Author: Lawrence K. Jacobs

FYI: Auto Industry Faces Challenges as Market Adjusts to Sluggish Sales and High Prices Investors Push Down Automaker Shares Following Q2 Earnings Reports DETROIT — Shares of major automakers plummeted this week after second-quarter earnings exposed widespread issues of sluggish sales and elevated prices across the industry. Automakers are pouring billions into the development of both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles, straining finances amidst disappointing sales. Dealer Lots Overflow as Discounts Rise Almost all auto manufacturers are wrestling with similar challenges: burgeoning dealership inventories necessitate increased discounts to attract buyers constrained by tight budgets. Ford Motor Co. experienced the brunt of…

FYI: The 2025 Corvette ZR1 roars into the market with new updates for all trim levels, revamped colors, and enhanced interiors. Chevrolet’s 2025 Corvette Lineup: Maximum Performance and Fresh Aesthetics Chevrolet is making waves with the official announcement of the 2025 Corvette ZR1. But let’s not overlook the exciting updates coming to the other popular trims in the Corvette lineup: the Stingray, E-Ray, and Z06. Fresh Color Palette and Updated Exterior Options For the Corvette’s 2025 model year, Chevrolet introduces three dynamic new colors to the exterior palette: Competition Yellow Tintcoat Metallic, Hysteria Purple Metallic, and the return of Sebring…

FYI: An increasing number of new RV owners are hitting the roads in states like Texas, California, and Florida, driving the trend of off-grid living and adventure travel. The next time you find yourself exasperated behind a sluggish RV on the highway, take solace in the fact that you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by RV Trader, the most popular cities and states for new RV buyers reveal a familiar pattern, especially if you live or drive frequently in these areas. Indeed, Texas, California, and Florida top the list, with Washington, Michigan, and Pennsylvania not far behind. The…

FYI: The 2024 Ford Ranger has been facing significant hurdles, delaying its launch and causing issues for buyers anticipating the high-powered Ranger Raptor. — The 2024 Ford Ranger’s rough journey has made headlines ever since its US unveiling in May last year. Originally scheduled to reach dealerships by late summer or fall of 2023, the model only began appearing on lots in April 2024. Complications didn’t stop there; keen observers on the Ranger Raptor team spotted a cosmetic defect during production. According to a Ford spokesperson, the hood displayed what seemed like a dent, requiring immediate intervention. The team added…

FYI: Ford’s highly favored Mustang Mach-E lineup sees a notable price adjustment and feature enhancement for the 2024 model year. Ford Revises Mustang Mach-E Pricing and Features for 2024 The much-talked-about "mid-year price cut" has finally reached the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Back in March, Ford initially reduced the price of the 2023 model to clear out inventory and strengthen its standing in the rapidly growing EV market, holding steady in the No. 2 spot behind Tesla. However, recent dealer bulletins indicated a significant price increase for the 2024 Mustang Mach-E, raising concerns among potential buyers. Despite these notices, Ford opted…

FYI: The Lincoln Nautilus is gaining unexpected traction among younger buyers, placing it among Ad Age’s “America’s Hottest Brands” for 2024. — ## Lincoln Nautilus: A Surprising Contender Among America’s Hottest Brands In a surprising twist, the Lincoln Nautilus—a SUV model synonymous with traditional luxury—has captured the interest of younger consumers and earned a spot on Ad Age’s prestigious “America’s Hottest Brands” list for 2024. Traditionally favored by older demographics, the Nautilus is breaking new ground and drawing parallels with trending brands like Adidas and Nvidia. ### Ad Age’s Buzz-Worthy Criteria Ad Age’s annual list highlights companies and brands enjoying…

FYI: Kia has revealed updated pricing for the 2024 and 2025 Sorento models, with notable enhancements and slight price adjustments. 2024 Kia Sorento Pricing and Updates Kia unveiled the pricing for the non-hybrid 2024 Kia Sorento earlier this year, introducing a host of innovations and adjustments. The redesigned crossover now features a more striking aesthetic, an improved tech interface, additional standard amenities, and the introduction of the off-road-ready X-Pro trim level. In January, Hyundai, Kia’s parent company, implemented a second price hike for the 2024 Sorento. While the initial increase was minimal, the subsequent hike saw MSRP rising by $1,500…

FYI: The 2025 Hyundai Tucson has been revealed at the New York Auto Show, featuring a mid-cycle refresh with updates to the exterior, powertrain, and interior. 2025 Hyundai Tucson Unveiled: A Fresh Look and Tech Upgrades The 2025 Hyundai Tucson made a grand entrance at this year’s New York Auto Show, showcasing a mid-life refresh of this ever-popular two-row crossover. Hyundai has meticulously filled in the gaps from its previous model, enhancing aesthetics, technology, and functionality. Fresh Exterior Updates The 2025 Tucson boasts several exterior enhancements: New Grille and Bumpers: Revamped for a bolder look. Updated Daytime Running Lights: Larger…

FYI: The 2025 Mustang Lineup Revealed with Price Increases and Feature Tweaks The Mustang7G forums have shared the latest ordering guide for Ford’s 2025 Mustang lineup, and it’s time for Mustang enthusiasts to start padding their savings. According to various forum users who have analyzed the new GT trims, the price for the 2025 models has jumped by $4,000 to $6,000 compared to last year’s models. This adjustment comes not just from a hike in the MSRP, but also from changes in option prices. 2025 MSRP Details Below are the starting prices for the 2025 Mustang models, excluding the $1,595…

Trump Vows to End Electric Vehicle Push Amid Criticism of Biden’s Policies In a fervent nomination speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Former President Donald Trump lambasted President Joe Biden’s stance on electric vehicles, promising immediate action if he returns to office. Trump’s Stand Against Electric Vehicle Policies "We’re ending the electric vehicle mandate on day one," Trump declared, vowing to protect the American auto industry from what he termed as potential downfall. According to Trump, eliminating the perceived mandate would save American consumers thousands per vehicle. However, it’s notable that the Biden administration has not put forth…