vehicles, analysts say their investments in batteries and electric motors are helping them sell more and better hybrid machines. It's also increasingly difficult to discern a hybrid from a solely gas-powered model, said Scott Hardman, assistant director of the Electric Vehicle Research Center at the University of California at Davis. Carmakers today often don't even label a hybrid as such. Consider Toyota' | ||
| - | While carmakers have struggled to turn a profit on fully electric vehicles, analysts say their investments in batteries and electric motors are helping them sell more and better hybrid machines. It's also increasingly difficult to discern a hybrid from a solely gas-powered model, said Scott Hardman, assistant director of the Electric Vehicle Research Center at the University of California at Davis. Carmakers today often don't even label a hybrid as such. Consider Toyota' | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ====== Legal ====== | ====== Legal ====== | ||
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| Though the Department of Transportation has yet to put its foot down on the exact type of technology it will use for this program, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and 17 automakers have been working on something called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety ( DADSS ) since 2008. DADSS is exploring both a breath and touch-based system to detect whether or not a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%. | Though the Department of Transportation has yet to put its foot down on the exact type of technology it will use for this program, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and 17 automakers have been working on something called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety ( DADSS ) since 2008. DADSS is exploring both a breath and touch-based system to detect whether or not a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Congress mandates anti-drunk driving technology for cars == | == Congress mandates anti-drunk driving technology for cars == | ||
| Line 2375: | Line 2241: | ||
| First, though, the Department of Transportation will have to determine the best solution to curtail intoxicated drunk driving. Specifically, | First, though, the Department of Transportation will have to determine the best solution to curtail intoxicated drunk driving. Specifically, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Congress mandates anti-drunk driving technology for cars == | == Congress mandates anti-drunk driving technology for cars == | ||
| Line 2385: | Line 2251: | ||
| First, though, the Department of Transportation will have to determine the best solution to curtail intoxicated drunk driving. Specifically, | First, though, the Department of Transportation will have to determine the best solution to curtail intoxicated drunk driving. Specifically, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Buried In Biden' | == Buried In Biden' | ||
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| Zak Killian - Wednesday, December 01, 2021, 04:55 PM EDT | Zak Killian - Wednesday, December 01, 2021, 04:55 PM EDT | ||
| - | Remember that 2700-page, $1 trillion dollar infrastructure bill that the US government passed back in August? Well, have you read it? Of course we're joking | + | Remember that 2700-page, $1 trillion dollar infrastructure bill that the US government passed back in August? Well, have you read it? Of course we're joking |
| One of the most concerning things we've heard so far is the revelation that this " | One of the most concerning things we've heard so far is the revelation that this " | ||
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| Let us spell it out for you: by 2026, vehicles sold in the US will be required to automatically and silently record various metrics of driver performance, | Let us spell it out for you: by 2026, vehicles sold in the US will be required to automatically and silently record various metrics of driver performance, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ===== Rental Cars ===== | ===== Rental Cars ===== | ||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| ==== Avis ==== | ==== Avis ==== | ||
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| TRAVELER BEWARE! Have you ever had a rental car company steal their car back from you? Well this just happened to me. I’m not usually one to take to Twitter in this way. I’m barely ever here. But I feel this is my only option short of taking legal action. So here goes | TRAVELER BEWARE! Have you ever had a rental car company steal their car back from you? Well this just happened to me. I’m not usually one to take to Twitter in this way. I’m barely ever here. But I feel this is my only option short of taking legal action. So here goes | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Avis charged a customer $6,000 after claiming she drove a rental car 23,000 miles in 3 days, reports say == | == Avis charged a customer $6,000 after claiming she drove a rental car 23,000 miles in 3 days, reports say == | ||
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| While she was waiting to take a flight to Paris, France, Boniface, who had prepaid $1,000 to rent the car, checked her credit card statement to check it had gone through correctly, per CTV News. | While she was waiting to take a flight to Paris, France, Boniface, who had prepaid $1,000 to rent the car, checked her credit card statement to check it had gone through correctly, per CTV News. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ==== Dollar ==== | ==== Dollar ==== | ||
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| Abigail Eason planned to rent from Dollar Rent A Car in early August at Houston International Airport, but was told when she arrived at the counter that her online booking could not be honored. | Abigail Eason planned to rent from Dollar Rent A Car in early August at Houston International Airport, but was told when she arrived at the counter that her online booking could not be honored. | ||
| - | Eason made a new reservation with Dollar but then canceled it after being offered smaller car that was still far more expensive than the SUV she had booked. | + | Eason made a new reservation with Dollar but then canceled it after being offered smaller car that was still far more expensive than the SUV she had booked. |
| She then rented a car from Hertz, which also owns Dollar, at a cost of $621. | She then rented a car from Hertz, which also owns Dollar, at a cost of $621. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| ==== Hertz ==== | ==== Hertz ==== | ||
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| == Hertz customers claim they were arrested, some jailed and even held at gunpoint after false theft reports == | == Hertz customers claim they were arrested, some jailed and even held at gunpoint after false theft reports == | ||
| - | December 10, 2021 / 8:25 AM / CBS News | + | December 10, 2021 / 8:25 AM / CBS News |
| - | + | ||
| - | More people have come forward to claim they were accused, arrested or even jailed after Hertz reported cars they had legitimately rented were stolen. | + | |
| - | Carrie Gibbs was arrested at a California gas station in 2019 after Hertz told police she'd stolen the truck. | + | More people have come forward to claim they were accused, arrested or even jailed after Hertz reported cars they had legitimately rented were stolen. |
| - | + | ||
| - | The truck had been rented for her from Hertz by an insurance company after an accident, but video obtained exclusively by CBS News shows police arresting her. They took her to jail, and she was charged with felony car theft. | + | |
| - | The case was later dismissed but Gibbs said in court papers she lost her real estate license for a year. | + | The truck had been rented for her from Hertz by an insurance company after an accident, but video obtained exclusively by CBS News shows police arresting her. They took her to jail, and she was charged with felony car theft. |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Now Has To Share Its ' | == Hertz Now Has To Share Its ' | ||
| Line 2478: | Line 2329: | ||
| CBS investigated Hertz after it was made public that the company was reporting many of its rental customers to local authorities over alleged car thefts. CBS says Hertz now faces over 230 claims from customers accused of stealing rental vehicles. | CBS investigated Hertz after it was made public that the company was reporting many of its rental customers to local authorities over alleged car thefts. CBS says Hertz now faces over 230 claims from customers accused of stealing rental vehicles. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz sent me a $700 bill for eight extra days! How do I get a refund? == | == Hertz sent me a $700 bill for eight extra days! How do I get a refund? == | ||
| Line 2494: | Line 2345: | ||
| I’m able to prove that I was at the Palm Beach airport when I returned the car and back in Philadelphia on the dates Hertz is claiming I rented the car for 11 days. I should have paid Hertz $237. Instead, Hertz charged me $953. | I’m able to prove that I was at the Palm Beach airport when I returned the car and back in Philadelphia on the dates Hertz is claiming I rented the car for 11 days. I should have paid Hertz $237. Instead, Hertz charged me $953. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == A Hertz customer’s ‘very bad’ car rental experience goes viral: ‘It was extortion’ == | == A Hertz customer’s ‘very bad’ car rental experience goes viral: ‘It was extortion’ == | ||
| - | A law professor posts a five-page complaint against Hertz on Twitter, claiming the company broke its contract and was ‘extorting’ her. She got a full refund. | + | A law professor posts a five-page complaint against Hertz on Twitter, claiming the company broke its contract and was ‘extorting’ her. She got a full refund. |
| By Nicole Lyn Pesce - Dec. 1, 2021 at 12:06 p.m. ET / Last Updated: Dec. 1, 2021 at 12:23 p.m. ET | By Nicole Lyn Pesce - Dec. 1, 2021 at 12:06 p.m. ET / Last Updated: Dec. 1, 2021 at 12:23 p.m. ET | ||
| - | That was a dissatisfied Hertz customer, whose thread about “a Very Bad experience” trying to rent a car over Thanksgiving weekend went viral on Twitter this week — and eventually got her a refund. | + | That was a dissatisfied Hertz customer, whose thread about “a Very Bad experience” trying to rent a car over Thanksgiving weekend went viral on Twitter this week — and eventually got her a refund. |
| - | Kate Klonick, an assistant professor | + | She described reserving a median sedan for pickup on the Sunday before Thanksgiving week, to be used for one week at the quoted price of $343.27, or $414.93 after taxes. But when she arrived at the Brooklyn, N.Y., Hertz location at her appointed time, she says that she waited |
| - | She described reserving a median sedan for pickup on the Sunday before Thanksgiving week, to be used for one week at the quoted price of $343.27, or $414.93 after taxes. But when she arrived | + | [[https:// |
| - | + | ||
| - | https:// | + | |
| == Furious Customers Are Suing Hertz for $529.7 Million. Here's the Lesson Every CEO Should Learn == | == Furious Customers Are Suing Hertz for $529.7 Million. Here's the Lesson Every CEO Should Learn == | ||
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| By Minda Zetlin, Co-author, The Geek Gap - Dec 21, 2021 | By Minda Zetlin, Co-author, The Geek Gap - Dec 21, 2021 | ||
| - | More than 180 Hertz customers are suing the car rental company in bankruptcy court, seeking damages of just under $529.7 million. Most of these customers were stopped by police, and sometimes arrested, for driving Hertz cars that they had legally rented. | + | More than 180 Hertz customers are suing the car rental company in bankruptcy court, seeking damages of just under $529.7 million. Most of these customers were stopped by police, and sometimes arrested, for driving Hertz cars that they had legally rented. |
| According to their filings, for years Hertz has falsely reported that its cars were stolen as part of its regular business practice, " | According to their filings, for years Hertz has falsely reported that its cars were stolen as part of its regular business practice, " | ||
| Line 2522: | Line 2371: | ||
| Why would Hertz claim that its cars were stolen when legitimate renters were driving them? Believe it or not, the filing claims this is a cost-cutting measure. In some cases, the company simply misplaces a car or a rental contract and doesn' | Why would Hertz claim that its cars were stolen when legitimate renters were driving them? Believe it or not, the filing claims this is a cost-cutting measure. In some cases, the company simply misplaces a car or a rental contract and doesn' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Whistleblower: | == Whistleblower: | ||
| - | Rich McHugh, Edited by Aleksandra Bush and Katie Smith - Mar 31, 2022 / 10:00 PM CDT / Updated: Apr 1, 2022 / 01:42 PM CDT | + | Rich McHugh, Edited by Aleksandra Bush and Katie Smith - Mar 31, 2022 / 10:00 PM CDT / Updated: Apr 1, 2022 / 01:42 PM CDT |
| (NewsNation) — Rental car company Hertz is under fire from lawmakers after hundreds of customers say they were pulled over by police and told the rental car they were driving had been reported as stolen. | (NewsNation) — Rental car company Hertz is under fire from lawmakers after hundreds of customers say they were pulled over by police and told the rental car they were driving had been reported as stolen. | ||
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| Daniel Stokes worked for Hertz for 11 years from 1996 till 2007 and was a branch and city manager in charge of 24 different Hertz locations. | Daniel Stokes worked for Hertz for 11 years from 1996 till 2007 and was a branch and city manager in charge of 24 different Hertz locations. | ||
| - | “Being a city manager and knowing what the processes were and learning more about what actually happens to the people, quite honestly, it pissed me off that knowing that it was still going on,” Stokes told NewsNation investigative reporter Rich McHugh. | + | “Being a city manager and knowing what the processes were and learning more about what actually happens to the people, quite honestly, it pissed me off that knowing that it was still going on,” Stokes told NewsNation investigative reporter Rich McHugh. |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Ohio drivers caught in Hertz investigation speak out == | == Ohio drivers caught in Hertz investigation speak out == | ||
| Line 2545: | Line 2394: | ||
| Kevin Landers - 6:13 PM EDT April 12, 2022 / Updated: 6:33 PM EDT April 12, 2022 | Kevin Landers - 6:13 PM EDT April 12, 2022 / Updated: 6:33 PM EDT April 12, 2022 | ||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| COLUMBUS, Ohio — On May 21, 2019, while driving east on Interstate 76 in Ohio near the border of Pennsylvania, | COLUMBUS, Ohio — On May 21, 2019, while driving east on Interstate 76 in Ohio near the border of Pennsylvania, | ||
| Line 2558: | Line 2405: | ||
| "They did end up charging me with possession of a stolen property," | "They did end up charging me with possession of a stolen property," | ||
| - | Ayisha Essick' | + | Ayisha Essick' |
| Essick said Columbus police came looking for her husband with a warrant. | Essick said Columbus police came looking for her husband with a warrant. | ||
| Line 2568: | Line 2415: | ||
| "I mean it really felt like it wasn't real. I didn't know what GTA [was]. It was grand theft auto, it was ridiculous," | "I mean it really felt like it wasn't real. I didn't know what GTA [was]. It was grand theft auto, it was ridiculous," | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Still Refuses To Drop Prosecutions Despite Being Sued For Bogus Theft Reports == | == Hertz Still Refuses To Drop Prosecutions Despite Being Sued For Bogus Theft Reports == | ||
| Line 2582: | Line 2429: | ||
| The end result has been hundreds of innocent renters being accused of theft… and not just in an “angry letter sent to their residence” way. Hertz has co-opted cops, turning mistaken conclusions about rental agreements into guns-out confrontations that have deprived renters of their freedom, jobs, and any hope of returning to a normal life after being falsely accused of auto theft. | The end result has been hundreds of innocent renters being accused of theft… and not just in an “angry letter sent to their residence” way. Hertz has co-opted cops, turning mistaken conclusions about rental agreements into guns-out confrontations that have deprived renters of their freedom, jobs, and any hope of returning to a normal life after being falsely accused of auto theft. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz offers settlements to dozens after false-arrest lawsuits == | == Hertz offers settlements to dozens after false-arrest lawsuits == | ||
| - | Sydney Kalich, Rich McHugh - Jun 23, 2022 07:04 AM CDT / Updated: Jun 23, 2022 08:11 PM CDT | + | Sydney Kalich, Rich McHugh - Jun 23, 2022 07:04 AM CDT / Updated: Jun 23, 2022 08:11 PM CDT |
| (NewsNation) — Hertz is offering settlements to dozens of customers who are suing the rental car giant after they claimed they were wrongly arrested and accused of stealing cars they rented, NewsNation’s Rich McHugh confirmed. | (NewsNation) — Hertz is offering settlements to dozens of customers who are suing the rental car giant after they claimed they were wrongly arrested and accused of stealing cars they rented, NewsNation’s Rich McHugh confirmed. | ||
| Line 2600: | Line 2447: | ||
| “I felt it was a joke..like you you’re telling me I got a warrant for my arrest for something I paid for. That’s not possible, | “I felt it was a joke..like you you’re telling me I got a warrant for my arrest for something I paid for. That’s not possible, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz faces more false-arrest lawsuits == | == Hertz faces more false-arrest lawsuits == | ||
| Line 2612: | Line 2459: | ||
| Single mother of three Saleema Lovelace is now another person filing a lawsuit against the rental car company after she claims she was arrested. | Single mother of three Saleema Lovelace is now another person filing a lawsuit against the rental car company after she claims she was arrested. | ||
| - | NewsNation exclusively obtained body camera footage of Lovelace’s Jan. 2021 arrest. Lovelace can be heard telling police she extended the rental and paid for it days earlier as she begs them to look for proof on her phone. Lovelace is distraught as she pleads with officers to let her go so she can pick up her 11-year-old daughter. | + | NewsNation exclusively obtained body camera footage of Lovelace’s Jan. 2021 arrest. Lovelace can be heard telling police she extended the rental and paid for it days earlier as she begs them to look for proof on her phone. Lovelace is distraught as she pleads with officers to let her go so she can pick up her 11-year-old daughter. |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Is Still Having Rental Car Customers Wrongfully Arrested, Lawsuit Claims == | == Hertz Is Still Having Rental Car Customers Wrongfully Arrested, Lawsuit Claims == | ||
| Line 2626: | Line 2473: | ||
| As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the lawsuit was filed in the Delaware Superior Court on Tuesday. The five Hertz customers named in the suit faced wrongful arrest for driving legitimately rented vehicles. This is a problem that has persisted with Hertz since 2015, with at least 300 cases of wrongfully arrested customers, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer. Most of those cases were bundled into bankruptcy proceedings. These appear to be the first claims since the company emerged from bankruptcy in June 2021. | As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the lawsuit was filed in the Delaware Superior Court on Tuesday. The five Hertz customers named in the suit faced wrongful arrest for driving legitimately rented vehicles. This is a problem that has persisted with Hertz since 2015, with at least 300 cases of wrongfully arrested customers, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer. Most of those cases were bundled into bankruptcy proceedings. These appear to be the first claims since the company emerged from bankruptcy in June 2021. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Arrests Still Happening Despite New CEO Calling Them Out == | == Hertz Arrests Still Happening Despite New CEO Calling Them Out == | ||
| Line 2638: | Line 2485: | ||
| There have to be hundreds of people who have accused the company of having them falsely arrested over their rental cars, and the timeline of this problem has only gotten worse since its began. | There have to be hundreds of people who have accused the company of having them falsely arrested over their rental cars, and the timeline of this problem has only gotten worse since its began. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == A woman is suing Hertz after being accused of stealing a rental car she'd paid for and getting arrested 4 times over the incident, lawsuit says == | == A woman is suing Hertz after being accused of stealing a rental car she'd paid for and getting arrested 4 times over the incident, lawsuit says == | ||
| Line 2652: | Line 2499: | ||
| Hill was arrested three more times between 2019 and 2021 for failure to appear in court over the incident because she was not notified about the court dates, according to the lawsuit, and spent about nine days in jail on each occasion. Her case is still pending; Hertz has declined to dismiss the case. | Hill was arrested three more times between 2019 and 2021 for failure to appear in court over the incident because she was not notified about the court dates, according to the lawsuit, and spent about nine days in jail on each occasion. Her case is still pending; Hertz has declined to dismiss the case. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Man sues after Hertz rental leads to ‘surreal’ traffic stop == | == Man sues after Hertz rental leads to ‘surreal’ traffic stop == | ||
| Line 2668: | Line 2515: | ||
| He’s one of hundreds suing Hertz over mental and emotional damages after they were arrested — sometimes jailed — based on police reports labeling the cars stolen. | He’s one of hundreds suing Hertz over mental and emotional damages after they were arrested — sometimes jailed — based on police reports labeling the cars stolen. | ||
| - | Hertz has declined repeated NewsNation interview requests. | + | Hertz has declined repeated NewsNation interview requests. |
| - | + | ||
| - | https:// | + | |
| == Yet Another Renter Sues Hertz After He And His Teen Daughter Were Held At Gunpoint By Cops Following A Bogus Theft Report == | == Yet Another Renter Sues Hertz After He And His Teen Daughter Were Held At Gunpoint By Cops Following A Bogus Theft Report == | ||
| Line 2682: | Line 2527: | ||
| According to a former employee, the company does almost nothing to recover allegedly stolen vehicles, preferring to let the public foot the bill by outsourcing the job to local law enforcement. Despite statements otherwise by company officials, Hertz appears to be unwilling to terminate prosecutions linked to bogus car theft reports by company employees. | According to a former employee, the company does almost nothing to recover allegedly stolen vehicles, preferring to let the public foot the bill by outsourcing the job to local law enforcement. Despite statements otherwise by company officials, Hertz appears to be unwilling to terminate prosecutions linked to bogus car theft reports by company employees. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz To Pay $168 Million To Customers Arrested Due To Their False Police Reports == | == Hertz To Pay $168 Million To Customers Arrested Due To Their False Police Reports == | ||
| - | Gary Leff - December 5, 2022 | + | Gary Leff - December 5, 2022 |
| Hertz announced a $168 million settlement covering 364 claims against them, at an average of just over $460,000 per customer. | Hertz announced a $168 million settlement covering 364 claims against them, at an average of just over $460,000 per customer. | ||
| Line 2694: | Line 2539: | ||
| It’s hard to imagine that – given the substantial evidence of Hertz incompetence, | It’s hard to imagine that – given the substantial evidence of Hertz incompetence, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == First-Time Hertz Customer, Already Blacklisted: | == First-Time Hertz Customer, Already Blacklisted: | ||
| - | Gary Leff - January 4, 2024 | + | Gary Leff - January 4, 2024 |
| Hertz is a very badly run company. They hired Palantir to help them because they cannot track their fleet of cars. They regularly think their cars have been stolen, and have reported them stolen, when they still had the cars and were renting them out. That got their customers arrested, sometimes at gunpoint, and then they’ve been unwilling to retract false police reports out of fear that the retractions would lead police to stop trusting their false reports. | Hertz is a very badly run company. They hired Palantir to help them because they cannot track their fleet of cars. They regularly think their cars have been stolen, and have reported them stolen, when they still had the cars and were renting them out. That got their customers arrested, sometimes at gunpoint, and then they’ve been unwilling to retract false police reports out of fear that the retractions would lead police to stop trusting their false reports. | ||
| Line 2704: | Line 2549: | ||
| They settled a class action lawsuit for $168 million covering 364 claims against them, at an average of just over $460,000 per customer. | They settled a class action lawsuit for $168 million covering 364 claims against them, at an average of just over $460,000 per customer. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Still Can’t Keep Track Of Cars, Threatens Reader Who Returned Vehicle On Time == | == Hertz Still Can’t Keep Track Of Cars, Threatens Reader Who Returned Vehicle On Time == | ||
| Line 2715: | Line 2560: | ||
| Usually what seemed to happen is, | Usually what seemed to happen is, | ||
| + | < | ||
| - | | + | A customer changed vehicles or extended their rental |
| - | The changes didn’t get reflected properly in Hertz’s systems | + | The changes didn’t get reflected properly in Hertz’s systems |
| - | So it looked like the customer didn’t return the vehicle when they were supposed to | + | So it looked like the customer didn’t return the vehicle when they were supposed to |
| - | Hertz reported it to the police | + | Hertz reported it to the police |
| - | And stuck by their story even as they continued to rent out the vehicle to other customers. And sometimes it was those other customers getting arrested for driving a vehicle reported stolen. | + | And stuck by their story even as they continued to rent out the vehicle to other customers. And sometimes it was those other customers getting arrested for driving a vehicle reported stolen. |
| + | |||
| + | </ | ||
| It seemed like Hertz really got this under control, after bringing in Palantir to help track its rental fleet. So it was pretty jarring to me that a reader recently received the scariest letter than anyone who frequents this blog can get. They rented a car from Hertz. And Herts wrote to them to say the car was missing. | It seemed like Hertz really got this under control, after bringing in Palantir to help track its rental fleet. So it was pretty jarring to me that a reader recently received the scariest letter than anyone who frequents this blog can get. They rented a car from Hertz. And Herts wrote to them to say the car was missing. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Charged Presidents Circle Member $277 For Not Filling Gas Tank On A Tesla, Won’t Remove Fees == | == Hertz Charged Presidents Circle Member $277 For Not Filling Gas Tank On A Tesla, Won’t Remove Fees == | ||
| - | Gary Leff - May 9, 2024 | + | Gary Leff - May 9, 2024 |
| A Hertz Presidents Circle customer was charged a fee of $277.39 for not filling up the gas on a Tesla model 3 in Los Angeles. This is an obvious, impossible claim because it’s a Tesla that doesn’t run on gas. But Hertz customer service is so bad, that they kept doubling down saying that there’s ‘nothing they can do’ about the charge. | A Hertz Presidents Circle customer was charged a fee of $277.39 for not filling up the gas on a Tesla model 3 in Los Angeles. This is an obvious, impossible claim because it’s a Tesla that doesn’t run on gas. But Hertz customer service is so bad, that they kept doubling down saying that there’s ‘nothing they can do’ about the charge. | ||
| Line 2738: | Line 2586: | ||
| * And there is no fuel tank to fill on a Tesla EV. Prepaid fuel is based on the capacity of the gas tank being filled, and that amount here should be zero. | * And there is no fuel tank to fill on a Tesla EV. Prepaid fuel is based on the capacity of the gas tank being filled, and that amount here should be zero. | ||
| - | |||
| - | </ | ||
| Here’s what Hertz customer service had to say though, | Here’s what Hertz customer service had to say though, | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| - | I am unable to provide an adjustment or refund since the service was provided and contract is closed. Your signed rental agreement will also be our basis that you are fully aware of the fuel option that was added on the contract. I hope I was able to clarify this with you. Thank you for allowing me to review and assist you with your concern. | + | |
| - | </ | + | |
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Charges Tesla Model 3 Renter $277 Fee for Gas, Won’t Back Down [Update] == | == Hertz Charges Tesla Model 3 Renter $277 Fee for Gas, Won’t Back Down [Update] == | ||
| Line 2761: | Line 2605: | ||
| When Lee made his reservation—the receipts for which were seen and confirmed by The Drive—he paid for the "Skip the Pump and Save Time" option, which allows customers to bring their rental cars back without refilling the gas tank. So even if he was driving a car that took gasoline, he shouldn' | When Lee made his reservation—the receipts for which were seen and confirmed by The Drive—he paid for the "Skip the Pump and Save Time" option, which allows customers to bring their rental cars back without refilling the gas tank. So even if he was driving a car that took gasoline, he shouldn' | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz Charging a Tesla Renter for Gas Was Not an Isolated Incident == | == Hertz Charging a Tesla Renter for Gas Was Not an Isolated Incident == | ||
| Line 2775: | Line 2619: | ||
| It's no isolated incident either, as other customers have written in to inform us that it happened to them, too. | It's no isolated incident either, as other customers have written in to inform us that it happened to them, too. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == ‘They also told me I’d be liable’: Woman says Hertz rental car broke down on side of road, company refused to pick her up == | == ‘They also told me I’d be liable’: Woman says Hertz rental car broke down on side of road, company refused to pick her up == | ||
| Line 2797: | Line 2641: | ||
| Unfazed, Bellair said she refilled the car’s coolant. She included a photo of said coolant at the store. “Me being the mechanic that I am, I bought some coolant,” she said. | Unfazed, Bellair said she refilled the car’s coolant. She included a photo of said coolant at the store. “Me being the mechanic that I am, I bought some coolant,” she said. | ||
| - | She also contacted Hertz so that it could tow the car. | + | She also contacted Hertz so that it could tow the car. |
| - | + | ||
| - | https:// | + | |
| + | [[https:// | ||
| == Hertz Nightmare: Customer Fined $436 Before They Even Rented The Car == | == Hertz Nightmare: Customer Fined $436 Before They Even Rented The Car == | ||
| - | Gary Leff - June 16, 2024 | + | Gary Leff - June 16, 2024 |
| A Hertz customer accomplished a new feat in the annals of rental car company disservice, actually being charged for a red light ticket before even renting the vehicle. | A Hertz customer accomplished a new feat in the annals of rental car company disservice, actually being charged for a red light ticket before even renting the vehicle. | ||
| They rented the vehicle on May 15th at the Calgary Airport for a period of six days, starting at 10:30 p.m. However the agent at the airport logged the rental as starting at 10:30 a.m. | They rented the vehicle on May 15th at the Calgary Airport for a period of six days, starting at 10:30 p.m. However the agent at the airport logged the rental as starting at 10:30 a.m. | ||
| - | |||
| They were hit with an extra day’s charge, beyond the period they actually had the car for | They were hit with an extra day’s charge, beyond the period they actually had the car for | ||
| Line 2815: | Line 2657: | ||
| And the previous renter “ran a red light at 2:33pm.” But since the system now saw them as having the car at the time, their credit card was hit with $436.50 for the bill. | And the previous renter “ran a red light at 2:33pm.” But since the system now saw them as having the car at the time, their credit card was hit with $436.50 for the bill. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Renting from Hertz? Here’s How to Protect Yourself From Their Costly And Criminal Mistakes == | == Renting from Hertz? Here’s How to Protect Yourself From Their Costly And Criminal Mistakes == | ||
| - | Gary Leff =- August 22, 2024 | + | Gary Leff =- August 22, 2024 |
| - | Between customers getting fined before even picking up their vehicles, charging customers who rent Teslas for failing to refill the gas, and sending innocent customers to jail it’s amazing they’re still in business. If you get hit with a $500 bill from their toll-tracking scam you’re lucky. | + | Between customers getting fined before even picking up their vehicles, charging customers who rent Teslas for failing to refill the gas, and sending innocent customers to jail it’s amazing they’re still in business. If you get hit with a $500 bill from their toll-tracking scam you’re lucky. |
| Yet people keep renting cars from them. So here’s finally some advice on how to do so without ending up in jail as their next victim, or at least one way you may be able to see an early warning signal that this could happen to you. | Yet people keep renting cars from them. So here’s finally some advice on how to do so without ending up in jail as their next victim, or at least one way you may be able to see an early warning signal that this could happen to you. | ||
| Line 2829: | Line 2671: | ||
| One elite member chalked up 4 arrests spending 30 days in jail, where she suffered a miscarriage. And a father and daughter were held at gunpoint and arrested for renting from Hertz. | One elite member chalked up 4 arrests spending 30 days in jail, where she suffered a miscarriage. And a father and daughter were held at gunpoint and arrested for renting from Hertz. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz “Unlimited” Miles Rental: $10K Charge For Driving Too Much? == | == Hertz “Unlimited” Miles Rental: $10K Charge For Driving Too Much? == | ||
| Line 2839: | Line 2681: | ||
| Even after that, there’s no shortage of Hertz behaving horribly, like calling the cops on a Puerto Rican for not being American. Here’s the latest example of Hertz’s questionable behavior… | Even after that, there’s no shortage of Hertz behaving horribly, like calling the cops on a Puerto Rican for not being American. Here’s the latest example of Hertz’s questionable behavior… | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz is sorry for charging a customer $10,000 and threatening to have him arrested == | == Hertz is sorry for charging a customer $10,000 and threatening to have him arrested == | ||
| Line 2857: | Line 2699: | ||
| “No, unlimited is 100,000 miles,” the customer says. | “No, unlimited is 100,000 miles,” the customer says. | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Hertz AI Scanner Charges $350 for Tiny ‘Dings’ on Rental and This Is Going Off the Rails == | == Hertz AI Scanner Charges $350 for Tiny ‘Dings’ on Rental and This Is Going Off the Rails == | ||
| Line 2871: | Line 2713: | ||
| If you followed our last story involving the wheel scuff, you know that UVeye—the firm that produces and operates the scanners—and Hertz like to secure payment of these fees as quickly as possible. They do this by discounting the charge if the customer admits fault and pays within seven days. Foley said that Hertz offered to knock $65 off the bill if he paid immediately. Furthermore, | If you followed our last story involving the wheel scuff, you know that UVeye—the firm that produces and operates the scanners—and Hertz like to secure payment of these fees as quickly as possible. They do this by discounting the charge if the customer admits fault and pays within seven days. Foley said that Hertz offered to knock $65 off the bill if he paid immediately. Furthermore, | ||
| - | https:// | + | [[https:// |
| == Nancy Mace Hitches Her Wagon to the Hertz AI-Scanner Controversy == | == Nancy Mace Hitches Her Wagon to the Hertz AI-Scanner Controversy == | ||
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| According to The New York Post, “dozens” of Hertz customers have complained about the company’s AI scanners, with many claiming they’re being sent huge bills for minor scuffs and scrapes. On Reddit, the scanners have also gotten a lot of hate. | According to The New York Post, “dozens” of Hertz customers have complained about the company’s AI scanners, with many claiming they’re being sent huge bills for minor scuffs and scrapes. On Reddit, the scanners have also gotten a lot of hate. | ||
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| ====== Manufacturer ====== | ====== Manufacturer ====== | ||
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| While the vehicle has only been on sale for slightly over a month, Ford Motor says the compact truck – about the length of a Toyota full-size sedan but priced at far less than that and many other smaller cars – is already succeeding in attracting new, younger and more cost-conscious buyers like the Phillips’. | While the vehicle has only been on sale for slightly over a month, Ford Motor says the compact truck – about the length of a Toyota full-size sedan but priced at far less than that and many other smaller cars – is already succeeding in attracting new, younger and more cost-conscious buyers like the Phillips’. | ||
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| ===== Mazda ===== | ===== Mazda ===== | ||
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| Assembling the portable Mazda suitcase car could take around a minute. Workers turned the front wheel to an upright position through the removable section, and they inserted the rear wheels. Then, they attached the seat above the rear axle. In the end, the vehicle weighed 32 kilos while the engine pushed it to a top speed of 30 km/h, or 19 mph. The concept automobile shared traits with earlier Mazda vehicles because it had three wheels, like the Mazda-Go from 1931, which was a motor rickshaw sold in Japan. Then, there’s the low center of gravity, which was found in the previous MX-5 roadster. So far, the portable Mazda suitcase car has never made it to production. | Assembling the portable Mazda suitcase car could take around a minute. Workers turned the front wheel to an upright position through the removable section, and they inserted the rear wheels. Then, they attached the seat above the rear axle. In the end, the vehicle weighed 32 kilos while the engine pushed it to a top speed of 30 km/h, or 19 mph. The concept automobile shared traits with earlier Mazda vehicles because it had three wheels, like the Mazda-Go from 1931, which was a motor rickshaw sold in Japan. Then, there’s the low center of gravity, which was found in the previous MX-5 roadster. So far, the portable Mazda suitcase car has never made it to production. | ||
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| ====== Pickup Trucks ====== | ====== Pickup Trucks ====== | ||
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| Why it matters: Sales of these huge trucks are sustaining carmakers, bringing in record profits they can use to develop expensive technologies like electrification and automation that will drive the industry in the future. | Why it matters: Sales of these huge trucks are sustaining carmakers, bringing in record profits they can use to develop expensive technologies like electrification and automation that will drive the industry in the future. | ||
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| - | Yet pedestrian and road safety advocates say today' | + | |
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| In the 1980s, about half of pickup trucks were categorized as small or midsize, but by the 2010s small pickups had nearly vanished and fullsize trucks dominated. Today, midsize trucks are making a comeback, but fullsize still make up a majority of sales. | In the 1980s, about half of pickup trucks were categorized as small or midsize, but by the 2010s small pickups had nearly vanished and fullsize trucks dominated. Today, midsize trucks are making a comeback, but fullsize still make up a majority of sales. | ||
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| ====== Speed / Speeding ====== | ====== Speed / Speeding ====== | ||
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| No one likes to get a speeding ticket, but police hand out citations thousands of times a day throughout the United States. In El Paso, along Delta Drive, law enforcement issued 136 speeding citations to drivers in just six days, in an effort to stop speeding along Delta Drive, where many locals had complained about cars passing by at dangerous speeds. After the six-day citation spree, the police department claimed on their twitter to have successfully slowed down the cars. | No one likes to get a speeding ticket, but police hand out citations thousands of times a day throughout the United States. In El Paso, along Delta Drive, law enforcement issued 136 speeding citations to drivers in just six days, in an effort to stop speeding along Delta Drive, where many locals had complained about cars passing by at dangerous speeds. After the six-day citation spree, the police department claimed on their twitter to have successfully slowed down the cars. | ||
| - | + | A month after this, Strong Towns member and El Paso Community College civil engineering student, Zachary Staggs, wondered if the speed trap really did put a stop to speeding. | |
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| - | A month after this, Strong Towns member and El Paso Community College civil engineering student, Zachary Staggs, wondered if the speed trap really did put a stop to speeding. | + | |
| Strong Towns member Zachary Staggs poses with the radar gun he used for this speed study. (Source: Zachary Staggs.) | Strong Towns member Zachary Staggs poses with the radar gun he used for this speed study. (Source: Zachary Staggs.) | ||
| - | Deciding to conduct a speed study, Staggs placed himself in an inconspicuous spot away from school zones or intersections that may have influenced the results. He spent two hours tracking oncoming traffic speed from both directions to collect the study data. | + | Deciding to conduct a speed study, Staggs placed himself in an inconspicuous spot away from school zones or intersections that may have influenced the results. He spent two hours tracking oncoming traffic speed from both directions to collect the study data. |
| “My takeaway is that whatever the police did, it didn't work,” said Staggs. “At all.” | “My takeaway is that whatever the police did, it didn't work,” said Staggs. “At all.” | ||
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| == Are road speed limits based on safety? == | == Are road speed limits based on safety? == | ||
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| One of my friends recently told me that they had been caught by a speed camera and made to go through the National Speed Awareness Course, an alternative to having points put on your driving licence and potentially losing it. He attended the course, but found the course leaders unable to answer any basic questions regarding the reasoning for the choices of National Speed Limits. What was the reasoning behind the choice of our National Speed Limits? Why do other countries have higher, or no speed limits? Surely one could drive more dangerously while going slowly by swerving than while going fast? Who is the arbiter of what constitutes reckless driving? | One of my friends recently told me that they had been caught by a speed camera and made to go through the National Speed Awareness Course, an alternative to having points put on your driving licence and potentially losing it. He attended the course, but found the course leaders unable to answer any basic questions regarding the reasoning for the choices of National Speed Limits. What was the reasoning behind the choice of our National Speed Limits? Why do other countries have higher, or no speed limits? Surely one could drive more dangerously while going slowly by swerving than while going fast? Who is the arbiter of what constitutes reckless driving? | ||
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transportation/autos.1773782285.txt.gz · Last modified: by timb