I’m A Sporty Guy Looking For A Big (But Not Too Big) First Car! What Should I Buy?

Casey is getting his driver’s license soon and is eying up some options for his first ride. With a budget limited to $15,000, he wants something comfortable with a bit of luxury and enough cargo space for sports gear. What car should he buy? The Lexus LS 500 Is The Perfect Combo Of Luxury And … Read more

Germany’s China shock: as Scholz leaves Beijing, others raise alarm about waning economic honeymoon

While industrial America complained about being undercut by cheaper competition from China, Webasto became one of Germany’s many “hidden champions” that grew rich off China’s rise. German exports boomed as newly minted Chinese consumers bought their first cars, and factories around the manufacturing heartland needed machine tools and kit. German joint ventures helped school Chinese … Read more

Tesla Will Lay Off 10 Percent Of Its Entire Workforce

Happy Monday! It’s April 15, 2024, and this is The Morning Shift, your daily roundup of the top automotive headlines from around the world, in one place. Here are the important stories you need to know. The Hype Behind Tesla Stock Success In 2023 1st Gear: Tesla Is Cutting 10 Percent Of All Workers Tesla … Read more

Sending A Mini With Tracks To Antartica Sure Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time

Of all the goofy and delightful vehicles to ever wander the of Antarctica and the Arctic, I never thought I would come across a vehicle seemingly less-suited to the icy wastes than Australia’s Volkswagen Beetle. But the Australians who brought the Bug to the continent really out did themselves with a Morris Mini Minor—on tracks, … Read more

What Do You Want To Know?

Hmm that’s cute, wish I could get it. Photo: Volkswagen Volkswagen has a history of keeping its best stuff for its home market of Europe, I’m looking at you Scirocco. This includes the latest Passat wagon, which I’m about to put through its paces in the English countryside. So, what would you like to know … Read more

Weekend Car Buying Roundup April 06, 2024

Photo: Cars & Bids The Volkswagen Phaeton is one of those cars that, at least on some level, everyone who knows it exists wants to experience. It’s basically a Bentley with a Volkswagen badge, and these days, even a Phaeton W12 can be temptingly cheap. Then again, there’s a reason they’ve depreciated so much. As … Read more

Automakers Face ‘Weeks Of Disruption’ As They Divert Cars From Baltimore’s Blocked Port

Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 28, 2024, and this is The Morning Shift, your daily roundup of the top automotive headlines from around the world, in one place. Here are the important stories you need to know. We Found a Top Secret Toyota Supra GT300 Build at New York’s Auto Show 1st Gear: Bridge Collapse … Read more

A Used Mini Cooper S Is The Cheaper, Sillier GTI Alternative You’re Overlooking

Allow me to begin by admitting my bias. I own a 2017 Mini Cooper S that I bought used, and I love my car more than most. When I was shopping for a fun, affordable, practical daily driver, my wishlist included Volkswagen GTIs, but my bank account disagreed. The Volkswagen GTI is largely credited with starting … Read more