Ghost Cars Are Draining City Coffers: The New Threat To Big Cities

Hello! Mercedes is on the spotlight in today’s issue. I have to say that the brand’s quality has really changed.

I owned a 1987 MB E300 and that thing was indestructible. Now, I don’t get the same vibe.

Then again, which brand is durable these days? They’re hard to find.

Key Takeaways

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

• Ghost Cars Cost Cities Millions: Illegal modifications allow drivers to dodge tolls and evade traffic cameras, costing major cities significant revenue.

• Chinese Car Ban Debate: Some experts question if banning Chinese cars is truly about security or if economic factors play a larger role.

• Mercedes EVs Struggle in Sales: Despite a 5% growth in EV sales overall, Mercedes EVs have seen low demand, posing challenges for the brand.

• DIY Tip - Check Your Leaf Springs: Damaged leaf springs can lead to serious truck issues; learn how to diagnose and repair them.

• Top Mercedes SUV Revealed: Gas-powered Mercedes SUVs remain popular, but one model stands out as the most reliable choice.
  

NEWSBITES

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

• Here’s where thousands of crashed cars from the US end up

• These are the most boring cars of all time. Do you agree?

• These vehicles are dead for 2025. We will miss (some of) them. 

IN THE KNOW

What are ghost cars, and why are they a problem for this metropolis?

There’s no limit to human creativity, and that saying also applies to the car world.

For years, drivers will find ways to avoid paying tolls and avoiding security cameras. 

These are the (in)famous ghost cars, and they’re breaking the law in many ways. 

Thanks to social media, some tricks are flourishing, such as TikTok, where 22 million posts were made about the topic. 

However, ghost cars directly impact cities, which lose millions in uncollected fees. 

One of the biggest cities in the US is taking drastic measures to prevent ghost cars.

Click the link below to learn how.

Could banning Chinese cars be self-defeating?

The message about Chinese cars has been clear: they’re a threat, and America should ban them.

However, this article raises an interesting question: what if they aren’t?

We’ve heard that Chinese cars threaten national security for some time, but where’s the evidence?

Is this growing tension the stuff of myth and legend?

Or is the concern more economic than anything else?

Read this analysis that truly got us thinking, and let us know if you agree or disagree. 

No one wants Mercedes EVs, but why?

As this article highlights, Q3 was a good one for EV sales, as they grew 5% from Q2.

Brands like Tesla and GM have had solid performances, and their EVs are finally selling quickly. 

However, it’s not all good news for all manufacturers.

Brands such as Mini and BMW have struggled to pick their sales, and above them, one automaker is struggling even more: Mercedes.

It turns out nobody wants Mercedes EVs, and there are many reasons for this. To make matters worse, the German automaker could face challenging times ahead. 

BEST AND WORST

Which Mercedes Benz SUV is more reliable?

Mercedes EVs might not sell, but buyers still want to buy gasoline-powered SUVs from this German automaker. 

So, which is the best Mercedes SUV you can buy?

There are plenty of options, but one stands above the rest, and the answer may surprise you. 

Read our article to find out which Mercedes SUV is best for you to buy.

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

How do I know if my leaf springs are bad on my truck

Leaf springs are essential for your truck, especially if you’re putting it through the ringer.

Moreover, while leaf springs are durable, they can go bad, leading to expensive damage to your truck.

Not to mention a safety risk for you!

So, how do you know if your leaf springs are bad?

We’ve compiled essential tips to diagnose whether your leaf springs are bad and, most importantly, how to fix them.