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☆ Forget rust spots — handprints are the bigger headache for Tesla Cybertruck drivers
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | Grace Kay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Some Tesla Cybertruck owners noticed their new stainless steel vehicles have small rust specks. A few months after deliveries began, some members of a Cybertruck-owners forum started complaining about rust spots on the vehicle. After all, the Cybertruck is the first stainless steel vehicle to be produced since DMC made the stainless steel DeLorean and later halted production in 1982. The extra upkeep isn't entirely unexpected for experienced Tesla owners, many of whom have taken on the role of early adopters. If Tesla hits Musk's ambitious production targets for the Cybertruck, Tesla is likely to face less forgiving buyers, automotive analyst Ivan Drury told BI.

Persons: Tesla, —, You've, Donald Green, Wes Morrill, Elon Musk, Dennis Wang, didn't, Wang, Cybertruck, Morrill, Jay Larson, Larson, Win Cramer, we're, Cramer, Ivan Drury, Green Organizations: Service, Business, Facebook, DMC, DeLorean, YouTube, BI Locations: League City , Texas, Arizona, California

☆ Musk said Tesla cars would rise in value, H but here’s what really happened
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Back in 2019, Elon Musk made an astonishing claim for Tesla vehicles. But four years after Musk’s 2019 prediction, the average used Tesla Model 3 is selling for $29,000. Sticker prices for new Teslas dropped about 21% over the past year, according to Cox Automotive. Logically, people expect to pay less for a used car than they would for a new one. Why buy a used car if you could get a brand new vehicle for only a little more or maybe even less, after all?

Persons: Elon Musk, Musk, ”, Tesla, “, FSD, Ivan Drury, Wall, Teslas, Hertz, ” Hertz, Stephen Scherr, ” Drury, EVs, Drury Organizations: CNN, Cox Automotive, EV, Hyundai, Kia, Audi, Volkswagen, Edmunds.com, Tesla Locations: America, Ford, Edmunds.com, Colorado

☆ Is Tesla's Cybertruck the new status car?
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Grace Kay | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Tesla's Cybertruck isn't the kind of car that goes unnoticed. The Cybertruck isn't your average pickupMusk has been hyping up the Cybertruck since it was announced in 2019. AdvertisementFrom the start, it's been clear the Cybertruck isn't geared toward your traditional pickup truck market. But it's not exactly your typical luxury status car, eitherWhile the Cybertruck isn't a traditional pickup, it's not exactly a luxury car. "The finance geeks are just, they're beside themselves of how much they admire" Musk, Chesterfield said.

Persons: Tesla's Cybertruck, Kim Kardashian, Pharrell Williams, Jay, Hayley, Justin Beiber, Wiz Khalifa, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, it's, Tesla, Elon, Winston Chesterfield, Barton, It's, Chesterfield, it's Tesla's, hasn't, Ford, Jim Farley, Brian Moody, Mercedes, Ben Affleck, Cameron Diaz, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, Steven Spielberg, Drury, Musk, it'll, Moody, Kyle Conner Organizations: Business, Ford, Royce, Twitter, YouTube Locations: Instagram, London

☆ Here’s why the Big Three won’t need to raise car prices to pay for these labor deals
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-18 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“The labor contracts don’t mean you go to a dealership and the car costs more money,” said Ivan Drury, analyst for sales tracker Edmunds. If the Big Three could simply pass along higher costs, be it raw material, labor other expenses, in the form of higher prices, no automaker would ever lose money. Even if the labor costs could be passed along in terms of higher prices, it woudn’t be nearly as much as you might think. Any additional labor costs are more likely to eat into automaker profits than they are to raise prices. Another factor driving car prices higher was the desire of consumers to buy cars with more features and options that are now available but were not available in the past.

Persons: Stellantis, it’s, ”, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, That’s, Michelle Krebs, John Lawler Organizations: New, New York CNN, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, UAW, Cox Automotive Locations: New York, “, American

☆ Tesla's backtracked $50,000 resale fee could be a sign the Cybertruck isn't destined for the mainstream yet
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Grace Kay | Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The fee could be a sign the Cybertruck might be a smaller release than expected, experts said. AdvertisementTesla's rescinded $50,000 resale fee is the latest sign the Cybertruck won't hit the market in large numbers anytime soon. These restrictions are rare, but they're most commonly used on limited-production vehicles, Stephen Beck, founder and managing partner of consultancy cg42, told Business Insider. "It's really hard to say how many people on the reservation list will actually buy it," Moody told Business Insider. "There will be just as many people who want to work the system to make money as people who want to own this vehicle," Moody said.

Persons: Tesla, —, Elon Musk, Stephen Beck, cg42, Elon, Beck, Musk, Brian Moody, Moody, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, Drury, Ford, John Cena Organizations: Service, Ford GT, scalpers

☆ 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

DETROIT (AP) — Automakers posted big increases in new vehicle sales during the summer, despite high prices, rising interest rates and even a limited strike against Detroit companies. Industry sales rose 16.3% from July through September as consumer demand stayed strong, even given an average new vehicle loan rate of 7.4% and an average vehicle price of more than $45,500. Vehicle supplies also continued to recover from shortages of computer chips and other parts that began during the pandemic and are finally abating. General Motors posted a 21.2% increase, while Toyota sales rose 12.2%. Kia sales rose 13.8%.

Persons: ”, Ivan Drury, Drury, General Motors, Power, Ford Organizations: DETROIT, Detroit, Industry, Federal Reserve, General, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Analysts, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Stellantis Locations: U.S

☆ US car sales climb despite strike and rising interest rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —US new car sales soared in the third quarter, despite the combination of a strike at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, high prices and rising interest rates. “New-vehicle sales have remained somewhat consistent as pent-up demand keeps sales afloat despite economic challenges,” said Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds’ head of insights. “However, the landscape can change dramatically, and quickly, if the strike continues.”Rising ratesAnother factor that could slow sales at all automakers is rising interest rates, which is raising the average car payment to record levels. It’s the highest average interest rates for both types of loans since the start of the Great Recession and financial crisis of 2007. “Spiked interest rates remain the biggest impediment to affordability in both the new and used car markets today,” said Caldwell.

Persons: that’s, ”, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, “, ” Ford, Jessica Caldwell, Ford Bronco, Caldwell Organizations: New, New York CNN, General Motors, Ford, GM, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Edmunds ., Toyota, Lexus, United Auto Workers, UAW, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Traverse, Buick Enclave, Federal Reserve Locations: New York, Edmunds, Ford Chicago

☆ Could the United Auto Workers strike affect car prices? 'Inevitably yes,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union hold a practice picket in front of Stellantis headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on September 20, 2023. Regardless of the outcome, the United Auto Workers strike threatens to cause already high car prices to escalate. However, if the strike expands, or, alternatively, if the striking autoworkers' demands are met for a 40% pay raise along with other benefits, that could put pressure on automakers, dealers and, ultimately, car shoppers. Either way, consumers will pay more down the road, he added. "Inevitably yes, no matter what."

Persons: —, Stellantis —, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, Drury Organizations: United Auto Workers, UAW, Big Three, — Ford, GM, Finance Locations: Auburn Hills , Michigan, Missouri , Michigan, Ohio

The UAW began striking at factories that make only a few vehicles – Ford Broncos and Rangers, Jeep Wranglers, Chevrolet mid-size pickups and GMC vans. Car prices were rising long before the auto workers even raised the possibility of a strike. Prices are almost certain to rise even if the strike is settled quickly, because the auto makers' labor costs will increase. “They could double our wages and not raise car prices and still make billions of dollars in profit,” he said during an online presentation to union members this week. It's all enough to make many motorists consider avoiding the car lot and keeping their current car a while longer.

Persons: Stellantis, ”, Ivan Drury, isn’t, Garrett Nelson, ” Nelson, “, we’re, Tesla, Drury, Kelley, Patrick Anderson, Shawn Fain, Edmunds Organizations: DALLAS, United Auto Workers, Dealers, General Motors, UAW, Detroit, Ford Broncos, Rangers, Jeep Wranglers, Chevrolet, GMC, Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Ford, CFRA Research, GM, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Consumers, Federal Reserve Bank of New, Anderson Economic Group, Stellantis, “ Locations: Edmunds, Mexico, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

☆ An auto strike looks likely. Should I buy a car now?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —If you’re thinking about buying a new car, you might be warily watching news about a possible United Auto Workers strike. It depends on the vehicle you’re shopping for and on your own level of flexibility in that choice. New vehicle inventories are leaner than they’ve been before past strikes, said Pat Ryan, CEO of the car shopping site CoPilot, which closely tracks dealership inventories. So vehicle production at Mexican and Canadian factories could well shut down at some point if a strike drags on. In some ways, you might find this all somewhat similar to car shopping during the era of post-covid vehicle shortages, said Ryan.

Persons: Pat Ryan, —, “ They’ve, ” Ryan, Stellantis, Ryan, that’s, ”, Ivan Drury, Michelle Krebs, Thomas Goldsby, Stellantis’s, GM’s, “, you’re Organizations: CNN, United Auto Workers, Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Chevrolet, GM, Dodge, GMC, Edmunds.com, AutoTrader, Ford Bronco, UAW, University of Tennessee, Factories, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Trax, Auto Locations: American, Mexico, Canada, United States, North America, South Korea, Italy, China

☆ How Kia pulled off a massive turnaround in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

When the automaker arrived in the U.S. in 1994, its cars were poorly reviewed, and it was seen mostly as a low-cost value brand. Now, Kia is winning awards and commanding higher markups than its peers. U.S. sales have gone from about 12,000 units in 1994 to almost 700,000 units in 2022. "We had a record in 2022," said Steve Center, chief operating officer of Kia America, adding that the first half of 2023 brought another sales record. But Kia believes it can take on electric as well as it took on internal combustion.

Persons: Kia, Steve Center, I've, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, We've, we'll Organizations: Kia America, ICS, BMW, Audi, U.S ., EV Locations: Korean, U.S, .

☆ A Gen Zer and millennial whose monthly car payments exceed their housing costs say it's 'stressful' but that they need a car
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A record-high share of Americans is taking on monthly car payments of $1,000 or more. Car payments exceed housing as the biggest expense for some Gen Zers and millennials. Last year, the median monthly rent payment in the US was roughly $1,000, according to the Federal Reserve. Sherbina said managing his high monthly car bill — in addition to his other living expenses — could be stressful. "Having this high of a car payment is both stressful and has some psychological impacts," he said.

Persons: Zers, Nikita Sherbina, Sherbina, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, Cyrus Partow, Partow, It's Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, BMW Locations: Wall, Silicon, Edmunds, Texas, Wyoming, Seattle, Los Angeles

☆ Cybertruck fans are nitpicking Elon Musk's final design as Tesla gets ready to deliver the long-awaited truck
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Cybertruck likely still has enough juice to rock the EV truck segment. As the Cybertruck gets closer to launch, photos of the vehicle have circulated on Tesla enthusiast blogs and forums. The video made rounds on Tesla CEO Elon Musk's social media website X, formerly known as Twitter, earlier this month. Tesla's take on the truckDespite comparisons and nitpicks, industry experts believe the Tesla Cybertruck still has the juice to disrupt the truck market as we know it. Do you have an order in for the Tesla Cybertruck?

Persons: Elon, Cybertruck, Ford's, Jim Farley, Tesla's, Karl Brauer, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, Tesla Organizations: Tesla, Ford, iSeeCars

☆ As interest rates, inventory issues keep car costs high, what drivers are doing to make ownership possible
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty ImagesInterest rates, inventory issues add to costsThe overall cost of purchasing a car is increasing in part due to interest rates, said Tom McParland, contributing writer for automotive website Jalopnik and operator of vehicle-buying service Automatch Consulting. The average rate on a new car loan is 7.2%, according to Edmunds. While some car manufacturers are improving their supply deliveries, inventory wrinkles are still far from being ironed out, experts say. Yet, a longer loan is not always ideal. Between the pricing and inventory issues, people who have the luxury or the patience to wait it out are "definitely" doing so, said Yoon.

Persons: Tom McParland, Joseph Yoon, Edmunds, Yoon, Ivan Drury Organizations: Westend61, Getty, Automatch Consulting, Consumers, Automatch, Santander Locations: Edmunds

☆ Another interest rate hike is likely coming from the Federal Reserve: Here are 5 ways it could affect you
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"Rising interest rates can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword," said Kelly LaVigne, vice president of consumer insights at Allianz Life. As the federal funds rate rises, the prime rate does, as well, and credit card rates follow suit. The average credit card rate is now more than 20% — an all-time high, while balances are higher and nearly half of credit card holders carry credit card debt from month to month, according to a Bankrate report. Student loans Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected by the Fed's moves. For now, anyone with existing federal education debt will benefit from rates at 0% until student loan payments restart in October.

Persons: Stefani Reynolds, they've, Kelly LaVigne, Brett House, WalletHub, Freddie Mac, Edmunds, Ivan Drury Organizations: Eccles Federal Reserve, Bloomberg, Getty, Reserve, Fed, WalletHub, Allianz Life, Columbia Business School, Treasury, Istock Locations: Washington, Edmunds

☆ With just 8% of new vehicles costing under $30,000, 'it’s the least affordable car market in modern history,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Then, car buyers piled on options, such as high-tech touch screens, ambient lighting, 360-degree cameras and heated and cooled seats. Car prices near a record highFor new cars, the average transaction price was $47,892 in May, near an all-time high, according to Edmunds. Now, 10% of all vehicles sold cost more than $70,000, up from 3% five years ago. Just 0.3% of new vehicles sold cost less than $20,000, compared with 8% five years ago, Edmunds found. That's leaving more car shoppers priced out of the new car market, Ryan said.

Persons: Ivan Drury, Edmunds, carmakers, Drury, Ryan Locations: Edmunds

☆ Tesla's Cybertruck is finally coming. It's going to rattle rivals and transform the EV market as we know it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The futuristic-looking truck is going to redefine what a pickup truck can look like. Tesla’s entry to the pickup truck market could be exactly what the segment needs. Tesla is finally ready to enter the most lucrative vehicle segment in the US: pickup trucks. The Cybertruck's arrival is expected to shake up the electric pickup truck market – and the entire stalwart truck market – with its arresting design and high-tech features. "This is going to be Tesla's take on the pickup truck, which is enough on its own, and competitors should be very wary of that."

☆ Toyota unveils new Tacoma pickup hybrid option
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The Toyota Tacoma has been the best-selling mid-sized pickup in America for the last 20 years but its territory is getting much more competitive. To help it stay ahead in a crowded auto-industry battle for small-truck customers, Toyota just unveiled an entirely new Tacoma. The Toyota Tacoma Limited is the most luxurious version of the truck. ToyotaPopular with off-road enthusiasts, the new Tacoma will be available in several different off-road-focused versions: the TRD Pro, TRD Off-road, and the new Trailhunter model. TRD Off-Road, on which the hybrid system will be optional, will be engineered for more rugged terrain.

☆ Tesla's price cuts and hikes explained: Why it seems like Elon Musk can't make up his mind on pricing
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The latest price hikes could mean Tesla is done lathering on the discounts for now. Elon Musk is changing his mind about Tesla pricing – again. Recent hikes are a sign to investors that Musk is likely done price-slashing for now. Even with this hike, base Model Y prices are down 24% since January and base Model 3 prices are down 14% over the same period. "When you lease, you can really bypass a lot of the problems that come with pricing," Drury said.

☆ Car loan interest rates are reaching record highs and taking longer than ever to pay off
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-15 | by ( Christopher Hickey | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

High loan rates mean monthly payments are soaring as well. In March, the average monthly payment for financing a new car hit $730 — the highest on record, according to Edmunds. Most $1,000 per month car loans are taken out by people who choose high-interest, longer-term loans. While buyers who opt for longer loans are paying less money up front, interest rates catch up over time. For instance, a buyer who takes a 70 month loan for a $28,700 used car at the current average loan rate could pay 38% more just in interest.

☆ US government’s proposal to boost EV sales is challenging but not impossible
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

By 2032, electric vehicles would need to make up about two-thirds of all the new cars sold in America. And even as EV market share rises to two-thirds, it’s not like EVs will flood America’s roads overnight, he said. Reaching two-thirds EV market share mark by 2032 isn’t a sure thing, said Cantor, but it should be manageable. The increasing number of automakers entering the EV market will also help, said Ivan Drury, an industry analyst with Edmunds.com. General Motors also has a number of EV models coming in the next year or two.

☆ Financial experts share their greatest money regrets — all have one thing in common
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Here, CNBC Financial Advisor Council members share their greatest money mishaps, and what they do differently now. "For my first five years in financial planning, I made the same amount of money." Money mistake: Leasing 'too much' carThianchai Sitthikongsak | Moment | Getty Images"My biggest money mistake was back when I was working at Smith Barney as an early financial advisor," said Winnie Sun, co-founder and managing director of Sun Group Wealth Partners, based in Irvine, California. So, Sun, a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council, splurged on her dream car. Money mistake: Unloading inherited stock "My wife had inherited shares of Phillip Morris stock from her father," said Lee Baker, a CFP based in Atlanta.

CNN —It has almost never been as hard to buy a new or used car in the United States as it is today, despite improving supply issues and inflation beginning to steady. But used cars have a long way to go before approaching 2019 sales prices and new car prices have yet to slow down. What makes the 2020s unique is how much car prices rose in a short period of time. Over the used car market’s worst 12 months of the pandemic, the index rose 45%. There’s never been a 12-month period since the BLS began keeping records in 1947 when used car prices have inflated more.

☆ Four ways for car buyers to survive the interest-rate crunch
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Chris Taylor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

New car buyers with a monthly payment over $1,000 rose to an all-time high of 16.8% in February, auto information site Edmunds' data showed. While car prices have been leveling off as the supply chain normalizes, interest rates are squeezing buyers' wallets. A monthly car payment of more than $1,000 is starting to show its painful effects. Punishing interest rates are forcing car buyers to make tough decisions. "If you're already tied up with a large car payment, then I suggest you sell it and get a car you can actually afford," Fetters said.

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