China-US tensions will change cars forever

Hello! Thanks to the many readers who replied on Saturday’s newsletter on car privacy. Indeed, it’s something we all should read up on.

Today, we’re talking about how politics and cars intertwine. It hasn’t been the first time.

In the 60s, imported light trucks had a 25% as a response to European tariffs on chicken. Who would’ve guessed?

Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

• US-China tensions have extended to the automotive industry, with cars becoming a focus in national security discussions.

• Car sales are rising, but so are repossessions as more people struggle to pay off increasing car loans.

• Toyota and Volkswagen may be falling behind in the critical race for vehicle software dominance, with potential long-term consequences.

• There are 11 effective ways to increase horsepower in your GMC Sierra, making it more powerful.

• While the Cummins engine is known for its durability, certain years have problematic reputations that potential buyers should avoid.
  

NEWSBITES

Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• Chrysler’s future is bleak, but these are 10 of their models that we’d love to see back

• Is the current market going to punish Subaru?

• This iconic Chevy nameplate has reached its production end and the consequences are immediate. 

• This bill would mandate all new cars to come with AM radios

IN THE KNOW

Cars at the Center of Political Battles

Tensions between the US and China are increasing.

After all, national security is no laughing matter, and the Government analyzes every front for possible risks, from social media to technology in general. 

Cars have become the latest suspects in this race to reduce national security risks.

The US Commerce Department proposed a ban, but it’s not on vehicles, and it’s not only on China. 

The ban is more complex than that because it involves technology that’s hard to control.

However, that’s not stopping the US from trying. Read more about this fascinating political conflict at the link below.

Car sales increase, but so do repos. It’s a crazy automotive economy

There are no two ways about it: car dealers are desperate to sell their vehicles.

So, they’re flooding the market with incentives and new conditions. 

This seems to have paid off, as some automakers saw strong August numbers.

For example, Ford saw a 12% increase from last year. 

However, there’s the other side of the coin: repos.

As pandemic benefits are disappearing, so is people’s ability to pay off their loans. 

This comes at a time when car loans are also increasing, and the consequences are vast. Read more on how the automotive economy is acting up in the link below.

Are Toyota and Volkswagen falling behind in vehicle software?

EV software is critical for our automotive future, whether we like EVs or not.

The reality is that the next generation of cars is bound by software, and whoever has the best one could become a dominant player.

Think of the battle for mobile phone software back in the early 2000s–it’s something similar. 

Here’s some food for thought: in a recent survey, only three legacy carmakers ranked in the top ten in digital performance.

The rest were US “startups” (though, they include Tesla as a startup), and Chinese brands. 

So, where do Toyota and Volkswagen rank in this? The giants may be lagging, and this could have dire consequences for them. Read more in our link below.

BEST AND WORST

 Which Cummins years should you avoid?

The Cummins engine is legendary.

After all, it has powered Dodge and RAM trucks for decades, and with good reason.

 Not only can it produce a lot of torque, but many feel it’s bulletproof. 

However, some years have earned a reputation for being troublesome and have led owners to expensive bills. 

So, if you want to buy a truck with a Cummins engine, here are the years you should avoid.

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

How to get more horsepower out of your GMC Sierra

Have you ever felt that your GMC Sierra is lacking in the power department?

While the Sierra is competent enough to tackle most jobs, some people feel it could use more power. 

This could be your case, and let’s face it, getting more power out of your truck feels intimidating.

However, it doesn’t have to. 

Our article covers 11 ways to get more power out of your GMC Sierra. Click the link below to learn more.