Ford said on Monday it will take a $19.5bn writedown and is killing several electric-vehicle models, in the most dramatic example yet of the auto industry’s retreat from battery-powered models in response to the Trump administration’s policies and weakening EV demand.Ford, based in Dearborn, Michigan, said it will stop making the F-150 Lightning in its electric vehicle form, but will pivot to producing an extended-range electric model, a version of a hybrid vehicle called an Erev, which uses a gas-powered g ...

Core Insights - New car prices are at an all-time high, with average monthly payments reaching $766 and average amounts financed at $43,218, driving consumers towards the used car market [1][2] - Companies like Carvana, Autoation, and CarMax are benefiting from this trend, with stock prices increasing significantly [2] - Valvalene, which operates 2,300 car servicing stores, is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for maintenance services as consumers hold onto their older vehicles longer [2][3] Company Performance - Valvalene's CEO noted that the average age of vehicles in the U.S. has increased to nearly 13 years, leading to higher maintenance needs and revenue opportunities for the company [4] - The company has been experiencing a steady influx of customers seeking maintenance for their older vehicles, which aligns with the trend of consumers opting for used cars over new ones [3][4] - Valvalene's growth in the electric vehicle (EV) segment has slowed since the removal of EV subsidies, with EV penetration in the car park currently below 2% [6][7] Market Dynamics - The shift towards maintaining older vehicles rather than purchasing new ones is expected to continue, as consumers find it more economical to keep their current cars [5] - Valvalene's hybrid business is performing well, with penetration rates comparable to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles [8] - The company aims to improve its market perception and investor understanding following a significant acquisition and a focus on clear financial commitments for growth [12][10] Community Engagement - Valvalene has a strong commitment to community involvement, having raised over $1.8 million for the Children's Miracle Network and engaging in various charitable activities [15][16]

Core Insights - Electric vehicles (EVs) depreciate significantly faster than gas-powered cars, with an average depreciation of 58.8% over five years compared to 45.6% for all vehicles [1][4] - The Honda Prologue, an electric SUV, has a projected depreciation of 49% after three years, with a resale value of approximately $29,701 [5][6] - The depreciation rates for various EV models vary, with the Jaguar I-PACE experiencing the highest average depreciation rate at 72.2% [5] Depreciation Factors - Rapid technological advancements in EVs, particularly in battery technology, contribute to faster depreciation as older models become outdated [6] - Concerns regarding battery life may also affect resale values, despite federal warranties of eight years or 100,000 miles for EVs [6] Financial Implications - The financial burden of car loans can lead to significant debt, as illustrated by a case where a couple owes $110,000 in car debt alone, alongside $62,000 in credit card debt [3][10] - Financial advisors recommend that monthly car expenses should not exceed 10% of monthly income to avoid becoming "car poor" [7][8] Recommendations for EV Buyers - Potential EV buyers should explore local or state incentives, as well as rebates from automakers, to mitigate costs [9] - Consideration of home charging installation costs and the availability of charging stations is crucial for prospective EV owners [10]

Porsche is launching the most powerful 911 factory model to date, leaning on its combustion-engine clout to create a hybrid version of the Turbo S https://t.co/I2dHlYcDpq ...