The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a new rule aimed at addressing two prevalent illegal tactics that consumers often face when buying a car: bait-and-switch tactics and hidden junk fees. These deceptive practices cost…
How Automakers’ Data Collection Practices Impact Car Insurance Rates and Consumer Privacy
Kenn Dahl, a 65-year-old software company owner from Seattle, was surprised when the cost of his car insurance spiked by 21% in 2022. As someone who considered himself a careful driver and had never caused…
EPA Report Reveals Automakers Fall Short on Carbon Emission Reductions and Fuel Efficiency Gains
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Automotive Trends Report released on December 20, 2023, automakers are making minimal strides in reducing carbon emissions and improving fuel efficiency. The 2022 new vehicle fleet showed only…
How the Lack of Competition in the Auto Industry Drives Up Car Prices in America
The American automotive industry had a profound impact on the domestic economy throughout the 20th century, particularly during the boom-and-bust cycles. The annual sales of new cars served as a reliable indicator of the nation’s…
How Lobbying and Investments Are Shaping the Future of Electric Vehicles and Emissions Policies
In 2023, as electric vehicle (EV) sales surged, the automotive industry ramped up its federal lobbying efforts, spending a record $85.8 million. This marked a continuous increase in lobbying expenditures since 2020. By the first…
Are Hybrid Cars the True Compromise for the U.S.? Benefits Of A Hybrid Powertrain
The ongoing debate about the best path to a sustainable automotive future has led to a critical question: are hybrid cars the true compromise for the U.S.? With a blend of traditional internal combustion engines…
Why the U.S. Auto Market Favors Big Brands Over Innovation
The U.S. auto market has long been dominated by established brands, with companies like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler holding significant market share. While these big brands have a strong presence and loyal customer base,…
Should Speed Limits Be Abolished to Improve Road Safety in the U.S. and Reduce Fatalities?
The United States is often viewed as a country highly reliant on automobiles, driven by the prevalence of suburban living, lower population density, and a culture valuing individual independence. Unlike densely populated areas in Europe…
The Issue of Unethical Labor in EV Battery Supply Chains
The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has highlighted significant ethical concerns within the supply chains of the batteries that power them. These batteries, primarily lithium-ion, rely on minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel,…
Why U.S. Automakers Continue to Push Oversized Vehicles Despite Safety Risks
Low-slung station wagons have all but disappeared from American roads, and even sedans are becoming increasingly rare. Bulky SUVs and pickup trucks, which have themselves grown larger over time, now account for more than four…
Trump Administration Tariffs To Drive Car Prices Up Leading To Auto Industry Disruption
Experts have warned that Donald Trump’s proposed tariff increase could result in significant financial and logistical challenges for both car buyers and manufacturers. The U.S. president has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods…
Should Cars Be Banned in Major U.S. Cities to Boost Public Transit?
In many developed countries, automobiles dominate the roads. In the United States, in particular, city planning prioritizes moving cars as efficiently as possible, often neglecting infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation. A clear example of…
The Auto Industry’s Role in Blocking Cycling Infrastructure in the USA
The growth of cycling as a mode of transportation offers numerous benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improved public health. However, the development of cycling infrastructure in the USA has faced significant…
Hidden Costs of Buying a Car That Affect Your Loan and How to Minimize Them
When buying a car, hidden costs often accompany the advertised price, affecting the total cost of your loan. While some costs, like sales tax, are unavoidable, others can be minimized with proper understanding. These costs…
Should Car Insurance in the U.S. Be Based on Driving Behavior Alone?
Car insurance companies promote telematics programs which track your driving behavior using a mobile app or a device installed in your car as a way to encourage safer driving habits. In return, drivers can save…
Reducing Car Dependence and Addressing Inequity Through Walkable Urban Design
There has been a growing movement advocating for less car dependence and more walkable urban areas. Many people, particularly those with health or mobility challenges, may initially resist the idea of giving up their cars,…
The Impact of EV Charging Stations on Rural Communities
The introduction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in rural communities marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions. While urban areas have seen rapid growth in EV infrastructure, rural regions…
How the Oil Industry Blocked Clean Energy Growth While Benefiting from Billions in Government Subsidies
For over half a century, the oil industry has actively opposed government support for clean technologies, despite benefiting from substantial subsidies itself. This longstanding resistance has occurred even as governments have poured billions into subsidizing…
Will Gas Cars Lose Value and Become Obsolete as EV Adoption and Government Regulations Accelerate?
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly popular. Over the past decade, EVs have moved from being niche products to mainstream contenders, driven by technological advances, environmental concerns,…
How Autonomous Cars Could Worsen Traffic Problems in American Cities
Self-driving cabs may function acceptably on the wide, sunlit grid roads of the American South, but even in this relatively simple environment, they frequently struggle. Would you trust them to navigate Bealach na Bà in…
Why Tesla’s Dominance Could Hurt Competition in the U.S. Auto Market
Tesla has long been a dominant force in the electric vehicle (EV) market, captivating consumers worldwide with its sleek designs and cutting-edge technology. However, there are growing indications that this dominance may be waning as…
Rising EV Adoption Faces Major Infrastructure Challenges as Charging Demand and Grid Strain Continue to Grow
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is accelerating rapidly, with sales reaching record highs in 2022 and projected to continue growing exponentially. Factors such as increasing affordability, improving technology, and strong policy support are driving this…
Are Driverless Cars a Danger to American Jobs?
The advent of driverless cars, or autonomous vehicles (AVs), heralds a new era of technological innovation and promises significant benefits such as improved safety, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced mobility. However, alongside these potential advantages…
How Automakers Manipulate Fuel Efficiency Numbers in the USA
The manipulation of fuel efficiency numbers by automakers in the USA has been a contentious issue for decades. While advancements in technology have led to more fuel-efficient vehicles, some manufacturers have been accused of using…
Is Car Maintenance More Expensive in the USA Than It Should Be?
Car maintenance is an inevitable part of vehicle ownership, but many Americans find themselves questioning whether the costs are higher than they should be. With the average annual maintenance and repair costs for a car…