Welcome to the auto podcast that is wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

• It's tradition
• It's Christmas
• We have some extra holiday cheer in the form of a list!

Sponsors

Fort's Toyota of Pekin

Learn more about Toyota Care Plus and Toyota Service Care packages are on sale for the holiday season.

Patreon Family 

We couldn't do this show without your support.

Projects

Eric recaps his recent trip to Rome, Italy. It's way more exciting that Rome, Illinois. It's also his ancestral home, and he talks about visiting relatives, eating mountains of carbonara, and taking pictures of every unique Toyota he could find that the U.S. never sees.

@planetstahl Rome…. To my favorote travel song. #roma #rome #famiglia ♬ Wonderful, Glorious - EELS

Meanwhile, Daryl is cleaning out the shelves of the Scott Auto Museum and selling stuff on eBay. Perhaps he'll make enough money to finish getting the '55 Cadillac running by summer.

News

Fear of Cheap Chinese EVs Spurs Automaker Dash for Affordable Cars

Source: Reuters

The rise of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles has upped the pressure on legacy automakers who have turned to suppliers, from battery materials makers to chipmakers, to squeeze out costs and develop affordable EVs quicker than previously planned. Fears of slowing demand because EVs are expensive has increased urgency to reduce costs.

Detroit touts first wireless-charging public road for electric vehicles in US

Source: Detroit Free Press

The Motor City can add a new claim to fame, as home to the country’s first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles.

On Wednesday, members of the news media got a chance to see it in action.

A blue electric Ford E-Transit commercial van was able to charge as it moved over a quarter-mile stretch of newly paved 14th Street, a short distance from the towering Michigan Central Station, thanks to rubber-coated copper coils buried underneath the road surface.

Why Electric Cars Could Soon Get Cheaper

Source: Sunday Times

Electric cars in the UK should finally become more affordable next year because new government rules will levy a fine of £15,000 per car if too few are sold.

Under the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which comes into force on January 1, manufacturers will have to ensure that 22 per cent of cars they sell every year are fully electric. The target will rise each year, hitting 80 per cent in 2030.

If too few electric cars are sold, the manufacturer will either have to pay a £15,000 fine for each petrol, diesel or hybrid model sold above that threshold, or buy “credits” from rivals such as Tesla, which has an all-electric range.

Car manufacturers such as Toyota and Ford will be under intense pressure to sell more electric cars, which account for only 16.3 per cent of the market according to the trade body, the SMMT.

They are therefore expected to cut prices, making electric cars a little more affordable. Many people are put off by the price of an electric car, with only nine new models available for under £30,000, compared with 90 petrol or diesel models on sale for less than that price.

NTSB Says Car Commercials Encourage Wreckless Driving.

Source: NBC News

Automakers often display a warning in commercials when showing a car executing incredible stunts: "Professional driver on a closed course. Please do not attempt."

But with deaths from car crashes rising every year, experts are asking if that kind of boilerplate language, which more or less fades into the background as a vehicle burns rubber on the screen, goes far enough.

Last month, the National Transportation Safety Board called for a study of car advertisements, saying the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) should try to determine if there is a link between commercials that show unsafe driver behavior and real-world speeding or reckless driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation and is distinct from the independent NTSB, says that deaths in car crashes increased 27% from 2012 to 2021, the most recent year for which it has reported data.

"It's becoming increasingly accepted that contributing factors to the increase in road deaths over the last decade or so is largely due to bad driver behavior, or risk-taking behavior," said Zuby.

Illinois Right to Charge Law Requires New Homes and Apartments to Support EV Charging

Source: Cnet

Under Illinois' Electric Vehicle Charging Act, new properties must be EV-capable starting in 2024. In addition, landlords and HOAs can't unduly restrict residents from installing EV chargers.

Starting next year, new homes in Illinois will be required to support electric vehicle charging stations under a new state law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 9.
Passed by the legislature in May, the Electric Vehicle Charging Act requires any house or multiunit building completed after Jan. 1, 2024, to have "at least one EV-capable parking space for each residential unit that has dedicated parking." (The law also applies to existing multifamily residential buildings that are being renovated.)

Originally, the measure required every spot to be fully EV-ready with a charger in place. That was eventually walked back to require them only to be EV-capable, with conduits that would allow a charger to be installed at a future date.

Moment of Musk: Multi-Media version

!

We share a very special encore of The Night Before Christmas with Elon by Jen Fulwiler

Worst Christmas Car Gifts

Here's the holiday yule log everyone's been waiting for: Our list of the 3 words Christmas 'car" gifts we each received.

Eric

1. Radar Detector…  Classic situation of a friend who ran a radio shack and supported the decision.  300 bucks later plus the addition of a 12 v splitter that looked like a cow milker…  Angela murdered me in 1997.
2. Portable vacuum - they all suck and not in the ways you want.  Most of them get you a few uses before they won't charge, you lose parts or they are lost in the truck.  Just throw out your garbage when getting gas and use the free vacuums on a cheap 6 buck wash every couple of months!!!
3. The JSCARLIFE Universal Fry Holder for Cupholder - You can enjoy food in the car anytime and anywhere. It is also an excellent organizer of juice boxes, children's crayons, etc. It is convenient and fast, and you don't have to worry about food spilling.

Daryl

1. The Stanley Digital Air Compressor- It sucked. Broke the first week. Fixed the solder joints at the motor and it lasted 6 months before the battery peetered out. I smashed it to pieces.
2. Those Seat Belt Cutter / Glass Hammer/ Escape Tools- I’ve gotten about 5 of them over the years. Never know where they end up, but they’re never in the car. Also, does anyone know someone who’s used one in a crash? EVER?
3. The Dash Duster Wand Thingy - Swiffer or a Microfiber does just fine.
4.  

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 1985 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet - $67,000

Source: Hemmings.com

From the listing:

• Clean title in hand.
• Clean Carfax report, no accidents or damages.
• 51,0620 original miles.
• Finished in classic Ferrari red with a beige interior and black convertible top.

The Ferrari Mondial was built in Maranello, Italy, and designed by Pininfarina. The QV Cabriolet model was produced between 1983 and 1985 with a small production run of 629 units worldwide. Powered by a 3.0-liter V8 engine rated at 240HP with 4 valves per cylinder. The 4-seat mid-engine Ferrari is equipped with a gated 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, power windows, solid wheels, and a soft top with a boot.

Daryl: 1925 Ford Model TT Truck - $7000

Source: Facebook Marketplace\

From the listing:

• Body is in great condition.
• Runs great but the transmission will need new bands
• Currently need to make space and I do not have time for it.
• Clear clean title in my name
• Located in Farmington, IL

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Thank you for spending some time with us in 2023, and we appreciate your friendship.

Take care and have a very happy & joyous holiday season!

see the prvious post.  We are idiots

Would you believe that Eric almost lost the show?  If you know Eric at all... You probably would believe it.  As it turned out... This remote show was lost in the back of a 4Runner for a week before is was found.  Fortunately, 100 degree temps didnt melt the memory card and lose this gem of an episode

Episode 80 finds Eric and Daryl doing a live remote in the Scott Auto Museum of North Peoria on a pleasant summer evening.  You will be soothed by the ambient droll of crickets and cicadas while tuned in.

On this episode:

• Ford is in the software subscription game
• Polestar goes Chinese
• New car customers hate their door handles

Projects

Eric:

• Sold a car!  98 4runner is burning gas and the title is signed!  OOH RAA!
• Camper madness 
• Black Celica TRD wheels

Daryl:

• Working through some brake work on the Fury. Essex got sold. I got sad. Gabe reminded me we can’t keep them all. 
• Caddy is up next I swear. 

News

Volvo Cars and EV startup Polestar will be tapping into an old U.S. trade program to import Chinese vehicles at a lower cost, giving the Swedish brands a competitive leg up. By using the U.S. Duty Drawback program, the Geely-affiliated automakers can recoup import duties and the 25 percent U.S. tariff assessed on the Chinese-made Volvo EX30 crossover and Polestar 2 sedan against exports of the U.S.-made Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 crossovers, sources familiar with the matter told Automotive News.

Source: Automotive News

Cars Have More Tech Than Ever — And Drivers Are Increasingly Frustrated with their Door Handles, Screens, and Other Features

The overall quality of new vehicles is deteriorating and nagging problems are on the rise, according to a new study from JD Power. The auto-industry research firm said more technology in cars is partially to blame. Quality declined year over year across all categories apart from driving experience. The two categories where problems increased the most were features, controls, and displays, along with infotainment.

Source: Business Insider 

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to its Origin

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 1, 2023) – Legends never die. Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin

• Toyota’s longest-running nameplate returns to the North American market after a three-year hiatus and stays true to its heritage as a durable off-roader at a more accessible MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range
• Exclusively powered by i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 326 horsepower, 465 lb.-ft. of torque
• Available 12.3-inch touchscreen displays latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system and Multi Terrain Monitor
• First Edition grade limited to 5,000 units for North America and comes equipped with round heritage LED headlamps, roof rack, rock rails, and exclusive interior design
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models

Ford Motor Co. sees revenue from in-car software services, like its hands-free driving feature, surging by 1,000% over the next few years. To harness that growth, the automaker on Monday said it hired Peter Stern, the former vice president of services for Apple Inc., to run a newly created technology-focused unit. Stern is tasked with growing Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system, as well as developing other in-car services to sell to millions of owners.

Source: Bloomberg

NADA, National Urban League Team Up to Train Auto Techs

At the NADA Show in Dallas this year, Damian Mills attended a presentation by the National Urban League on a new automotive technician training program it was launching with the car dealer association. Mills immediately decided to take part. The pioneering program in Louisiana brings together two organizations — the National Urban League and the National Automobile Dealers Association — and their diverse resources. The hope is to establish a nationwide network of auto technician training apprenticeships.  Source: Automotive News 

Cars of the Weak

Eric:

Taking a note from my son.. I am going to pull the ultimate "flex move" at the boat ramp by driving my car straight into the lake or waterway of my choice...  And then pulling away in my Amphicar!

Its for sale for a cool 75 grand in Arkansas.

https://www.facebook.com/tannersclassicautos

Daryl: 1933 Packard Super Eight Club Sedan

$18,000
Facebook Marketplace

Welcome to the automotive podcast that didn't find the cats on the last show…. but we did find a 1977 Panther. More on that later in the show.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• The year…  Was 1977
• The Chevrolet Caprice outsells the F150?  We’ll explain!  
• Elon has a Chat GPT alternative

Remember, you can always email us at info@throwinwrenches.com or post a review on Apple Podcasts to be heard around the world!

Sponsors

This show is named in honor of one of the worst cars ever…

Presenting The 1977 Panther 6

Base price: $52,000 / Engine: 8.2L twin-turbocharged V8 / Power: 600 hp
From Supercars.net

Ha! Just when you thought that you’d seen it all when it came to six-wheelers (see Covini C6W ), think again. The British-born Panther 6 is earlier (and therefore more original) take on the more-is-more school of thought and was believed to be a sign of future things to come at the time.

Clearly, the idea of driving a car with 4 wheels over the front axle didn’t really end up picking up steam, despite the Panther 6 – having been equipped with a formidable 8.2L twin-turbocharged Cadillac V8 which produced over 600 hp – putting in a good word for it. Only two were ever made, further underlining the ultimate failure of both the car and its message had any resonance.

Historical Headlines

USA 1977: Chevrolet Impala/Caprice takes the lead, Ford F-Series now best-selling truck

After two years of Oldsmobile domination, the Chevrolet Impala/Caprice takes advantage of its downsizing to become America’s best-selling vehicle and passenger car with a whopping 657,151 sales, up 45% on 1976. The Oldsmobile Cutlass is now #2 with sales still up year-on-year, but at a shyer 6% to 527,939 units.

In the trucks ranking, the Ford F-Series climbs onto the pole position, and has never looked back since, holding the title of America’s best-selling truck for 34 consecutive years!

Back to passenger cars to salute the 3rd place of the Ford LTD, up 5% on last year to reach 380,499 sales, followed by the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, down one spot to #4. There are 3 newcomers in the Top 10: the Ford Granada directly to 5th place with 355,186 sales, the Ford Thunderbird at #6 and 325,153 units and the Buick Century in 10th position with 279,657 sales.

World News

Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary” Celebrates the Sports Car’s Diamond Jubilee and Doesn’t Shy Away from the Model’s Dark Wartime Past

Source: Car & Driver

Gordon Maltby bought his first Porsche 50 years ago and his latest just this year. Between those two purchases, he has owned around three dozen cars from the sporting German marque. But he has always been fond of the 356.

In fact, he wrote one of the first comprehensive books on the model, Porsche 356 and RS Spyders, in 1991, and for decades acted as the editor-in-chief of 356 Registry, the official magazine of the 356 owners’ club. "The 356, of course, is the original Porsche," he says.

Now, Maltby has taken that longtime love of the brand and nameplate and assembled it all into a fascinating, well-written, and beautifully illustrated coffee table book, Porsche 356: 75^th Anniversary (Motorbooks, $75). And it's coming out just in time for the bathtub-shaped sports car's diamond jubilee.

The book's strength lies in its straightforward writing dosed with just the right amount of technical detail. It also benefits from comprehensive storytelling with plenty of insider anecdotes and delves deeply into the complex history of the manufacturing of the 356, an area that has not been substantially covered in previous accounts of the model's 17-year lifespan.

"The book specifically is focused on the relationship between Reutter and Porsche," Maltby says, naming the local German coachbuilder (karosserie) that was responsible for constructing bodies for the 356 and executing the complex and innovative aluminum and/or steel forms.

The book is also an excellent resource on the vehicles designed and engineered in the early years of the Porsche consultancy, in the decades before 1948 when Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche released the first car to bear their last name. "I think a modern Porsche enthusiast maybe doesn't have a very good idea of the fact that Ferdinand Porsche worked in the automotive industry for 50 years before the 356 was built."

Ford's Oakville plant in Canada will build EVs starting in 2024

Source: Automotive News

Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday said the previously announced $1.3 billion transformation of its Oakville Assembly Plant for electric vehicle manufacturing will begin in the second quarter of next year and take about six months to complete. During that time some of the 3,000 workers at the Ontario, Canada, site will be furloughed, although the company expects to retain virtually all of the employees when the plant comes back online at the end of 2024.

Furious drivers resort to stealing traffic cameras ahead of £12.50 daily charge

Source: The Mirror

Sadiq Khan's Ultra Low Emission Zone scheme is already estimated to have raked in almost £250 million since it was first implemented in 2019 and more protests have been staged over its expansion. Seething Londoners have been reduced to stealing Ultra-Low Emission Zone cameras and cutting wires as fury mounts over the government's controversial expansion.

Major Sadiq Khan is facing more backlash over his plan to include all 32 London boroughs in the idea dubbed a 'pure money-making scheme' by angry protestors. He yesterday defended his detested ULEZ project by claiming it will give men higher sperm counts because of the reduction in air pollution. From August 29, the enlargement will be rolled out meaning an estimated 700,000 more car owners must pay £12.50 daily charge to travel around the capital.

ULEZ cameras are reported to have been ripped from their bases and damaged with claims some of the registration detection devices have had their wires cut. City Hall said in a statement: "As of 21 March 2023, there had been 31 instances of vandalism or theft to ULEZ cameras within the expansion zone. Within the existing zone, there had been 12 instances of vandalism or theft.

National News

Why Leasing an EV Might Be the Smarter Choice Right Now

Source: NADA

Federal tax credits for electric vehicle (EV) purchases are about to disappear for many models under newly released IRS rules, but savvy shoppers are finding a workaround by leasing, rather than buying, their new car. Why it matters: President Biden's effort to expand EV adoption through newly revised tax credits is proving to be unworkable for many of today's models, creating confusion and frustration for automakers, dealers and consumers.

Local News

Central Illinois Cars and Coffee

Eric and Daryl break down the recent venue change for Central Illinois Cars & Coffee and the social media drama that unfolded. Tearing down one another isn't what we need to be doing in this hobby. The moral of the story is people should be more supportive when it comes to local events. If you've got a better idea, get involved or start your own event.

Grinding the Gears

What do Ice T, Allen Iverson, and Rick Flair have in common?

They all pitch Car Shield!

Imagine the scene: It's a barber shop anywhere in the United States. A barber needs advice on a repair for his car, so he asks his customer in the chair... Known automotive expert or acting as one…  ICE T!   What should he do?

Thankfully, ICE T has the answer (not the answer answer. )The Answer must have been Allan Iverson's nickname.  Do You remember Iverson? The guy who couldn't show up for “practice”.  Suddenly, he now knows a lot about car warranties.

If this commercial didn't go far enough into the d level celebrity ditch,  another customer in chair chimes in... It's a crazy-eyed Rick Flair doing his best impression of former Democratic leader Howard Dean. YEAHHHHHHHH!

Chris Berman is driving around the nation like he's the poor mans John Madden in his CarShield MegaBus doing the worst city tour since Wesley Snipes was a spokesman for H&R Block.

OK… Eric made that part up.  It would have been better than the Berman Bus!

Cars of the Weak

Eric: Porsche 911

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Daryl: 1986 Dodge Aires LE Station Wagon - $6,999

Source: Riverside Chevrolet

You can't go wrong with the classics! This vintage beauty is in mint condition with only 98k miles. Take a trip back in time with this wood-paneled station wagon. It will certainly have everyone talking!

This car was on BaT and sold for $4,100.

Catch you on the flipside! 

Let's talk about tex baby... Or is that Techs?  Eric and Regan go head to head and talk about the real state of the industry and what it might look like in 10 years.  This is a real conversation these two have been having over the past few years and it has been building to a show.  

What do you think?  Are we ready for the future?  

Welcome to the auto podcast that you deserve.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• Uber wants a car. Would you drive it?
• Are Renault and Nissan finally over Carlos?
• Will Jeremy Clarkson ever work again? 

All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches.

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at info@throwinwrenches.com or post a review on Apple Podcasts to be heard around the world

Sponsors

We couldn't do this without your support. Thank you!

Feedback

Thanks to South Hill Customs and ARRow7 for sharing reviews of the show on Apple Podcasts. Your stickers are in the mail, friends!

As always:

• Thanks for listening.
• Thanks for sharing.
• Thanks for commenting.

Projects

Eric shops for tires for Treehugger 3.0, and contemplates a mild lift at the same time. He also talks about his recent plumbing work.

Daryl discusses the joys of plastic fasteners while replacing headlights in his Dad’s 2008 Saturn Vue. He also receieves his newly-restored Bendix power brake booster for the '55 Caddy.

World News

Nissan, Renault near rebalancing of alliance

Source: Japan Today

Nissan and Renault are nearing a "historic" rebalancing of their auto alliance, with a deal likely to be announced in the coming weeks, a source close to the talks said Tuesday.

The Japanese and French giants have been wrestling with a reshaping of their partnership for months, with discussions including a reduction of Renault's hefty 43.7 percent stake in Nissan.

The pair joined forces in 1999, and were later joined by Mitsubishi Motors, but the union has been contentious, particularly in recent years.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Nissan's independent directors had "given their green light" to a deal, paving the way for a "historic" agreement.

Final details are expected to be ironed out at a meeting in Japan on January 26, with the signing and an announcement the following week, the source added.

A Nissan spokeswoman declined to comment on "speculation", but Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily also reported the deal was close to completion, and Jiji news agency said Renault's CEO would be in Japan over the weekend.

Renault is expected to reduce its stake in Nissan to 15 percent, matching the size of the Japanese firm's stake in its French partner.

Ghosn's Daring Escape Cost His Extraction Crew Their Freedom

Source: Bloomberg

The father and son sentenced to serve time in a Japanese prison for smuggling Carlos Ghosn out of the country in a large musical-equipment case were transferred to the U.S. a week ago, ending another chapter of the corporate saga involving the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA.

Michael Taylor, the father and a former U.S. Green Beret, and his son Peter Taylor were imprisoned last year after they pleaded guilty to helping the auto industry executive flee trial in late 2019 and make his way to Beirut. Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018 on charges of underreporting income and other corporate crimes, which he has denied.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons flew both out of Japan late in October after the two governments agreed to let them serve the remainder of their sentences in the U.S., according to Peter, who was released soon after arrival. Michael is set to be freed soon, pending procedural matters, he added. A call to a spokesperson for the Tokyo prosecutors office was unanswered on Saturday.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Peter Taylor said from Massachusetts, adding that he’s trying to regain some of the weight he lost in prison. “It feels great. It’s difficult to put into words.”

With Ghosn out of reach — Lebanon doesn’t extradite its citizens — the pair’s situation became a proxy in Japan for Ghosn and his case. Greg Kelly, a former Nissan director who was detained on the same day as his boss, was exonerated of most charges and left Japan earlier this year. He is appealing the verdict.

Michael Taylor received a sentence of two years while Peter Taylor was ordered to serve 20 months in prison.

After spending time in jail in Japan, Ghosn was free on bail when he staged his escape. Ghosn traveled to Osaka’s airport on Dec. 29, 2019, by bullet train. From there, he was rolled onto a private jet that flew to Istanbul, where he switched planes and made his way to Beirut.

The duo had apologized to prosecutors and Japan’s justice system, saying that helping Ghosn flee was a mistake. Michael Taylor has never denied his involvement in the escape, speaking in court last year about how he organized and carried out the brazen operation. Peter’s role is less clear.

Amazon Likely to Part Ways With Jeremy Clarkson After Final Commissioned Shows Go to Air; ‘Grand Tour’ Host Sent Email Apology to Harry & Meghan

Source: Variety

Amazon Prime Video is likely to be parting ways with Jeremy Clarkson mere weeks after his comments about Meghan Markle were published in British tabloid The Sun.

Sources tell Variety that the streaming service won’t be working with Clarkson beyond seasons of “The Grand Tour” and “Clarkson’s Farm” that have already been commissioned. This means that the notorious “Top Gear” presenter likely won’t be appearing in any new shows on Prime Video beyond 2024 (though there’s every chance a final “Grand Tour” episode could carry over into 2025).

Prime Video already has a number of shows in the works with Clarkson, which are going to go ahead, but the decision effectively means that “Clarkson’s Farm” will end with Season 3 (expected in 2024). It also means that motoring format “The Grand Tour,” one of Prime Video’s biggest shows, will also come to an end. Variety understands the series will conclude after four more special episodes — the last of which is expected to land in late 2024.

In a lengthy statement posted to his official Instagram on Monday afternoon, Clarkson says, “I really am sorry. All the way from the balls of my feet to the follicles on my head. This is me putting my hands up. It’s a mea culpa with bells on.”

The extensive apology for his December comments — in which Clarkson suggested Markle be made to “parade naked” through Britain while people “throw lumps of excrement at her” — comes a day ahead of a planned press conference for “Clarkson’s Farm.” (The promotional event for Season 2 of the show, launching on Feb. 10, was scheduled just days prior to Clarkson’s comments.)

National News

[caption id="attachment_3741" align="alignright" width="275"] Photo Credit: Arrival[/caption]

Uber wants its future to have three-wheeled cars, face-to-face seats

Source: CNN Business

Uber drivers don’t always need four wheels, front-facing passenger seats and top speeds over 50 miles an hour just to drive people or deliveries from one place to another in a city. So Uber is working with automakers to create custom-built cars for urban ride- hail and delivery work, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said.

Custom-made electric vehicles with three wheels, for instance, could “have a much smaller footprint in terms of environmental but also traffic flow” than typical passenger cars, Khosrowshahi said in an interview with the the Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The discussion is shown in a video posted in the Journal’s website. Uber has said that it will offer only fully electric rides in the United States and Europe by 2030. Uber is already working with the electric commercial vehicle startup Arrival to create a a car just for ride-hailing applications.

In Uber’s custom ride-hail vehicles, Khosrowshahi said, passengers might sit facing one another to ease interaction rather than facing forward as occupants typically do in cars. Many cities, like New York, have low speed limits which make higher horsepower, and, in turn, large and expensive battery packs, unnecessary.

Obnoxiously loud car? A traffic camera might be listening

Source: AP News

After the relative quiet of the pandemic, New York City has come roaring back. Just listen: Jackhammers. Honking cars and trucks. Rumbling subway trains. Sirens. Shouting.

Over the years, there have been numerous efforts to quiet the cacophony. One of the latest: traffic cameras equipped with sound meters capable of identifying souped-up cars and motorbikes emitting an illegal amount of street noise.

At least 71 drivers have gotten tickets so far for violating noise rules during a yearlong pilot program of the system. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection now has plans to expand the use of the roadside sound meters.

“Vehicles with illegally modified mufflers and tailpipes that emit extremely loud noise have been a growing problem in recent years,” said City Council member Erik Bottcher, who heralded the arrival of the radars to his district to help reduce “obnoxious” noise.

New York City already has one of the most extensive noise ordinances in the country, setting allowable levels for a host of noisemakers, such as jackhammers and vehicles.

A state law known as the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution Act, or the SLEEP Act, that went into effect last spring raised fines for illegal modifications of mufflers and exhaust systems.

Most New Car Buyers Are Now Paying Less Than Sticker Price

Source: CNN

A year ago, record tight inventories meant 80% of buyers were paying more than the manufacturers’ suggested retail price (MSRP), or sticker price, according to data from Edmunds. For decades, car buyers had been able to negotiate a discount. Today, only 36% of buyers are paying above sticker. After paying an average of $700 above MSRP in the spring, buyers paid an average of $300 less than sticker in December.

Wyoming Pushes EV Sales ‘Phaseout,' But Senator Behind Legislation Shrugs at Its Prospects

Source: Automotive News

Wyoming State Senator Jim Anderson sponsored a bill last week that, if enacted, would phase out new electric vehicle sales in the state by 2035. However, Anderson told Automotive News on Wednesday, he doesn't intend for it to pass, and he doesn't begrudge anybody buying EVs. The bill comes as a number of other states are moving in the opposite direction, eyeing the end of gasoline-powered vehicle sales in favor of electrics and plug-in hybrids.

Local News

Is it legal to ride in the back of a pickup truck in Illinois?

Source: CIProud

If you grew up in Illinois with someone who owned a pickup truck, chances are you rode in the bed of that truck at least once or twice.

There are a lot of reasons one might ride in the back of a truck, especially since it can feel liberating to do so. But is it legal?

Although there aren’t any specific laws banning passengers from riding in the cargo area, Illinois law requires that everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt.

Additionally, children under the age of 16 must be secured by a seat belt or child safety seat under the Child Passenger Safety Act. It’s also illegal to ride in a tow vehicle on a public highway, such as a trailer, semitrailer, or wagon.

In other words, you cannot legally ride in the back of a pickup truck in Illinois, as there are no seatbelts to secure anyone riding in it.

Other states also have restrictions on who can ride in the bed of a truck or trailer. For example, drivers in Texas transporting anyone younger than 18 in the bed of a truck or on a trailer can face a fine between $25 and $200.

Regardless of age, the risk of traveling without a seatbelt still exists, and drivers should be aware of how dangerous traveling with riders in the back of a truck or trailer can be.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 2023 Winnebago Class B RV Solis 59P - $99,900

Source: RV Trader

2023 Winnebago Solis 59P w/ Pop Top, 19’9”, No Slides, 3.6L V6 Gas, 2022 Ram ProMaster Chassis, 220 Watt Flexible Surface Solar Panel, Electric PS, Dash Air, Cruise, Radio/Rearview Monitor System w/ Touchscreen, USB Ports, Digital Rearview Mirror, Push Button Start, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking System, Post Collision Braking, Crosswind Assist, Power Mirrors w/ Defrost, Slide/Swivel/Recline Cab Seats, Front Cab Air Mattress, Side Screen Door, Rear Screen Door, Aluminum Running Board w/ Pet Loop Attachment, Rod & Privacy Screen For Rear Annex, Exterior Wash Station, Truma Combi Eco Heating System, Eco Hot Water System, Heated Drainage System, Monitor Panel, USB Charging Ports, Zipped Window Coverings, 2 Burner Range Top, 3.0 Cu. Ft. (12V) Single Door Compressor Driven Fridge/Freezer, Sink, Dinette Seating (w/ Seatbelts), Removable Pedestal Table, Wet Bath w/ Swiveling Cassette Toilet & Shower, Murphy+ Bed w/ Slat Bed System, Movable Table, Deluxe Powered Ventilator Fan in Bedroom Area, Pop-Top Sleeping Area w/ Froli Sleep System, Sleeps 5, Nomad Interior (Beige), Weathered Teak Wood, Bright Silver Exterior

Daryl: 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible - $54,998

Source: Volo Auto Museum and Sales

From the listing: Outstanding body! Laser beam straight, the gaps are precise. No rust or damage. The bright red paint is polished like glass. You would have to look really close to find a flaw. It even feels slick like teflon. Bright white power top. Our shop replaced the top cylinder and bled the system. We aligned the windows and repaired the regulators. The Magnum 500 wheels sparkle like new. They are wrapped in reproduction Wide Oval redline tires.

Correct 383 big block with a 4 barrel carb. All stock including manifolds, valve covers, air cleaner etc. All the components look like new- alternator, wiper motor, master cylinder, distributor etc. T