The hottest Automobiles Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Big Technology 4878 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. In Beijing, there are cameras everywhere. It's a bit unsettling to feel constantly watched by so many surveillance cameras on the streets.
  2. Electric cars are super common in China. Many cars have green license plates, showing that they are electric, and you can see a lot of brands on the road.
  3. People mainly use mobile payments for everything. It's hard to find places that accept cash or credit cards, making it seem like future payments could all happen through phones.
Disaffected Newsletter 1179 implied HN points 25 Jan 23
  1. Many people today struggle with basic driving skills because they rely too much on technology. This creates a feeling of helplessness when facing tasks that used to be easy.
  2. Younger generations might not know how to drive manual cars, which used to be normal for everyone. This lack of practice leads to fewer people being skilled at driving altogether.
  3. In many areas of life, we're letting automation take over simple tasks, which makes us less capable of handling challenges when technology fails. Convenience is nice, but it might come at a cost to our abilities.
Fight to Repair 98 implied HN points 22 Nov 22
  1. Automakers are increasingly offering subscription-based services for various features in cars, possibly resulting in consumers paying again for features already included in the purchase price.
  2. Legislators are starting to take action against automakers requiring subscriptions for features that are already installed in vehicles, but more efforts are needed to curb the trend of 'paywalling' car functionalities.
  3. As the future of car ownership might shift towards subscription-based models, there is a concern that almost every feature in a car could be put behind a paywall, prompting discussions on how to regulate and limit this practice.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Jon’s Newsletter 39 implied HN points 29 Nov 23
  1. Tesla's Cybertruck is highly anticipated and finally ready to hit the market after four years of development. Production has been challenging, but there are a lot of reservations to show demand.
  2. Currently, Tesla might deliver around 78,000 Cybertrucks next year, with a goal of ramping up to 250,000 vehicles by 2025. However, early production might only have a small positive cash flow impact.
  3. The Cybertruck may attract a mix of individual and business buyers, possibly expanding Tesla's market. If sales reach expected levels, it could significantly contribute to Tesla's overall revenue by 2025.
Fight to Repair 59 implied HN points 06 Feb 22
  1. The Massachusetts law on auto right to repair set a benchmark, but lacks federal support. The REPAIR Act aims to address this gap and maintain consumer choice in auto repair.
  2. Despite Massachusetts' success, other states have not followed suit in implementing auto right to repair laws. Automakers are pushing back, with potential impact on owner's ability to repair vehicles.
  3. Automakers have been resistant to granting access to telematics data for repair, sparking legal battles and industry challenges. Passage of the REPAIR Act may offer hope for federal safeguards on this issue.
Fight to Repair 19 implied HN points 02 Sep 22
  1. The EU is moving towards mandating smartphones to be supported for at least five years, benefitting customers worldwide with access to key components for repair.
  2. Research suggests that automakers opposing right-to-repair laws may be futile, as a consumer sentiment survey indicates strong support for such legislation among voters.
  3. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, driven by concerns over manufacturer control of software in devices like tractors, leading to potential environmental and consumer rights impacts.
subtract 5 implied HN points 07 Mar 24
  1. The Model T was created to be a powerful workhorse for chores and travel, solving the problem by providing a better way for families to transport, drive, and handle rough environments - all at an affordable price.
  2. Automobiles initially targeted the wealthy until the Model T made transportation more accessible, easier to drive, and rugged for off-road use, catering to average-income families' needs.
  3. Henry Ford's relentless pursuit of innovation, from creating a new steel type for a lighter car to pioneering manufacturing and marketing strategies, led the Model T to become the go-to option for American consumers, fundamentally changing the automotive industry.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 02 Jan 25
  1. SUVs like the Thar Roxx are designed for off-road use and towing. If you don't plan to do those things, a crossover might be a better choice.
  2. The Roxx isn't as comfortable or smooth as other cars meant for city driving, like the Creta. It can be noisy and the ride isn't very smooth.
  3. If you're looking for an SUV, make sure it fits your needs. Buying one just for city use is like getting a TV for listening to music; a dedicated speaker will do better.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 01 Jan 25
  1. The Toyota Fortuner is a true SUV, but it costs over double the price of the Scorpio N, which offers similar features and capabilities.
  2. Both vehicles have the same seating and safety features, but the Fortuner doesn't provide enough comfort or modern design to justify its higher cost.
  3. Choosing the Scorpio N could save you money, allowing you to afford additional vehicles or upgrades while still getting a capable SUV.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 09 Jun 25
  1. The Mercedes EQS SUV is best for people who want to be driven rather than drive themselves. It offers a super comfortable and luxurious experience in the back seat.
  2. While the car has many high-tech features, some of them can be annoying or don’t work well, like the overly sensitive braking system and unreliable air conditioning.
  3. If you're looking for a fun self-driving experience, the EQS SUV might not be great. Other cars like the Volvo EC40 or Verna might give you better driving enjoyment.