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GM Faces Major Investigation
Plus, one company bypasses Chinese ban, automotive insurance is spiking, a big data ban is in place and much more!
Bernardo Montes de Oca
January 18, 2025
In partnership with
Issue 81
Hello! Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Here are two major automotive milestones that happened on January 18.
Bentley Motors was founded on January 18, 1919.
An interesting note is that the idea for a motor company came to founder Walter Owens Bentley, who came up with the idea of using aluminum to produce cylinders, making them lighter.
On January 18, 1937, Ford Motor Company built its 25 millionth car.
This confirmed Ford’s production prowess, making it the first company to achieve such an impressive number.
Key Takeaways
Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:
GM faces a massive safety probe after almost 900,000 cars have been at risk of catastrophic engine failure
One company has found a way to bypass the Chinese car ban and operate in the US
Automotive insurance is going to spike in 2025 for a multitude of reasons, with some states suffering more significant spikes
One automaker is banned from sharing data with insurance companies, and it could be the first of many
What do 2024 recalls truly mean for consumers in 2025
NEWSBITES
Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:
What are automotive companies doing to aid in the California fire crisis?
These are the most discounted new cars for 2025
Hino, Toyota’s truck division, has to pay billions for lying about emission standards
What does Ford need to fix in 2025? Here are two crucial things.
RECALLS
2024 was a hectic year for recalls, and 2025 will likely be just as bad. So, what does it mean for drivers? This article explains everything you should know about recalls.
Kia has had a rough going lately, and recalls haven’t stopped. 74,000 SUVs are recalled over this issue.
Here are all the Cybertruck recalls that have happened so far
Video of the week
Every year, many cars reach the magical age of 25 years old.
What does that mean? That you can import them!
Here are some incredible cars you can import in 2025.
IN THE KNOW
GM Faces Massive Safety Probe
It all started with 39 owner complaints.
Because they were all pointing fingers at the same thing, authorities started investigating.
Ultimately, the NHTSA realized the problem was much bigger than anyone expected.
After all, you know you’ve done something wrong if authorities pounce on you with a massive safety probe. That’s what happened to GM, and the case is complex.
Close to 900,000 vehicles are part of the probe, including their bestsellers.
The problem stems from 2019 to the present day and concerns a critical component: the engine.
GM’s action plan is critical, as it could jeopardize their short-term future. Click the article to find out what this probe is about and whether it affects you.
One company finds a way around the US ban on China
What can you do when your sole business idea depends on a banned product?
That’s the challenge one company faces after the US banned Chinese and Russian vehicle components.
You can find a loophole if you dig deep enough. Self-driving car company Waymo did this, and the solution is quite creative.
While it’s not perfect, it just might work and could mean an opportunity for other companies working with Chinese cars.
This, in turn, raises the question: Will the ban be effective?
This article discusses Waymo’s strategy and its implications for the future.
Insurance will spike, but how much?
In 2024, insurance rates went up an average of 25%, severely impacting people’s finances. In some states, these rates rose by 40%.
In total, 70% of drivers reported higher insurance premiums.
Why is this happening?
Many factors are at play, including higher repairs costs and record inflation. Unfortunately, this increase is unlikely to change in 2025.
How can you prepare yourself for higher insurance rates?
This article was very insightful about the actions you can take.
Have you seen an increase in insurance? If so, please comment, and we could feature it in our next newsletter!
One car company can’t do this anymore (and it won’t be the last!)
We’ve covered how car companies sell our data. Here’s our article from a few months ago, in case you want a refresher.
It turns out that authorities are tired of automakers doing this and have taken action with one brand in particular.
GM is in the news again and for all the wrong reasons.
The company is banned from sharing driving and location data with other companies.
The American giant has been doing this for years, and now, it must stop.
However, the ramifications of this ban could include other issues. Read the article and let us know if you agree with car companies sharing our data.
SPONSORED SECTION
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OUR THOUGHTS
Which Jeep is better: manual or automatic?
As soon as you read this headline, you already cast your vote.
Some people love automatics; others love their Jeeps with a manual transmission.
So, answering the question, “which is better?” is almost impossible.
However, each transmission has many pros and cons.
It all depends on your car's end goal. So, we decided to compare the two options.
The article below explains what’s good and what’s not about both transmissions. Let us know if you agree!
BEST AND WORST
Are you looking for a Toyota Highlander Hybrid? Avoid these two years!
Toyotas are known for reliability.
We’re particularly fond of the brand, having owned several of them with no complaints.
One model that usually gets high praise from reviewers is the Highlander Hybrid.
What’s not to like? It’s practical and versatile and can help you achieve good fuel economy.
So, it makes perfect sense to buy one, new or used.
However, there are two years that you must avoid. Here they are!
TIPS AND KNOW-HOW
Are Catalytic Converters interchangeable?
The catalytic converter madness has (somewhat) subsided, but they’re still coveted.
Not only that, but they’re a critical component of your car and mandatory in some states.
With rising costs, some wonder if catalytic converters are interchangeable and require professional installation.
Our article below covers these and many other questions!
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