Category: Special
Whatever Happened to VinFast?
d muchFor a brief time, it seemed as if VinFast was dominating the news cycle, especially here in North Carolina. A fast-moving startup from Vietnam. A bold global push. A splashy arrival in the United States. And a plan to…
Why GM Brought the Chevy Bolt Back From the Dead
When General Motors discontinued the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV in 2023, the move seemed final. The company was shifting toward its new Ultium battery platform. Larger vehicles were on the way. The small hatchback that helped pioneer affordable…
Top 8 Automotive Engineering Programs
If you are considering a career in automotive engineering, you have several options to further your education. Many community colleges and universities offer programs, at least to get you started. We have identified eight that rise above them all, listing…
Ode to the Tesla Model S
mporI remember the first time I spotted a Tesla Model S. It was in my rearview mirror. Literally. At that time, it was soon after the model’s 2012 release and the sedan was beginning to make inroads in my area…
Top 10 Best-Selling U.S. Vehicles of 2025
To the surprise of no one, the Ford F-Series remains the top-selling new vehicle, a position it has held for nearly a half century. That said, GM continues to outsell Ford in full-size pickup trucks, spreading its sales across Chevrolet…
Last Hurrah: These Models Bowed Out in 2025
Automakers add new models all the time. When they quietly drop one, though, it usually means something bigger is going on. The vehicles that disappear tend to have history—sometimes decades of it—and their exits often say as much about shifting…
Kei Cars and the American Driver
When President Donald J. Trump recently suggested that America should build and sell Japanese-style “kei cars,” the comment set off a ripple of curiosity. These tiny runabouts are iconic in Japan, beloved for their thrift, charm, and maneuverability. Yet they…
Thanksgiving Detour: A Journey, Not Just a Drive
This article was originally shared Thanksgiving 2023. The air was crisp, the skies a dull gray, and leaves scattered across roads in colorful waves of orange, red, and brown. Thanksgiving had always been a warm and comforting event in our…
Tesla Model X Weight Reduction: 400 Pounds
Tesla did not redesign the Model X for 2026—but they made it much lighter. By shaving nearly 400 pounds, the big electric SUV now weighs about 5,219 pounds, putting it surprisingly close to large gas-powered rivals.Here’s how Tesla pulled off…
Destination Unknown: The Rising Cost of Delivery Fees
Inflation erodes purchasing power, making it crucial for incomes to keep pace with rising costs—a challenge keenly felt in the automotive market. While sticker shock is common for new car buyers, a detailed look at the Monroney label reveals one…
10 Ways Communities Are Rethinking Speed
America’s streets are changing. As cities rethink how people move through their neighborhoods, safety—not speed—is taking the lead. 1. Perspective Shapes Your Opinion The “right” speed for a neighborhood street depends on who you are. Drivers often see the road…
Chrysler Brand Remains Underutilized
Once a proud premium brand, Chrysler is a shell of itself. Because of mergers, acquisitions, and some very questionable planning from company executives, Chrysler’s future remains in doubt, despite promises of revival. The Chrysler marque is currently limited to the…
How to Save the Chrysler Group
The Chrysler Group, once comprised of four brands – Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram – is no more. It is now part of Stellantis North America, a division that also includes Italian makes Fiat and Alfa Romeo. Stellantis, formed in…
Miata: 35 Years of Joy-Filled Driving
The Mazda MX-5 Miata stands apart in today’s crowded automotive landscape. This diminutive roadster has delivered pure driving pleasure for more than three decades, earning a reputation that few sports cars can claim. Built by Mazda with a singular focus…
Safety: How Cities Can Make Streets Less Risky
As traffic fatalities continue to climb in many U.S. cities, local leaders face mounting urgency to act. In 2024, nearly 40,000 people were killed on American roads, with pedestrian and cyclist deaths reaching levels not seen in decades. The reasons…
Is Bigger Better and Safer?
Park a diminutive Nissan Versa next to a massive Ford Expedition, and the size difference between them implies an apparent advantage in a head-on collision. However, recent research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that the assumption…
US 2024 Auto Sales Analyzed
Another year has ended, and US auto sales remain strong, although they are noticeably below previous highs reached as recently as 2019. For the year, just under 16 million new vehicles were sold, up approximately 580,000 units over 2023. As…
Overview of the All-New Scout Motors
Scout Motors, a revived brand under the Volkswagen Group, is making a bold re-entry into the automotive market with its new lineup of electric vehicles (EVs). Known for its rugged off-road heritage, Scout aims to merge nostalgia with cutting-edge EV…
25 Years of GMC Denali!
When GMC introduced the Yukon Denali in 1998, few could have predicted the lasting impact this premium trim would have on the automotive world. Twenty-five years later, the Denali name has become synonymous with luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. With…
50 Gift Ideas for the Car Lover in Your Life
If you are shopping for a car lover, then a Christmas gift that’s oriented toward their interests is almost a given. Depending on your budget, your cost can range from the modest to the widely outlandish. No, we are not…




















