EPA Kills Start-Stop Systems — "Almost Universally Hated" Technology Gets Axed as Biggest Deregulation Ever
EPA eliminated start-stop emissions credits February 12, 2026, calling the "almost universally hated" technology unnecessary as drivers finally get the feature removed from new vehicles after years of complaints.
Used Car Prices Fall for First Time This Year — Manheim Auction Prices Down 1.6% as Older Vehicles Gain Demand
Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell 1.6% in April 2026 (first monthly decline this year) as tax refund season ended, though prices remain up 1.8% YoY with used EVs climbing 7.2% YoY on higher gas prices.
Women Make 80% of Car Buying Decisions But Only 38% Feel Confident — Dealerships Underestimate Biggest Market
Women make 80-85% of car-buying decisions and purchase 62% of new cars spending $200 billion annually, but only 38% feel confident (vs 58% of men) and 77% bring a man to dealership to avoid being taken advantage of.
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Car Repossessions Hit 1.73 Million — Subprime Delinquencies Reach 32-Year Record High at 6.5%
Subprime auto loan delinquencies hit 6.5% (32-year record) with 1.73 million repossessions in 2024 as loans from 2022-2024 with high prices, high rates, and thin equity default at unprecedented rates.
Gen Z Buys Cars Earlier But Values Them Less — 76% Own by Age 21, Only 54% Say Ownership Matters
Gen Z buys first vehicles earlier (76% by age 21 vs 56% Millennials) but only 54% consider ownership important compared to 69% of Boomers, while 66% use cars weekly and buying power reaches $12 trillion by 2030.
EV Charging Stations Fail 1 in 5 Attempts — Only 71% Success Rate Creates "Charging Anxiety"
US EV charging stations average 78% reliability with ChargerHelp data showing only 71% first-time success rate, improving to 90-95% in most states as industry shifts to high-capacity hubs.