Jay Traugott

Automakers are constantly researching ways to make money and subscription services are already one source, but there may not be as much profit as they think due to customers being unaware. A newly released study from Cox Automotive has some interesting findings regarding customer awareness of automakers offering these so-called features on demand.

Ferrari has issued a recall for 425 examples of the 296 GTS and 296 GTB, all from the 2022-2023 model years, due to a potential fuel leak that could lead to a fire. Ferrari recalls are rare but they do happen on occasion. According to the recall documents filed with the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Italian supercar company "has determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety may arise" in those affected vehicles.

Although it's late to the party, Subaru has confirmed plans to launch four new all-electric models by the end of 2026. The long-awaited news update comes directly from the Japanese automaker's soon-to-be-installed CEO Atsushi Osaki. All four of those EVs will be crossovers and will be sold in the US, alongside the already-on-sale Solterra, which is nothing more than a rebadged Toyota bZ4X.

The CEO of Volkswagen Group of America has told Automotive News that launching at least one vehicle with a plug-in hybrid powertrain is one of his top priorities. Pablo Di Si told the news outlet that the undecided PHEV model will likely be added to the US lineup in the very near future. But why the sudden urge?

The nostalgia continues as Porsche and Volkswagen have brought into service two modified ID. Buzz all-electric Renndienst (Race Service) support vans for the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany and Porsche Sports Cup Germany. Only a couple of months ago, we reported that Porsche had sent eight of these Renndienst vans to dealerships in the Netherlands as part of its ongoing 75th-anniversary celebrations.

ARC Automotive Inc., an airbag manufacturer out of Tennessee, is refusing a National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) demand to recall 67 million vehicles following reports the airbag inflators could explode. Unfortunately, two people have already been killed in the US and Canada.

Now is the time to buy or lease a 2023 Kia EV6. The South Korean automaker has announced new sales incentives effective immediately. However, the offers expire on July 5, 2023, so it'd be wise to act relatively fast. There is currently a $7,500 lease bonus for the EV6 Wind RWD trim that'll require $4,999 up front with a total monthly payment of $499 for 36 months. If you're not interested in leasing, you could alternatively finance with up to $3,750 in bonus cash toward the purchase.

A group of bipartisan Congressional lawmakers has sent a letter to several major automakers urging them not to discontinue AM radio in new vehicles. According to Fox Business, Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, and Rep. Greg Pence, R-Ind., sent a letter with 100 signatures to Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, GM, and Mercedes-Benz earlier this week arguing that AM radio remains an essential feature.

Ford has announced that its European division is switching to a fixed-price sales model for its all-electric vehicles with a greater emphasis on online sales. This new business model is designed to make it easier for customers to switch to an EV and eliminate price negotiating.

Thousands of examples of the new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and GM vans have suffered varying degrees of hail damage while parked in lots near the Wentzville, Missouri, production plant awaiting shipment to dealerships.