Automotive

Tesla’s latest innovation is streaming Steam games: The feature, which converts EVs into gaming consoles, could kindle the debate on distracted driving. Meanwhile, Tesla’s market value dips below $500 billion.

Waze is the latest victim of Big Tech’s austerity: Google Maps and Waze are too similar to be separate, so Google is integrating them. This could mean dominating the mapping app segment at the cost of consumer choice.

Demand for Tesla cools in China: Competition from cheaper Chinese-made EVs could be putting a damper on Tesla adoption and hiring at the company.

Carvana and Bed Bath & Beyond teeter closer to bankruptcy: Both retailers are facing serious money problems as decisions made during the pandemic come back to haunt them.

Switzerland eyes draconian grid-saving measures: Amid a European energy crisis that’s growing dire as winter approaches, officials are considering an EV ban. Incorporating hydrogen and advanced solar is another option.

Tesla takes on the semitrailer truck market: As competition in EVs intensifies, Tesla ships its first Semi to show a diversifying product mix. Meanwhile, various recalls pile up, exposing a pattern of QA mishaps.

The stubborn failure of EV affordability: Automakers’ promises of affordable EVs haven’t met consumer expectations. Tesla’s slipping dominance illustrates market potential and the possibility for a new contender.

Just under 2% of the US population will drive an electric car next year, for a total of 5.4 million drivers, per our forecast. By contrast, more than half the population, or 151.4 million people, will drive a connected car in 2023.

Tesla’s safety recall pileup: Hyperscaling production is taking a toll on vehicle safety and quality control. The carmaker’s approach to fixing problems with over-the-air firmware updates could be part of the problem.

Ford, VW vehicles rendered obsolete by 3G shutdowns: The carmakers are dealing with the fallout of 2014-2019 models no longer being able to remotely start, lock, or unlock due to the loss of 3G access.

Los Angeles to become robotaxis’ next proving ground: Despite the controversy surrounding AV technology, Motional and Lyft are gearing up to unleash driverless taxis on the streets of LA.

Tesla’s self-driving is like a ‘drunken, suicidal 13-year-old’: Green Hills Software’s CEO is on a mission to sink Tesla’s Full Self-Driving release. He’s being ridiculed, but consumer surveys indicate agreement.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren suspicious of Big Tech’s carmaking ambitions: Google lends its software expertise to help Renault build vehicles digitally. It’ll meet consumer demand for connected cars but also trigger antitrust scrutiny.

Intel accelerates cost reductions: Layoffs and reduced work hours are aimed to help Intel reduce $3 billion in costs in 2023 and up to $10 billion in 2025. Competing chipmakers and PC companies are likely to follow suit.

Tesla in hot water over Autopilot, Argo AI shutters: Vehicle crashes, dubious marketing strategies, and public fears take a toll on the AV sector, but a revival is possible.

According to TikTok, 44% of users are planning to buy or lease a car in the next six months. It’s with that in mind that the platform recently released its “Auto Dealers Playbook,” which aims to help marketers leverage the platform to engage the auto community and boost sales.

The repercussions of China’s leadership overhaul: Markets in China, Hong Kong, and New York plunge over worries that Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power could further confound investment in Big Tech.

Welcome to the world of white label EVs: Taiwanese multinational Foxconn is applying its component manufacturing model to its new EVs, which it is open to selling to other companies to brand as their own.

Auto insurance doesn't love advertising anymore: Insurance's biggest spenders have tightened their budgets due to economic troubles and a crisis of faith.

On today's episode, we discuss whether anyone can help Twitter regardless of who owns it, why physical stores could be the next major media channel, how companies are marketing around this year's World Cup, the significance of Google closing its gaming offering Stadia, how to sell a moment, an explanation of how digital grocery buyers are changing, how far an electric vehicle can go on one charge, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Oscar Orozco and analysts Ross Benes and Blake Droesch.