Automobiles | Reason Archives (original) (raw)

Donald Trump speaking at a Turning Point USA event | Jen Golbeck/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Free Trade

Trump Floats Tax Break for Carmakers Hurt by His Own Trade Deal

After proposing a deduction for interest paid on car loans, the former president suggested it would apply only to vehicles made in America.

Joe Lancaster | 10.25.2024 3:01 PM

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaking at a podium. | Nathaniel Levine/TNS/Newscom

Legislation

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes Car Speed Alarm Bill

He returned S.B. 961 to the California Senate for all the wrong reasons.

Jack Nicastro | 9.30.2024 2:04 PM

An electric vehicle in an NIO store | ID 254066521 © RobertWei | Dreamstime.com

Electric cars

Most Chinese E.V. Firms Are Unprofitable. Local Governments Keep Propping Them Up Anyway.

China has dominated the market—thanks in part to a robust industrial policy.

Kevin Garcia-Galindo | 9.24.2024 3:15 PM

Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo speaks before the House. | Rod Lamkey - CNP/Polaris/Newscom

China

Commerce Department Bans Chinese Car Components

Commerce Secretary Raimondo insists the rule "is a strictly national security action."

Jack Nicastro | 9.24.2024 2:44 PM

Police officer writes speeding ticket. | John Roman | Dreamstime.com

California

California Bill Requires All New Cars To Beep When You Speed

Drivers in the state narrowly avoided an even harsher restriction on their automotive freedom.

Jack Nicastro | 9.6.2024 10:35 AM

A photo of Josh Hawley in front of a GOP elephant and a Teamsters logo | Illustration: Lex Villena; adapted from Michael Brochstein/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom, Vchalup, Dreamstime.com

Labor Unions

The Teamsters' Alliance With the 'New Right' Was Never Going To Work

Autonomous vehicle developer Waymo is at the center of a fight between labor unions and venture capital that's dividing the populist right.

Eric Boehm | 9.2.2024 8:00 AM

John Stossel is seen next to headlines criticizing Donald Trump | Stossel TV

Election 2024

Trump Promises To Get Rid of Bad Regulations. Can He Deliver?

Growth of regulation slowed under former President Trump, but it still increased.

John Stossel | 7.17.2024 2:29 AM

John Stossel is seen between former President Trump and President Joe Biden | Stossel TV

Tariffs

Biden and Trump Are Both Disastrously Wrong About Tariffs

Yes, cheap imports hurt some American companies. But protectionist trade policy harms many more Americans than it helps.

John Stossel | 7.10.2024 9:50 AM

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former President Donald Trump, and President Joe Biden as seen on "The Real Debate" | Screenshot, X

Election 2024

Biden, Trump, and RFK Jr. Are All Anti-Freedom

Those three presidential candidates are making promises that would have bewildered and horrified the Founding Fathers.

John Stossel | 7.3.2024 12:30 AM

An old Illinois license plate | Photo 148432899 © Oleksandr Lutsenko | Dreamstime.com

Surveillance

Illinois License Plate Cameras Are Violating People's Constitutional Rights, Says New Suit

The plaintiffs are challenging the state's widespread surveillance, which it collects through over 600 cameras.

Patrick McDonald | 6.14.2024 4:18 PM

A blurred picture of a Volvo, as if it's speeding | Damnura | Dreamstime.com

Automobiles

Brickbat: Life in the Slow Lane

Charles Oliver | 6.13.2024 4:00 AM

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks to reporters | Katie King/TNS/Newscom

Automobiles

Glenn Youngkin Withdraws Virginia From California's Electric Vehicle Mandate

Youngkin's administration says the state will adhere to federal emissions standards beginning in 2025.

Joe Lancaster | 6.5.2024 2:00 PM

Inside a car | Kyodo/Newscom

California

California's Regulations Might Steer Self-Driving Innovations to Other States

Despite being the so-called epicenter of innovation, California certainly doesn't give innovators a lot of room to experiment with new ideas.

Steven Greenhut | 5.31.2024 7:30 AM

An engineer works in a manufacturing plant | Photo 161332327 © Omar Osman | Dreamstime.com

Tariffs

American Manufacturers Need Tax and Regulatory Reform, Not Tariffs

Despite both presidential candidates touting protectionist trade policy, tariffs do little to address the underlying factors that make it difficult for U.S. manufacturers to compete in the global marketplace.

Veronique de Rugy | 5.23.2024 2:40 PM

Hinga Mbogo is seen in his auto repair shop | Institute for Justice

Zoning

Zoning Regulations Empower Control Freaks—and Bigots

The Institute for Justice has launched a project to reform land use regulation.

J.D. Tuccille | 5.15.2024 7:00 AM

President Joe Biden speaks in front of shipping infrastructure | CNP/AdMedia/SIPA/Newscom

Free Trade

Biden's Tariffs Are a Bad Idea

Bad for consumers, bad for American industry, bad for his administration's own environmental goals, and bad for an increasingly irrational executive branch.

Eric Boehm | 5.14.2024 3:15 PM

Car speedometer in kilometers per hour | Yurix | Dreamstime.com

Automobiles

Brickbat: Backseat Driver

Charles Oliver | 5.14.2024 4:00 AM

President Joe Biden speaks at a United Auto Workers conference in January | Pool/ABACA/Newscom

Labor Unions

No, Unions Aren't Having a Resurgence—and That's Good for Workers

Private unions have every right to exist, but that doesn't mean they're actually beneficial on net.

Veronique de Rugy | 5.9.2024 12:01 AM

A diesel locomotive is seen in Mojave, California | DPST/Newscom

Rail

How California's Ban on Diesel Locomotives Could Have Major National Repercussions

No technology exists today to enable railroads to comply with the state's diktat, which villainizes a mode of transportation that is actually quite energy efficient.

Veronique de Rugy | 5.2.2024 2:02 AM

John Stossel is seen in front of the U.S. Capitol | Stossel TV

Government

No One Can Make Government Work

If businesses don't serve customers well, they go out of business. Government, on the other hand, is a monopoly.

John Stossel | 5.1.2024 12:30 AM

Workers on an automotive assembly line in Tianjin, China. | Ognjen Stevanovic | Dreamstime.com

Electric cars

China Is Doubling Down on Electric Vehicle Subsidies

Electric vehicles are not a bad thing, especially in heavily polluted China. But the market should drive demand, not central planners.

Joe Lancaster | 4.29.2024 3:40 PM

Two men in a car drive through a tunnel in Munich, Germany. | GoranJakus | Dreamstime.com

Automobiles

Brickbat: Baby, You Can't Drive Your Car

Charles Oliver | 4.29.2024 4:00 AM

A man works in manufacturing at a factory | Photo 161332327 © Omar Osman | Dreamstime.com

Economy

Politicians Are Showering Manufacturing Companies With Crony Subsidies for 'Job Creation.' It Won't Work.

These handouts will flow to businesses—often big and rich—for projects they would likely have taken on anyway.

Veronique de Rugy | 4.4.2024 12:01 AM

The hood is popped on a car that has been modified to race, as the driver leans over to tinker with the engine. | Mariuszks | Dreamstime.com

Automobiles

Brickbat: Chop Shop

Charles Oliver | 4.2.2024 4:00 AM

An overhead surveillance shot of a car in traffic, as captured by a drone, helicopter, or satellite. | Welcomia | Dreamstime.com

Surveillance

Stop Your Car From Spying on You

Modern cars are smartphones on wheels, but with less protection for your data.

J.D. Tuccille | 3.25.2024 7:00 AM

Close-up of an electric vehicle plugged in to charge. | Mykola Pokhodzhay | Dreamstime.com

Electric cars

How the EPA's New Emissions Rule Is Likely To Backfire

While drafted with good intentions, the rule prioritizes electric vehicles that run on batteries, even as hybrids see strong sales growth.

Joe Lancaster | 3.20.2024 4:35 PM

A keyring hanging from a hook by a front door. | Rushtonheather | Dreamstime.com

Crime

Brickbat: Persistence Is Key

Charles Oliver | 3.19.2024 4:00 AM

Close-up of a vehicle tag sticker and tag registration form. | Pixelrobot | Dreamstime.com

Automobiles

Brickbat: Texas Tag Trouble

Charles Oliver | 3.12.2024 4:00 AM

Rivian factory in Normal, Illinois | Redwood8 | Dreamstime.com

Electric cars

Rivian Pauses Construction at Factory That Costs Georgia Taxpayers $1.5 Billion

The company will now build everything in its existing Illinois factory, pausing construction on the Georgia plant until "later."

Joe Lancaster | 3.8.2024 1:55 PM

The exterior of an Apple store in Tokyo. | Taidgh Barron/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Electric cars

Apple Abandons Plans for Driverless Electric Car, Shifts Team to AI

While a disappointment to green-tech supporters, Apple's decision reflects the growing uncertainty in the E.V. market.

Joe Lancaster | 2.28.2024 2:50 PM

Close-up of the rear wheel of a car driving in the rain. | Milkovasa | Dreamstime.com

Automobiles

Brickbat: So Tired

Charles Oliver | 2.19.2024 4:00 AM

An illustration of an eye surveilling a car | Illustration: Joanna Andreasson; Source image: ivetavaicule/iStock

Surveillance

Your Car Is Spying on You

But motorists are finding ways to sidestep Big Brother.

J.D. Tuccille | 2.15.2024 6:00 AM

Huge pick-up truck | Photo 57921664 © Artzzz | Dreamstime.com

Free Trade

Why Are Pickup Trucks Ridiculously Huge? Blame Government.

Regulations, tariffs, and other government-imposed hurdles reward American car companies for building bigger, more expensive trucks and keep out any potential competitors.

Steven Greenhut | 2.2.2024 7:30 AM

John Stossel is seen in front of a beach house | Stossel TV

Government Waste

The Feds Shouldn't Subsidize Fancy, Risky Beach Houses

Government is "promoting bad behavior," says Sen. Rand Paul. He's right.

John Stossel | 1.10.2024 12:30 AM

President Joe Biden chairs a meeting in the White House Cabinet Room. | Al Drago - via CNP/Polaris/Newscom

Tariffs

Biden Considering Higher Tariffs on E.V.s Imported from China, Raising Prices for Americans

Tariffs of 25 percent introduced under Donald Trump have been allowed to remain in place, and Biden may tack on even more to shield American firms from competition.

Joe Lancaster | 1.9.2024 2:00 PM

a globe in front of a black and white backdrop | Illustration: Lex Villena

Economics

3 Economic Myths That Need To Die

As we step into 2024, it's crucial to adopt a more informed perspective on these dubious claims.

Veronique de Rugy | 1.4.2024 12:30 PM

John Stossel is seen with a self-driving car in the background | Stossel TV

Self-driving vehicles

Self-Driving Cars Have Arrived. They Will Make Us Safer.

The good news: Regulators have exercised unusual restraint.

John Stossel | 12.20.2023 11:40 AM

Workers lined up against the backdrop of the General Motors logo | Illustration: Lex Villena

Energy Subsidies

G.M. To Lay Off 1,300 Michigan Workers Despite $824 Million in State Incentives

The bulk of the employees may be able to find work elsewhere within the company, but the state could still be on the hook for the promised cash.

Joe Lancaster | 12.20.2023 11:25 AM

A Tesla Cybertruck sitting in a New York City showroom. | Nancy Kaszerman/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Electric cars

Tesla's Expensive New Cybertruck May Qualify for $7,500 in E.V. Tax Credits

According to a Treasury Department website, two of the three Cybertruck models currently offered would qualify for tax credits.

Joe Lancaster | 12.15.2023 2:15 PM

VinFast Lux SA2.0 electric vehicle sits in a Santa Monica showroom with its hood popped. | 	Taidgh Barron/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Electric cars

North Carolina's Bad Billion-Dollar Bet on a Struggling E.V. Company

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has lost 5.8billioninthreeyears,duringwhichtimethestateofNorthCarolinapledged5.8 billion in three years, during which time the state of North Carolina pledged 5.8billioninthreeyears,duringwhichtimethestateofNorthCarolinapledged1.2 billion in state incentives.

Joe Lancaster | 12.11.2023 1:49 PM

President Joe Biden watches an electric vehicle charger demonstration at the White House. | Jim LoScalzo - Pool via CNP/picture alliance / Consolidated News Photos/Newscom

Energy & Environment

Congress Authorized $7.5 Billion for E.V. Chargers. After 2 Years, None Are Built.

More than $2 billion has been distributed, but only two states have even broken ground and most states haven't even submitted proposals.

Joe Lancaster | 12.8.2023 11:41 AM

Visitors look at a Polestar electric car at an event in Los Angeles | Zeng Hui / Xinhua News Agency/Newscom

Taxes

Gas Tax Revenues Decline as Cars Get More Efficient. How Will Government Pay for Roads?

Lawmakers should consider a user-fee system designed to charge drivers by the mile.

Veronique de Rugy | 12.7.2023 5:10 PM

Sen. Rand Paul |  Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA/Newscom

Congress

Exclusive: Rand Paul Wants To Kill Electric Car Subsidies and Mandatory A.M. Radio

The senator has introduced an amendment to the AM For Every Vehicle Act, sponsored by Sens. Ed Markey and Ted Cruz.

Robby Soave | 12.5.2023 5:33 PM

Toyota Hilux truck on a dirt road. | Engdao Wichitpunya | Dreamstime.com

Advertising

Brickbat: Off Road, Off Limits

Charles Oliver | 12.5.2023 4:00 AM

Joe Biden in an electric Hummer |  Adam Schultz/ZUMA Press/Newscom

Electric cars

Automakers Rethink E.V. Investments as Higher Labor Costs Hit

President Joe Biden's support for the United Auto Workers might have harmed his push for a faster transition to electric vehicles.

Eric Boehm | 11.30.2023 1:00 PM

A Hyundai crossover on an Amazon-like web page. | Illustration: Lex Villena; Konstantinos Moraitis

Regulation

Starting Next Year, You Can Buy a Car on Amazon

While the partnership between Hyundai and Amazon is a good first step, states should get rid of laws that mandate franchise dealerships.

Joe Lancaster | 11.17.2023 1:46 PM

Unintended Consequences with images of a gun with a price tag, poppies, and a small yellow car next to a gas pump | Reason TV

Unintended Consequences

Great Moments in Unintended Consequences (Vol. 13): Gun Buybacks, Poppy Payday, CAFE Standards

Good intentions, bad results

Meredith Bragg, Austin Bragg, and John Carter | 11.10.2023 10:40 AM

All the goods one needs to live in a van | Illustrations: Galich Ws/Fiverr

The Goods

Essentials for Van Life

How do you build a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a workspace in a van?

Chris Moody and Cristina Moody | 11.9.2023 6:00 AM

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