The hottest Automotive Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
Kartick’s Blog 17 implied HN points 12 Jan 25
  1. The Ather Rizta electric scooter has a low maximum speed of 80kph and slow acceleration, making it less enjoyable to ride compared to the Ather Apex.
  2. While it has some benefits like a smooth suspension and more storage space, it lacks features like a touchscreen and has rear drum brakes.
  3. Ather as a company offers modern features and updates, showing they are more innovative than older brands, but the Rizta model isn't fun enough to buy.
Tech Buzz China Insider 19 implied HN points 27 Apr 24
  1. Huawei has made significant strides in its automotive business by focusing on smart driving technology and forming alliances with automakers.
  2. The AITO brand, co-developed by Huawei and SERES, has achieved top sales numbers in the new automotive market section.
  3. Huawei's Smart Car Solutions BU is on track for profitability, with the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance becoming profitable and expected to start making profits soon.
Interesting bits 78 implied HN points 02 Jun 23
  1. Car companies may not always address software issues promptly, leading to frustrations for car owners.
  2. As cars become more digital, their hardware may expire faster, requiring more frequent replacements.
  3. Regulatory efforts or restructuring the car industry may be needed to address issues of planned digital obsolescence and consumer protection.
Fight to Repair 78 implied HN points 24 Aug 23
  1. NHTSA reversed its opposition to Massachusetts' expanded vehicle right to repair law, allowing for access to telematics data for repairs.
  2. NHTSA proposed a compromise for vehicle telematics access using Bluetooth connections to reduce cybersecurity risks.
  3. Auto Care Association does not support the Bluetooth solution, stating it doesn't create a fair playing field as expected by voters.
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Tech Buzz China Insider 79 implied HN points 13 May 23
  1. CATL's Qilin batteries are positioned for high-end vehicles and currently target about 15% of the domestic EV market due to their high cost and superior range.
  2. CATL's Qilin battery faces competition from Tesla's 4680 battery, which is still working through production issues affecting its yield rate.
  3. By 2025, the battery industry landscape is expected to greatly favor incumbent manufacturers with CATL's capacity projected to exceed 700 GWh, and laminated products anticipated to increase to over 60% of the market.
Jon’s Newsletter 99 implied HN points 04 Jun 23
  1. Tesla's Cybertruck is anticipated to change the pickup market significantly and could make $30 billion quickly if it sells well.
  2. Traditional truck makers like Ford and GM have dominated the market, but their share is shrinking, while Tesla's unique design and approach may attract new customers.
  3. There are concerns about how fleet buyers will respond to the Cybertruck's design, but it could encourage more people to buy trucks, similar to how the iPhone changed the smartphone market.
Jon’s Newsletter 139 implied HN points 22 Jan 23
  1. Elon Musk nearly went broke saving Tesla in 2008, but he managed to keep it alive by splitting his fortune between Tesla and SpaceX.
  2. In 2010, Tesla became the first car company to go public in the U.S. in over 50 years, which boosted its credibility and opened doors for growth.
  3. The launch of the Model 3 in 2017 was crucial for Tesla's success, making it the best-selling electric vehicle in the world and greatly increasing the company’s market value.
Fight to Repair 59 implied HN points 14 Jul 23
  1. Consumer Reports campaign seeks to make safety features like Automatic Crash Notifications (ACN) standard rather than paid subscriptions by car companies.
  2. The trend of companies turning safety features like Apple's Emergency SOS into subscription services raises concerns about access to potentially life-saving features.
  3. Regulators like the FTC are taking steps against companies like Tesla and John Deere for using software controls to enforce subscriptions and deny access to users, highlighting the need for government intervention to protect consumer rights.
Renewable Revolution 39 implied HN points 14 Sep 23
  1. Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing rapidly, with predictions that they will dominate car sales by 2030. The demand for gas-powered cars is dropping fast.
  2. The cost of owning EVs is becoming similar to gas cars because battery prices are falling. This makes EVs more accessible to more people in different countries.
  3. Even though there are challenges like needing better charging networks, the transition to EVs is happening quickly. Companies are investing heavily in technology and infrastructure to support this change.
Situation Normal 87 implied HN points 02 Jul 23
  1. The author faced a dilemma about what to do with their car after multiple catalytic converter thefts.
  2. The options included getting a better parking spot, selling the car and relying on Lyft, or selling and buying a new car.
  3. Ultimately, the author found a solution through a mechanic who had spare catalytic converters and offered to install a shield to protect the car.
Design Lobster 239 implied HN points 03 May 21
  1. Interacting with technology often feels personal because our brains can't distinguish between machines and people, ascribing intentions and feelings to them.
  2. Designing interactions with software should aim to make it feel like dealing with a pleasant human, not a troublesome entity.
  3. The phenomenon of pareidolia is utilized in the automotive industry to make cars seem more desirable by intentionally creating angry faces in car designs.
Tech Buzz China Insider 19 implied HN points 06 Dec 23
  1. The post delves into China's intelligent driving industry, particularly focusing on XPeng and their L2+ assisted driving systems.
  2. There is a spotlight on XPeng's reforms, such as supply chain anti-corruption, cost reduction strategies, and efforts to reach lower-tier markets.
  3. The newsletter discusses the excitement around the race to commercialize intelligent driving technology and the challenges in crossing into mainstream market success.
Fight to Repair 39 implied HN points 19 Oct 22
  1. Actor was stuck in Tesla for 24 hours due to key fob issues, highlighting a potential flaw in the system.
  2. The FTC is considering new rules requiring appliance repair info, but access to firmware and software is crucial for effective repair.
  3. Rising aftermarket auto part prices are impacting consumers, leading to less focus on auto care and softer industry revenue forecasted for 2023.
Fight to Repair 59 implied HN points 06 Jun 22
  1. New York Assembly passes first electronics right to repair bill, becoming the first state in the nation to do so. This is a milestone achievement for right to repair advocates after years of unsuccessful attempts.
  2. A report highlights the importance of a legal right to repair for wheelchair owners to ensure prompt, high-quality service at an affordable price. This emphasizes the need for a fair market for repair and service.
  3. An overload of lawsuits against John Deere regarding right to repair issues is being consolidated in a federal court in Illinois. This illustrates the ongoing legal battles in the fight for right to repair.
Jon’s Newsletter 19 implied HN points 22 Oct 23
  1. Tesla's Cybertruck will officially launch on November 30th, after four years since the first prototype was shown. It's been a long wait, and the design changes led to new manufacturing processes.
  2. There is huge demand for the Cybertruck, with over one million reservations already. However, it might take a year to a year and a half for it to start making significant money for Tesla.
  3. Analysts predict Tesla could sell between 75,000 to 250,000 Cybertrucks per year by 2025, potentially bringing in up to $30 billion in revenue if sales reach Musk's higher estimates.
Fight to Repair 98 implied HN points 19 Jul 21
  1. Tesla's repair costs can be significantly higher due to limited service options, as seen in a $16,000 vs. $700 repair scenario.
  2. Tesla's reluctance to offer part replacements and focus on assembly replacements can lead to inflated repair costs for consumers.
  3. Tesla's opposition to right to repair laws highlights the importance of independent repair shops for affordable maintenance and repair options.
Gad’s Newsletter 47 implied HN points 29 May 23
  1. Tesla is introducing a new 'unboxed' assembly method to reduce production costs and factory space.
  2. The unboxed system involves larger sub-assemblies being brought to the assembly line for quicker integration.
  3. The shift to the unboxed system challenges traditional assembly line methods and requires precision to avoid quality issues.
TP’s Substack 14 implied HN points 06 Mar 24
  1. BYD is investing heavily in Brazil to expand its market presence due to factors like high local auto prices, lack of competition, and access to local resources like lithium and iron.
  2. Brazil offers ample opportunities for BYD in sectors beyond automotive, such as renewable energy, electric buses, and possibly semiconductor technology.
  3. BYD's focus on AI and advanced technologies like autonomous driving will be crucial for success in South America, where smart features are becoming increasingly attractive to customers.
burkhardstubert 39 implied HN points 01 Dec 22
  1. Trade shows can be exciting, especially if you find innovative products, like the microbial fuel cell that uses plants to generate power.
  2. Companies should focus on creative solutions for mobility beyond cars, as seen with the interesting Podbike design, which can help with short trips.
  3. New technology offerings, like the i.MX 8ULP and i.MX 93 processors, show advancements in power efficiency and connectivity, useful for various applications.
TP’s Substack 5 implied HN points 02 Mar 24
  1. BYD has drastically lowered prices on its 2024 models, resetting the market expectations for NEVs in China's EV market.
  2. BYD's vertical integration and control over the battery supply chain allow it to keep costs lower than competitors and maintain a strong market position.
  3. Lower costs of batteries and chips have enabled BYD to implement these price cuts and make NEVs more affordable compared to ICE vehicles in China.
Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast 14 implied HN points 07 Apr 23
  1. Dr. Pippa will be in Toronto, Le Mans, and Iceland for interesting discussions on the world economy and geopolitics.
  2. Car racing history includes inspiring stories of female pioneers like Maria Antoinetta Avanzo and Hellé Nice.
  3. Geopolitically, Iceland is significant due to its location at the GIUK Gap, making it crucial to understand the Arctic geopolitics.
More Than Moore 1 HN point 11 Mar 24
  1. EDA software is crucial for designing chips, involving multiple stages like logic design, simulation, and multiphysics tools.
  2. Synopsys, a major player in EDA, has been in the industry since 1986, offering IP for chip design and recently acquired Ansys for simulation software enhancement.
  3. The future of chip design involves complexities like chipletization, 3D stacking, and the intersection of software and silicon, driving the evolution and demand in the industry.
Fight to Repair 0 implied HN points 08 May 22
  1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could impact independent auto repair by potentially limiting repair options for car owners.
  2. Introduction of Ford's Certified Glass Network is an example of how automakers are adapting to the rise of ADAS features in vehicles.
  3. The market for auto repair, such as glass replacement, is evolving due to the increasing reliance on software-based safety features in modern vehicles.
MacroCrunch 0 implied HN points 20 Sep 23
  1. The dysfunctional leadership between political parties is a big challenge for the United States.
  2. Tesla's electric cars perform well in long-distance trips, showing advancements in technology and infrastructure.
  3. Legacy auto manufacturers are facing significant challenges from Tesla in the transition to electric vehicles.
Collisions 0 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Apple is hinting at advanced audio features for the Apple Car, like spatial audio and noise cancelling.
  2. Apple might introduce innovative eye-tracking technology in the Apple Car for seamless interaction and safety purposes.
  3. Apple's focus for the Apple Car seems to be on enhancing the driving experience rather than full autonomy, prioritizing user experience and luxury.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 20 Apr 16
  1. The auto industry is facing disruption from electric batteries, autonomous vehicles, and mobile phones. Traditional car companies like Ford are trying to catch up with new business models.
  2. The rise of mobile phones and ride-sharing apps present a challenge to carmakers' traditional business model of selling cars to individuals. Companies are exploring new approaches like car-sharing partnerships and separate business units.
  3. Ford's strategy of creating Ford Smart Mobility, LLC to focus on connectivity and mobility services is a unique response to disruptive technologies in the automotive industry. The move reflects Ford's effort to adapt to changing consumer needs and market trends.