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Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHow Toyota took on America's trucksThe pickup truck segment is perhaps Detroit's last stronghold in the U.S. auto market, with the Ford, Chevrolet, GMC and RAM brands leading or outright dominating three out of four pickup segments. But the midsize Toyota Tacoma has had the longest-running tenure in that segment where it outsells all rivals by a large margin. But Tacoma is facing fresh challenges in the next few years, from foreign names such as Hyundai and Volkswagen to legacy U.S. automakers to EV makers like Rivian and Tesla.

Organizations: Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota Tacoma, Tacoma, Hyundai, Volkswagen, U.S, EV Locations: U.S

☆ How Toyota's Tacoma became king of the U.S. midsize truck market
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-18 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The American pickup truck market is dominated by domestic brands, primarily Ford , Chevrolet , GMC and Ram . But the Toyota Tacoma shows how a foreign automaker can find and control a niche within that market. Toyota introduced the Tacoma in 1995 as a successor to the Toyota Pickup, famously known as the Hilux elsewhere in the world. What's more, of the some seven models in the midsize segment, Tacoma is the only one that comes with a long bed. Watch the video to learn more about how the Tacoma has stayed atop the midsize truck segment, and how it is working to meet the challenge of an expanding market.

Persons: Edmunds Organizations: Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Toyota Tacoma, GM, Toyota, Tacoma, Toyota Pickup, Ford Motor, Chevrolet Colorado, U.S . Locations: Ram . U.S, America, U.S, Chevrolet Colorado, Tacoma

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWhy Detroit failed in ChinaDetroit automakers like General Motors made a fortune selling cars to Chinese consumers after the Asian country opened its auto market. But Chinese firms have caught up with top names like BYD, Geely and Great Wall. Tech companies are jumping in too, including Li Auto, XPeng, Nio, Xiaomi, Huawei, Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba. One industry analyst said he expects Ford and GM to withdraw from the country in the next five years along with others such as Hyundai, Kia and Nissan.

Persons: General Motors, Li Auto Organizations: Detroit, China Detroit, General, Wall . Tech, Li, Huawei, Baidu, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan Locations: China

☆ How American carmakers lost ground in China
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

American automakers and their non-Chinese counterparts are fighting an existential battle, as local rivals in China outpace them. GM's sales in China, including those of joint ventures it maintains in the country, have fallen from a high of 4 million vehicles in 2017 to 2.1 million in 2023. Several factors have contributed to the decline of U.S. automakers in China. That's precisely why American automakers shouldn't give up on China despite the U.S. companies' sales setbacks, according to Bill Russo, a former Chrysler executive who runs Automobility, a consulting firm in Shanghai. "If you don't compete in China, then what are you going to do when China shows up in your backyard?"

Persons: Michael Dunne, Dunne, Berkshire Hathaway, —, shouldn't, Bill Russo, Russo, haven't Organizations: U.S, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Lotus, Volvo, Berkshire, Huawei, Chrysler Locations: China, U.S, Sweden, Shanghai

☆ Why car insurance costs are skyrocketing and leading to higher inflation
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

RobertCrum | Getty ImagesDETROIT – Skyrocketing auto insurance costs helped contribute to inflation accelerating at a faster-than-expected pace in March and are adding to the ever more expensive costs for U.S. vehicle owners. Auto insurance costs have been on the rise for some time, growing every month as part of the index since December 2021. However, auto insurance remains a small portion of the CPI, with a 2.85% weighting. watch nowThe insurance cost increases on inflation come more than two years after the Biden administration largely blamed used car prices for pushing inflation higher in January 2022. The cost of vehicle insurance — which is mandatory in almost every state — varies by provider, driver, coverage and location.

Persons: Sean Tucker, Kelley, David Sampson, Sampson, Biden, Mitchell, Power, —, it's, Price, Mark Garrett, — CNBC's Robert Ferris, Jeff Cox Organizations: Getty, DETROIT, U.S, Auto, U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics, American, Casualty Insurance Association, CNBC, Progressive, Power's U.S . Auto Insurance, State Farm, Liberty Mutual Locations: U.S, Power's U.S, Geico, .

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWhy hybrid sales are surgingAs of early 2024, EV sales are leveling off and hybrids are making a comeback. Automakers such as Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai and General Motors are all pulling back on EV production or boosting hybrid manufacture, or both. Toyota and Honda are seeing sales jump. The vast majority of hybrids are standard - with an engine and backup battery. Automakers such as GM are reintroducing them to North America.

Organizations: Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, General Motors, Toyota, Honda Locations: North America

☆ Why hybrid sales surge as EV sales flatten
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

After years of being overshadowed by flashy electric vehicles from Tesla and others, the hybrid — a gas sipper that has both an engine and an electric motor — is back in the spotlight. Hybrid sales grew five times faster than EV sales in February 2024, according to Morgan Stanley. But soon after that, Tesla sparked EV mania with its sleek, quick electric Roadster and Model S, shoving the hybrid to the margins. About two years later, sales of hybrids and plug-ins increased nearly 28% over the previous year. Toyota is not the only one capitalizing on hybrid sales.

Persons: Edmunds, Morgan Stanley, Tesla, Ford, Mary Barra Organizations: EV, Toyota Prius, Hollywood, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, General Motors, International Council, Clean Transportation Locations: Tesla, U.S, Edmunds, Georgia, North America

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe rapid rise of Chinese electric vehicle maker BYDWarren Buffet-backed BYD dethroned Tesla in the fourth quarter of 2023 as the world's top electric vehicle maker, selling more battery-powered vehicles than its U.S. rival. The Chinese carmaker is showing no signs of slowing down, becoming the top brand in China and growing exports by 334% last year. CNBC explores whether BYD can sustain its relentless growth and if it may one day enter the U.S. market.

Persons: Warren, BYD, Tesla Organizations: CNBC Locations: U.S, China

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHere's why tire companies love EVsThe tire business is a business of low growth, low margins and extreme competition. Tire makers are at the mercy of of raw material prices. And about half of customers are largely indifferent to the brand of tires they buy. But industry analysts say EVs provide tire makers with the biggest growth opportunity they have seen in decades. AlixPartners estimates that tires on EVs require 20 percent more frequent replacement and can cost 50 percent more.

Persons: Price

☆ Why EVs are causing a tire boom
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

With their heavy weight and quick acceleration, EVs tend to burn through tires about 20% faster than internal combustion vehicles do, according to AlixPartners. Other technical challenges include dampening tire noise, which is a lot more noticeable in the cabin of an otherwise silent EV, and improving an EV's range. Michelin research shows tire selection can impact an EV's range by 10% to 15%. Currently only about half of buyers do, according to Northcoast Research estimates. "If EV does kind of evolve and proliferate through the car population like some think, it may bring about what I call the gold rush for tire manufacturers," said John Healy, an analyst with Northcoast Research.

Persons: John Healy Organizations: Michelin, Northcoast Research

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHere's how Hyundai became the third-largest automakerHyundai Motor Group is the third-largest automaker in the world by volume. In the 90s, it suffered low sales and a poor reputation. Now its three auto brands — Hyundai, Kia and Genesis — are some of the top-selling cars and winning awards for great quality and performance. While Tesla dominates EV sales, Hyundai and Kia are close behind. But the company has faced setbacks: a plague of thefts, millions of vehicles at risk of catching fire, a looming union push and a snub from the U.S. government.

Organizations: Hyundai, Hyundai Motor, Kia, EV, U.S .

☆ How Hyundai Motor Group became the world's third-largest automaker
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Hyundai Motor Group is the world's third-largest automaker in the world by volume — but it wasn't always so. The three auto brands in the automaker's stable — Hyundai, Kia and Genesis — are nipping at the heels of well-established competitors, and winning an ever-growing list of industry awards. Tesla still dominates the electric vehicle industry, but Hyundai Motor Group is the second best-selling EV manufacturer in the U.S."On the electrification side, Hyundai has done a really great job," said Sam Abuelsamid, principal research analyst at Guidehouse Insights. "I think Hyundai Motor Group isn't a car company," said Jose Munoz, the global president and chief operating officer at Hyundai. Watch the video to learn more about how Hyundai became the third-largest global automaker.

Persons: William Barnett, Tesla, Sam Abuelsamid, They've, Jose Munoz Organizations: Hyundai Motor, Hyundai, Kia, American, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Guidehouse, United Auto Workers Locations: America, U.S, Singapore

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe surprising success of Monster Energy drinksMonster Beverage Corporation, also known as "Monster," is the best-performing stock in 30 years, even over tech giants Google, Apple, Nvidia and Microsoft. Its slow and steady growth can be attributed to strong leadership, a smart marketing strategy and a partnership with one of the biggest beverage distributors in the world, The Coca-Cola Company.

Organizations: Monster Energy, Monster Beverage Corporation, Google, Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Cola Company

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailCar ownership is getting more expensive due to rising repair costsAuto repair costs have been rising for years. Experts say it's likely a mix of factors: heavier, faster and more complex vehicles, riskier driving behavior, new technology and labor and supply shortages. Repair shop owners say they can't find enough technicians despite paying six-figure salaries. As technology marches on, and fancy cutting-edge EVs fill roads, consumers hear horror stories about huge repair bills. But insiders say there's reason to be optimistic.

Organizations: Auto

☆ Car repairs are getting more expensive. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Your eyes aren't fooling you — your car repair bill really is getting more expensive. Repair costs are rising relative to the overall rate of inflation. Motor vehicle maintenance and repair costs increased 4.1% per year from November 2013 to November 2023, compared with just 2.8% for the overall consumer price index. Meanwhile, talent to repair cars is scarce. Many in the auto space think costs can't continue to rise at these rates.

Persons: David Goldsmith, Mitchell, hasn't, Matt Moore, Goldsmith, Ryan Mandell, Mandell, Alan Amici Organizations: Urban, Data, Insurance Institute for Highway, Mitchell, Technicians, Center for Automotive Research Locations: Brooklyn, New York City, U.S

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailLas Vegas has invested billions to become a sports and entertainment hubLas Vegas has slowly transformed into more than just a gambling stopover. With a massive investment into professional sports and an entertainment scene, Sin City has become a global destination hub. Its latest offerings include a new entertainment arena, the Sphere; Allegiant Stadium, which hosts the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders; F1; and other major professional sports teams. Now it's hosting Super Bowl 58.

Organizations: Vegas, Las Vegas Raiders Locations: Vegas, Sin City

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHow Amazon is breaking into car sales with HyundaiAmazon is piloting a program to allow dealers to sell cars through Amazon's website. The plan is to ultimately offer Amazon customers the same experience they have buying just about everything else. The program will begin with Hyundai vehicles but will open to other brands before the end of 2024. But selling cars online poses challenges - such as valuing trade-ins and complying with regulations. Among dealers, the project has inspired enthusiasm, skepticism and fear.

Organizations: Hyundai Amazon, Hyundai

☆ Amazon wants to shape the future of car-buying. Dealers are skeptical
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The total addressable market for new and used car sales in the U.S. is estimated to be somewhere between $2.5 trillion and $3 trillion, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. Last month, the company officially began its pilot program to allow a small number of Hyundai dealers to sell vehicles through the Amazon platform to employees only. Companies like Carvana have brought used car sales totally online. So far, Amazon's program is small, but dealers are watching. Some are skeptical that Amazon will be able to overcome the challenges that have stymied other companies.

Persons: Jeff Dyke, Chris Sutton, hasn't, Dyke, they've Organizations: National Automobile Dealers Association, Automobiles, Sonic Automotive Locations: U.S, .

☆ Why experts say falling EV prices could actually hinder widespread adoption
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-08 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Prices of used electric vehicles are down roughly 30% year over year, according to market research studies using data from September and October. The cheaper prices might bode well for buyers, but they raise concerns that low resale values could hurt EV adoption among mainstream consumers. The falling prices also add fuel to a debate over whether EV demand is faltering. "The mainstream appeal of these cars is still not there," said Karl Brauer, executive analyst for iSeeCars, a search engine for used cars. Edmunds, which provides a range of automotive data services, said in its Q3 2023 Used Vehicle Report that "the low resale values for used EVs could become a major deterrent to new EV purchases and EV adoption more broadly."

Persons: bode, Karl Brauer, They're, they've, Scott Case, Edmunds Organizations: iSeeCars

☆ How a specialty vehicle manufacturer is electrifying firetrucks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Pierce has already delivered its Volterra electric firetruck to numerous fire departments across the country and has more on the way. Mail truck? Oshkosh makes them all, along with airport emergency vehicles, tow trucks, concrete mixers, truck-mounted cranes, military vehicles and others. The company makes an electric firetruck called the Volterra and is electrifying other vehicles in other departments. The postal truck is designed so that internal combustion versions can be retrofitted with battery electric technology.

Persons: Pierce Organizations: Oshkosh Corporation, The, Oshkosh, United States Postal Service Locations: North America, The Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Volterra

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAmerica's firetrucks are becoming electrified. Here's howOshkosh Corporation is an $8.3 billion maker of firetrucks, tactical vehicles, news vans, mail trucks and construction lifts, among other things. Its Pierce brand is the largest maker of firetrucks in North America. Between 2012 and 2021, home fires alone took nearly 3,000 lives, caused more than 11,000 injuries and nearly $9 trillion in damage. It won a $3 billion contract to build the next generation USPS delivery truck.

Persons: Pierce Organizations: Oshkosh Corporation, USPS Locations: Oshkosh, North America

☆ Why dealers say EV sales have slowed
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

And yet, electric vehicles are piling up at dealership lots. EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) inventory started the year off at about 52 days' supply, according to Cox Automotive. In the case of a 52 days' supply, if automakers were to stop producing cars today, dealers would be able to keep selling cars for about that number of days before running out. Since January, EV days' supply has skyrocketed while ICE supplies have hovered between 52 and 58 days. EV supply at the start of October was 97 days, down from the peak inventory of around 111 days during early July.

Persons: Tesla, you'll, Jeff Aiosa Organizations: Cox Automotive, EV, ICE, Ford, Insiders, Mercedes, Benz Locations: U.S, EVs, New London , Connecticut

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWhy EV sales have slowedIn October 2023, it took nearly twice as long to sell an EV in the U.S. as it did in January. Prices of EVs are down 22% year-over-year and that's mainly driven by Tesla. About two thirds of total EVs sold are from Elon Musk's brand. Companies like Ford have ramped up hybrid production as demand for electric has leveled off. While slightly more than half of consumers say EVs are the future and will eventually replace ICE vehicles, less than a third of dealers say so.

Persons: EVs, what's Organizations: Tesla, Elon Musk's, Companies, Ford, ICE Locations: U.S

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHere's why Tesla is at the center of the UAW strikesThousands of workers are striking the big three Detroit auto manufacturers Ford, GM and Stellantis. The strikes are unlike any other in recent American auto history. Even United Auto Workers' president Shawn Fain calls the demands audacious. Legacy carmakers already struggle to compete with Tesla's manufacturing costs and selling price. So are Elon Musk and Tesla the strikes' big winners?

Persons: Tesla, Shawn Fain, carmakers, Elon Organizations: UAW, Detroit, Ford, GM, United Auto Workers

☆ How Tesla is at the center of the UAW strikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The UAW strikes hitting the Detroit Three automakers — GM , Ford and Stellantis — could widen the electric vehicle gap between them and Tesla, which already controls 60 percent of the EV market. The three Detroit automakers all use union labor, and those workers are represented by the United Auto Workers union — Tesla does not. Already, industry insiders say labor costs at GM, Ford and Stellantis are considerably higher than they are at the electric car maker. But Tesla workers have attempted to unionize its factories in the past. While attempts have so far been unsuccessful, recent polls show about two-thirds of Americans are supportive of unions.

Persons: Stellantis, Tesla Organizations: UAW, Detroit Three, — GM, Ford, Detroit, United Auto Workers, GM

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