Should cars still have AM radios? Congress might require them.

Nov 4, 2024
AM radio's popularity has declined, leading some carmakers to drop the equipment. Broadcasters say their stations are crucial in emergencies.
Ginny McGehee hosts "The Breakfast Table" on WJOY, an AM station that broadcasts in  Vermont.
Henry Epp / Marketplace

Trump wants German carmakers to "become American car companies." How would that work exactly?

Incentives for German automakers to build vehicles here — or penalties for imports — could inspire a shift in operations.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Why some drivers are still hesitant to go electric

May 17, 2024
EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids made up 18% of new vehicle sales in the U.S. in the first quarter of this year. But that share was down slightly from the previous quarter.
Higher sticker price remains a big variable holding drivers back from  buying EVs, said Leah Stokes, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara.
Patrick T. Fallon/APF via Getty Images

As GM announces quarterly results, all eyes are on strike's effects

Oct 24, 2023
Investors — and the union — will be scrutinizing the numbers for clues about how the extended work stoppage is affecting the companies.
Because only two weeks of the UAW strike were in Q3, earnings may not take much of a hit — but keep an eye on forecasts.
Michael Swensen/Getty Images

As carmakers restart factories, they look at steps to protect workers from COVID-19

May 18, 2020
Among the steps General Motors says it will take: providing additional protective gear, and taking workers' temperatures when they arrive.
There are about 1,500 workers on a typical shift in a car factory, according to one industry analyst.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

U.S. automakers seek advantage at Shanghai Auto Show

Apr 18, 2019
American manufacturers are eager to win Chinese customers.
Ford Lincoln unveils a luxury SUV with seven seats at the Shanghai auto show. Other carmakers have pushed new SUVs and electric models to drive sales amid a slowdown in the industry.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

How did Volkswagen conquer the world?

Jul 28, 2015
For the first time, Volkswagen edges out Toyota as the world's biggest car maker.

For public good, not for profit.

Carmakers bet on green future

Dec 31, 2012
Makers of hybrid and electric cars are increasing their offerings in 2013 despite a somewhat disappointing roll-out of vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt.
Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally kisses the hood of the brand new all electric Ford Focus at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show on January 7, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

What trends are on display at the L.A. Auto Show?

Nov 30, 2012
The opening of the L.A. auto show comes at an interesting time; the market for cars in the U.S. has rebounded even as the broader economic recovery continues at a painfully slow pace.

Peugeot: Rescued, but constrained by bailout

Nov 28, 2012
Last month, Peugeot secured a $9 billion lifeline from the French government to stay out of bankruptcy. In return, French politicians want the struggling company keep jobs, not cut them.