Automotive

EV sales set a volume record in Q4: While sales jumped 15.2% YoY, momentum may slow this year if Republicans keep their pledge to repeal or scale back incentives.

The economy is trending in a positive direction: US consumer prices rose in December by less than forecast. We expect the Fed will stick with a wait-and-see approach.

President-elect Trump’s plans to cut EV incentives and expand oil production could drive up vehicle costs, undermining Biden’s clean-energy policies.

The auto industry ended 2024 on a high: Sales accelerated in Q4 as consumers rushed to take advantage of EV tax credits and avoid tariffs.

Vehicles rented via the app were used in New Year’s attacks, exposing flaws in its risk-scoring algorithm and challenging tech’s reliance on automated safety measures.

A massive data leak, including German politicians’ car locations, amplifies concerns over automakers’ ability to secure data in their race for connected car dominance.

Strategic alliances expanded EV capabilities this year, but high prices, limited infrastructure, and possible tax credit cuts could challenge growth.

Amazon is officially in the online car sales business: The retailer launched Amazon Autos, which lets shoppers find, order, and buy new vehicles from dealerships.

There will be 180.9 million connected car drivers in the US by 2028, reaching over 70% of licensed drivers, according to a September 2024 EMARKETER forecast.

With Waymo and Uber scaling operations via partnerships, robotaxis could become a competitive force in global transportation markets.

Trump’s tariffs on key trade partners may drive up prices for semiconductors, EVs, and phones, threatening global supply chains and inflating costs for consumers.

Rivian secures federal support for a Georgia plant producing affordable EVs, promising jobs and innovation while facing tax policy shifts and industry headwinds.

Automakers slash jobs as EV struggles mount: Ford, GM, and Stellantis face competition from Chinese rivals and slow EV demand, driving steep layoffs and threatening their bottom lines.

The evolution of connected car technology is driven by consumer expectations for seamless digital experiences. Drivers are willing to pay for advanced connectivity, though significant gaps remain between consumer demands and current capabilities.

It will take time to get Advance Auto Parts back on track: The retailer’s long-term strategy includes the short-term pain of cutting jobs and closing over 700 stores and four distribution centers.

Over 80% of ad spending in the US for technology and electronics (87.1%), retail (82.9%), and consumer packaged goods (80.2%) is directed toward digital media, according to EMARKETER’s August 2024 forecast.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss just how bad ad fatigue is getting, how GenAI might revolutionize the in-car experience, the most interesting ways that out-of-home advertising is evolving, if niche video streaming services can gain share, how much the “American Dream” costs, and more. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Ross Benes, Director of Reports Editing Rahul Chadha, and Vice President of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti.

Volkswagen aims to attract truck buyers with retro-themed Scout SUVs and pickups designed and built in the US.

Amazon Prime members can now get a discount on gas: It will also add an electric charging benefit next year to ensure consumers recognize the “disproportionate” value the program delivers.

Automotive sector dominates Interbrand rankings: Kia and Ferrari see strong gains, while Tesla’s brand value drops 9%.