TikTok "Kia Challenge" Turned 7 Million Cars Into Theft Targets — 4 of Top 10 Stolen Vehicles Are Kia or Hyundai
Viral TikTok challenge turned 7-9 million Kias and Hyundais into easiest cars to steal using USB cable. 4 of top 10 stolen vehicles are Kia/Hyundai. 8 deaths, $200M settlement, free retrofits starting 2026.
Trump Tariffs Already Pushed Car Prices Up $4,000 — Automakers Warn More Increases Coming
Car prices already up $4,000 on Canadian models as automakers absorb $25B in tariff costs. GM, Ford, Toyota warn 4-8% price increases coming as 25% Mexico/Canada tariffs squeeze profits.
GM Cuts Factory Zero to One Shift: 1,145 Detroit Workers Lose Jobs Before Holidays
GM permanently laid off 1,145 workers at Factory Zero in Detroit effective January 5, 2026, reducing the plant from two shifts to one. Announcement came days before Christmas holiday shutdown. Workers had worked 72-80 hours/week through 2024, then faced layoffs. GM also pausing battery production at Ohio and Tennessee Ultium plants (2,100+ workers affected). Company cites slower EV adoption after tax credit expiration. GM still reporting $12-13B profit for 2025. Ford also cutting Rouge EV Center jobs, may scrap F-150 Lightning.
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EV Sales Drop 41% as Federal Tax Credit Ends: "The Market Just Stopped"
U.S. EV sales crashed 41% in January 2026 after the $7,500 federal tax credit expired September 30, 2025. Buyers rushed to purchase EVs in August-September to capture the credit before the deadline, then the market collapsed. Ford EV sales down 70%, Honda -81%, Kia -52%. Inventory hit 168 days (vs. normal 60). SK Battery laid off 958 workers (37% of workforce) at Georgia plant. Europe +21% YTD (subsidies continue), North America -36%. Analysts ask: "Where's the natural demand without subsidies?"
FRAM and Autolite Plants Close as First Brands Bankruptcy Affects 2,500 Workers
First Brands Group, maker of FRAM and Autolite, closes plants nationwide affecting 2,500+ workers as bankruptcy proceedings continue. Former executives face federal charges.
Buy This, Lose $74,000: Which Cars Hold Value and Which Disappear
Average car loses 44.6% value in 5 years, but Jaguar I-PACE loses 72%, BMW 7 Series 67%, Tesla Model S 63%. Luxury EVs worst: Audi Q8 e-tron $74K→$21K, Lucid Air $120K→$46K. Winners: Porsche 911 retains 98%, Toyota 4Runner loses only 31%, Honda Civic 88% retained. EVs average 58.8% loss vs trucks/hybrids 40%. Off-lease flood 2026 creates buying opportunities.