The hottest Automotive Industry Substack posts right now

BYD, China's largest electric carmaker, made a big statement by delivering thousands of cars to Germany.
This move challenges European auto giants to catch up in transitioning from combustion engines to batteries.
BYD has surpassed Tesla in volume of battery electric vehicles and plans to establish a factory in Europe.

Ford's pause on the CATL plant is not primarily about China, but rather about leverage between Ford and the UAW in a labor strike.
Multiple incentives and support were provided for the CATL-powered plant, despite CATL being a Chinese company.
The uncomfortable reliance on Chinese technology by US EV makers like Ford is a mutual issue, not just a one-sided concern.

Automakers attempt to control access to telematics data needed for repairs could lead to increased repair costs for consumers.
The memorandum of understanding between auto manufacturers and repair industry groups lacks an enforcement mechanism, leaving independent repairers with no recourse.
Right to repair advocates criticize the MOU for not including key parties and not ensuring that vehicle owners have direct access to telematics data without going through OEMs.

Coordinated efforts become stronger as the numbers grow, but the value of the individual diminishes.
Union bargaining gains power with a critical mass of numbers, enabling negotiation for better terms.
Tesla's success in the market is partly due to its non-unionized workforce, providing cost advantages compared to unionized competitors.

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Corporations like Amazon and Apple often limit repair options for consumers to maintain control over products, using tactics like market consolidation and locked ecosystems.
Open-source technology in farm equipment offers a repairable, environmentally friendly alternative, beneficial for small farms adapting to climate change.
The Auto Care Association supports initiatives like the Maine Right to Repair Referendum, emphasizing the importance of consumer choice in vehicle maintenance and repair.