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☆ I drove a $42,000 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. It's one of the best small SUVs I've ever tested.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Benjamin Zhang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

AdvertisementThe Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the latest entrant to the hyper-competitive compact SUV market. With one out of every five cars sold in the US this year being a compact SUV, an automaker's ability to compete in the segment is crucial to its success. Related VideoUnlike most brands, Mazda is taking on the competition with a two-headed monster consisting of its long-serving CX-5 and the recently introduced CX-50. For 2025, the Japanese automaker is adding a weapon to its arsenal with the introduction of the new CX-50 Hybrid. This will finally allow the brand to compete with established hybrid offerings like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

Persons: smartly Organizations: Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai Tucson

☆ Japan orders ‘drastic reforms’ for Toyota after fresh certification violations
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Tokyo Reuters —The Japanese government ordered Toyota Motor on Wednesday to make “drastic reforms” after discovering new violations in the automaker’s vehicle certification procedures. In a so-called corrective order, the Transport Ministry said on-site inspections had uncovered widespread, intentional misconduct and irregularities in seven additional models that had not been previously disclosed. Toyota and four other vehicle makers admitted in June they had submitted either flawed or manipulated data when applying for certification of vehicles. Toyota said it was planning to resume production of these models from the beginning of September after the Transport Ministry confirmed they met compliance requirements. The ministry said six of the seven additional Toyota models with irregularities were also certified in other countries, and it had alerted overseas authorities about the issues.

Persons: Noah, Voxy Organizations: Tokyo Reuters, Toyota Motor, Transport Ministry, Toyota, Corolla Fielder, Corolla, Lexus, Daihatsu, Lexus LM Locations: Tokyo

☆ US tells owners to stop driving older Nissan vehicles over air bag concerns
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Owners of nearly 84,000 older Nissan vehicles in the United States equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata air bags should immediately stop driving them due to a safety hazard, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday. “If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced,” NHTSA said in a statement, noting that Nissan dealers are offering free towing, mobile repair and in some places loaner vehicles. Over the past decade, more than 100 million Takata air bag inflators have been recalled worldwide - including 7 million in the United States - in the biggest auto safety callback on record. The air bag problems have been blamed on propellant that can break down after long-term exposure to high-temperature fluctuations and humidity. Toyota in January urged owners of 50,000 of its older vehicles - the 2003-2004 model year Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix and 2004-2005 RAV4 - in the United States to get immediate recall repairs because a Takata air bag inflator could explode and potentially kill motorists.

Persons: unrepaired, Stellantis, Dodge Organizations: Nissan, Traffic Safety Administration, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA, Chrysler, Toyota Locations: United States

☆ Hybrids are more popular than ever as shoppers cool on EVs
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Fewer new-car shoppers are considering EVs for their next vehicle, according to JD Power, with shoppers citing a lack of access to charging infrastructure as a main reason for ruling out EVs. Brands that have leaned into hybrids saw better sales results in February. "Hybrids are just rockin,'" Toyota Motor North America's sales chief David Christ told Automotive News after it released its sales results last week. The Toyota RAV4 SUV is one of the more popular hybrids on dealer lots. Among American brands, Ford notched a 31.5% increase in hybrid sales, as these vehicles lured more new customers to the Blue Oval.

Persons: —, Power, David Christ, Ford, Jim Baumbick Organizations: Service, Tesla, Business, Brands, Toyota, Automotive, Blue, Ford

☆ Buying a new car could cost you $7,600 a year on top of the sticker price, nearly double a decade ago
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

EdmundsThe total cost of a new F-150 over five years, including the $36,400 additional costs on top of the $48,100 sticker price, is about $85,000. That would make the total cost of the car about $91,000, including the original purchase. EdmundsThe total cost for gas and hybrid Rav4s would be about $64,300 over five years, including the original purchase price of about $35,000. Both models also have much lower depreciation than the F-150 and the Model Y, dropping about $12,300 in value over five years. AdvertisementIt's important to consider the total cost of ownership when selecting a new vehicle, which can be thousands more out of your pocket every year.

Persons: —, That's, Edmunds Organizations: Service, Business, Ford, Toyota, Tesla Locations: Edmunds

☆ Toyota recalls 280,000 vehicles because they may ‘creep forward’ in neutral
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Diksha Madhok | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New Delhi CNN —Toyota is recalling about 280,000 pickups and SUVs in the United States because the engine may not disengage entirely when in neutral. The recall includes certain Toyota Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX 600 vehicles manufactured between 2022-2024. The company will inform the owners of recalled vehicles by late April and update the software for the transmission, Toyota said. The recall is one of three in the United States that the company announced Wednesday. The recall involves 15 Toyota and Lexus models from 2020 and 2021, including the Toyota Camry, Rav4, Sienna and the Lexus RX350 and ES350.

Organizations: New, New Delhi CNN, Toyota, Sequoia, Lexus, Lexus LS, Toyota Camry, Camry, Rav4, Daihatsu Locations: New Delhi, United States, North America, Sienna

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese transport officials raided a Toyota-affiliated plant Tuesday after the company admitted to cheating on engine testing, as Toyota Motor Corp. reported it sold over 11 million vehicles in 2023 to retain its status as the world’s top car manufacturer. In April, a whistleblower exposed that Daihatsu Motor Corp., which makes small cars and is 100% owned by Toyota, had been cheating on its testing for decades. In 2022, Hino Motors, a truck maker that’s also part of the Toyota group, said it had systematically falsified emissions data dating back as far as 2003. But production has been halted on some of the models, including the 10 models affected by the latest cheating. Sato has acknowledged Toyota group companies need better communication and education about the importance of complying with rules.

Persons: Akio Toyoda, ” Toyoda, Toyoda, Sakichi Toyoda, Kiichiro Toyoda, Akio’s, Koji Sato, that’s, Sato, Daisuke Uchida, ” Uchida, “, ” ___ Yuri Kageyama Organizations: TOKYO, Toyota, Toyota Motor Corp, Toyota Industries Corp, Lexus, Volkswagen AG, Reporters, Daihatsu Motor Corp, Hino Motors, Nikkei, Toyota Industries, Cruiser, General Motors Co, Pontiac, Keio University Locations: Hekinan, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Nagoya, Tokyo, Europe, East, Africa, Asia, North America, United States, California

☆ Toyota tells drivers of 50,000 cars to get immediate repairs because their airbag inflators could explode
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewToyota has told drivers of around 50,000 of its vehicles in the US to get urgent repairs over fears that their airbag inflators could explode, causing "serious injury or death." This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Takata airbag inflators have been linked to more than 30 deaths and hundreds of injuries since 2009, and have been responsible for the largest safety recall in automotive history. AdvertisementToyota did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business, Toyota, BMW, Daihatsu

☆ Toyota is still No.1 but recalls and certification scandals add to list of problems
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Michelle Toh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The Japanese manufacturer said Tuesday it had sold a record 11.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2023, including its Daihatsu and Hino lineups. By comparison, Volkswagen Group announced earlier this month that it had delivered 9.2 million vehicles last year, up 12% compared to 2022. Volkswagen later gained on the Japanese company, unseating Toyota in 2017. That compared with 104,000 battery-powered vehicles sold by Toyota, which has long lagged behind in the global EV race. The company, which is a leader of hybrid cars, sold 3.7 million electric vehicles total in 2023 when including hybrids.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, ” Toyota, Toyota, BYD, Warren Buffett, Tesla Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong Kong CNN — Toyota, Volkswagen, Toyota, Daihatsu, Hino, Volkswagen Group, General Motors, Toyota Industries, Cruiser Locations: Hong Kong, Japan, United States, Europe, North America, China

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota is telling the owners of about 50,000 older Corolla, Corolla Matrix and RAV4 models to stop driving them because their Takata air bag inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel. The recalled RAV4s have Takata driver's air bags while the Corolla and Matrix models have them on the passenger side. The Corolla and Matrix also are under a separate recall because their air bags can be deployed without a crash, the company said. Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash. The exploding air bags sent Takata of Japan into bankruptcy.

Persons: Toyota, RAV4s, Takata inflators Organizations: DETROIT, Toyota, Corolla Locations: U.S, Malaysia, Australia, Japan

☆ UAW launches bid to organize Tesla and 'entire non-union auto sector'
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) speaks as U.S. President Joe Biden (not pictured) joins striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) on the picket line outside GM's Willow Run Distribution Center, in Belleville, Wayne County, Michigan, U.S., September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - The United Auto Workers union said on Wednesday it is launching a first-of-its-kind push to publicly organize the entire nonunion auto sector after winning new contracts with the Detroit Three automakers. "To all the auto workers out there working without the benefits of a union, now it's your turn," UAW President Shawn Fain said in a video posted on a website urging auto workers to sign electronic cards seeking union representation. "I want this type of contract for all auto workers and I have a feeling the UAW has a plan for that," he said at an event with Fain. The UAW for decades has unsuccessfully sought to organize auto factories operated by foreign automakers.

Persons: Shawn Fain, Joe Biden, Evelyn Hockstein, Fain, Tesla, Elon Musk, David Shepardson, Ben Klayman, Matthew Lewis Organizations: United Auto Workers, UAW, REUTERS, Rights, Detroit Three automakers, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes, Benz, Detroit, General Motors, Ford Motor, Detroit Three, Lexus ES, Union, Thomson Locations: Belleville, Wayne County , Michigan, U.S, Detroit, Mississippi, Tennessee, Chattanooga , Tennessee, Georgetown , Kentucky, Washington

☆ UAW launches bid to organize Tesla and 'entire non-union auto sector' in US
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) speaks as U.S. President Joe Biden (not pictured) joins striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) on the picket line outside GM's Willow Run Distribution Center, in Belleville, Wayne County, Michigan, U.S., September 26, 2023. "To all the auto workers out there working without the benefits of a union, now it's your turn," UAW President Shawn Fain said in a video posted on a website urging auto workers to sign electronic cards seeking union representation. The UAW for decades has unsuccessfully sought to organize auto factories operated by foreign automakers. The website asks Tesla workers to join, saying CEO "Elon Musk is the richest man in the world, with a net worth of $230 billion. The question is, will Tesla workers get their fair share?"

Persons: Shawn Fain, Joe Biden, Evelyn Hockstein, Fain, Elon Musk, Tesla, Harley Shaiken, David Shepardson, Ben Klayman, Matthew Lewis Organizations: United Auto Workers, UAW, REUTERS, Rights, Detroit Three automakers, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes, Benz, Detroit, General Motors, Ford Motor, New York Times, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Volvo, University of California, White, Detroit Three, Lexus ES, Union, Thomson Locations: Belleville, Wayne County , Michigan, U.S, Detroit, America, Mississippi, Tennessee, Chattanooga , Tennessee, Berkeley, Georgetown , Kentucky, Washington

☆ UAW aims to organize 13 nonunion automakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —The United Auto Workers union says it has started an effort to organize workers at 13 non-union automakers with US factories. The union said there are about 150,000 employees at 36 nonunion auto plants operated by the companies it is targeting in this campaign. That is slightly more than the union’s representation at the three unionized automakers, which have about 145,000 UAW members between them. But if a union organizing campaign is successful, the union will be made up of workers from the company. The union has filed complaints accusing many of the automakers of unfair labor practices during those earlier organizing efforts.

Persons: Jeff Allen, “ We’ve, ”, Allen, we’ve, “, Shawn Fain, ” Fain Organizations: New, New York CNN, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Ford, US, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, Toyota Camry, Lexus, UAW, Workers, Tesla Locations: New York, Georgetown , Kentucky, America, Volkswagen’s, Chattanooga , Tennessee, Canton , Mississippi, Smyrna , Tennessee

☆ UAW launches union campaigns at Tesla, 12 other automakers in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The United Auto Workers union is launching an unprecedented campaign to organize 13 non-union automakers in the U.S. after securing record contracts with the Detroit automakers. As part of the campaign workers are signing electronic cards in support of union efforts to potentially organize U.S. plants from those automakers. It is not guaranteed that the union would push to organize every plant or automaker that participates in the campaign. UAW President Shawn Fain has said the union's next mission after ratifying record contracts with General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis was to expand its ranks. Still, the UAW has a poor track record with trying to organize non-Detroit automakers.

Persons: Shawn Fain, Fain, —, Stellantis Organizations: United Auto Workers, Detroit automakers, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, UAW, General Motors, Ford Motor, Detroit, Ford, GM, Lexus, " Workers Locations: U.S, Fremont, California, Georgetown , Kentucky

☆ 2023 was the auto industry's year of EV investment, but consumers still prefer hybrids
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Hybrid vehicle market share has picked up pace in 2023 despite all the investment pouring into EVs. From October 2022 to October of this year, total vehicle market share for hybrids grew from 6.5% to 11.4%, according to data from Edmunds. Over the same time period, EV market share growth was more sluggish, expanding from 6% to 7.5%. Toyota 's 2024 Prius, often called the "gold standard" in hybrid vehicles, was named MotorTrend's car of the year. The uptick in hybrid sales won't likely spell doom and gloom for the EV market over the long-term.

Persons: Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Valdez Streaty, Edmunds, Goldman Sachs, Tesla, Mark Delaney, David Christ, Honda, Michelle Krebs, Sienna, Krebbs, Ford, Dan Levy, Levy, EVs, headwinds, BEV, Tom Narayan Organizations: Cox Automotive, Ford, General Motors, Wall, Toyota, ICE, EV, Toyota Motor's, Wall Street, Los Angeles Auto, FactSet, Tesla, Barclays, GM, Biden, U.S, BMO Capital Locations: Edmunds, U.S

Over the years these cars have gotten bigger and so has their cost to the climate, as carbon dioxide emissions “are almost directly proportional to fuel use” for gas-powered cars. Since then, he has owned several pure-electric cars, and currently owns both a Genesis GV60 electric SUV and a Tesla Model 3. Meanwhile, smaller vehicles, or sedans, have lost a lot of ground in the U.S. market over the past decade. But even the most efficient SUVs will be less efficient than sedans because SUVs weigh so much more. See more about AP’s climate initiative here.

Persons: it's, George Parrott, ”, Parrott, Eric Frehsée, Loren McDonald, ” McDonald, John Organizations: Global, Initiative, International Energy Agency, Transportation, Toyota, Tesla, EV, U.S, Tamaroff, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan, Honda, U.S . Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, National, Traffic Safety Administration, AP Locations: West Sacramento , California, Sacramento, U.S, Edmunds, Michigan, Press

☆ Ram made an electric truck with a generator for people who aren't ready to give up gas convenience
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger is a new electric truck... kind of. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger. StellantisRam's answer to those anxieties is the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, an electric truck with a range-extending gasoline generator. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger.

Persons: Ramcharger, —, Rivian, Tesla, Stellantis, Ram Organizations: Service, Tesla, Toyota RAV4 Prime, Chevrolet, Ford, General Motors

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota isn’t telling owners of 1.9 million recalled RAV4 SUVs to park them outdoors even though U.S. safety investigators have four complaints about engine fires that can start with the vehicles' ignitions turned off. In addition, the agency has eight reports of fires that started on the driver's side of the engine compartment where the battery is located. Four reports said “thermal events” happened with the ignition off, indicating that it may be wise for owners to park the SUVs outdoors until they can be repaired. But Toyota spokesman Aaron Fowles said the company is not advising people to park the RAV4s outdoors. Documents posted Friday by the safety agency say that Toyota has found 22 "field technical reports" in the U.S.

Persons: —, ignitions, Aaron Fowles, haven't, ” Toyota Organizations: DETROIT, — Toyota, Traffic, Administration, Toyota, U.S, NHTSA Locations: RAV4s, U.S

☆ Toyota recalls 1.85 million RAV4 SUVS over fire risks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Companies Toyota Motor Corp FollowWASHINGTON, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Toyota Motor (7203.T) said Wednesday it is recalling 1.85 million RAV4 sport utility vehicles in the United States over fire risks stemming from the installation of replacement batteries. The recall covers 2013-2018 model year vehicles. Toyota said some replacement 12-volt batteries have smaller top dimensions and if a hold-down clamp was not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns potentially short circuiting, increasing the risk of fires. Toyota said dealers will replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones and will notify customers of the recall schedule by late December. Reporting by David Shepardson;editing by Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: David Shepardson, Diane Craft Organizations: Toyota Motor Corp, WASHINGTON, Toyota, Thomson Locations: United States

☆ Toyota recalls more than 1.8 million RAV4 vehicles
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

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Toyota Recalls Nearly 1.9M RAV4s to Fix Batteries That Can Move During Hard Turns and Cause a FireToyota is recalling nearly 1.9 million RAV4 small SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem with batteries that can move during forceful turns and potentially cause a fire

Organizations: Toyota Locations: U.S

☆ Elon Musk on interest rates, uncertainty and Tesla's costs
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes Acquire Licensing RightsOct 18 (Reuters) - Tesla (TSLA.O) CEO Elon Musk spent much of a call with analysts and investors on the electric car maker's earnings discussing what he sees as the risks from high interest rates, consumer uncertainty and the "paycheck-to-paycheck" pressures on American workers. Here are some of his quotes on those issues:On interest rates and the affordability of EVs:"A large number of people are living paycheck-to-paycheck and with a lot of debt. They've got credit card debt, mortgage debt. "If our car cost the same as a (Toyota) RAV4, no one would buy a RAV4, or, at least, they would be very unlikely to." You know, credit card interest rates are usurious with over 20% interest rates, which, over time becomes extremely punishing."

Persons: Elon Musk, Porte, Gonzalo Fuentes, They've, you’ve, Marie Antoinette, Kevin Krolicki, Sayantani Ghosh Organizations: SpaceX, Tesla, Viva Technology, Porte de, REUTERS, Toyota, Thomson Locations: Paris, France

☆ Tesla earnings call was a 'mini disaster,' Wall Street analyst says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

One Wall Street analyst referred to the accompanying earnings call as a "mini disaster." AdvertisementAdvertisementTesla's third-quarter earnings call was a "mini disaster," as one Wall Street analyst put it. "We dug our own grave with Cybertruck," Musk said. AdvertisementAdvertisementGiven all of that uncertainty, some analysts anticipated Musk also would end the frequent and substantial vehicle price cuts Tesla's had throughout this year. The ambiguity about pricing concerned Wall Street analysts like Ives.

Persons: Tesla, —, Elon Musk, Dan Ives, Musk, Vaibhav Taneja, Tesla's, Ives Organizations: Service, EV, Wedbush Securities

She started investing early, and increased her rate of investment after learning about FIRE. And these accounts are separate from Pham's husband — together their estimated net worth is just under $2 million. And when it feels easier to just spend freely, tracking her net worth has helped keep her focused. "That gives us another safety net," Pham says, noting the pension as an added benefit to working in public service. "By then, we should have at least $2 million in net worth.

Persons: Mia Pham, —, Pham, haven't, they've, Roth, maxing, doesn't, it's, they're Organizations: Service, Roth IRA, Toyota Locations: San Diego —, San Diego

☆ Auto loans are super expensive. Here’s how to shrink your monthly bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

In fact, auto loan interest rates are the highest they’ve been since 2007, when the world was heading into a massive financial crisis. More than 70% of buyers of new large SUVs now have monthly payments over $1,000. Keep it shortPeople often try to reduce their monthly payments by taking out longer loans. Spreading the payments over more years can keep the monthly amount lower, but it means you’re paying more in interest. Leasing is another way to keep monthly payments down.

Persons: It’s, ”, Kevin Roberts, you’re, Roberts, that’s, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, Matt Jones, Courtney Alev, Joseph Yoon, TrueCar’s Jones, Jones, “, CarGurus ’ Roberts, Tyson Jominy Organizations: New, New York CNN, Credit Karma, Leasing, “ Leasing, Edmunds, Toyota, Power, Associates Locations: New York, Edmunds, TrueCar.com, Cross, Boston, New York City

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