#Studies

A survey conducted by Santander Holdings USA, attempting to probe the status of middle-class households over the last twelve months, has reported that over half are actively delaying new-vehicle purchases. While the study is broad in scope, encompassing some similarly bleak news about home buying, the two issues seem closely related as rising costs don’t appear to be doing the economy any favors.

The number of uninsured drivers has increased over the last few years, with analysts predicting that the United States is currently setting a record for the percentage of motorists foregoing coverage.

Despite numerous vehicle subscription services having gone under in recent years, the industry does not seem ready to throw in the towel. In fact, they’re actually appears to be a swelling sense of optimism that the scheme may make a comeback. With the present economic situation making it more difficult for average people to buy new vehicles, some expect vehicle subscriptions to become increasingly popular as cash-strapped drivers become more desperate to replace what’s in the driveway.

A recent Cox Automotive poll has shown that U.S. dealers are becoming less optimistic about the upcoming sales period. Top reasons included the economy, high interest rates, and an uncertain political climate. That said, it probably doesn’t take an in-depth study to realize there’s something off about today’s product mix and financing options when the most common question I receive from friends about automobiles pertains to why they all seem to cost so much these days. But it's nice to have the extra data.

While the driving masses are gradually becoming aware that automakers are using connected vehicles to sell off user data to third-party data brokers, there isn’t a lot of public information on exactly how this business is being conducted. However, headway is indeed being made.

A letter to the Federal Trade Commission has revealed that these automakers are not only selling off your personal data, they’re doing it for a pathetically small sum of money. Penned by U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Edward J. Markey, the document pertains to data broker Verisk and an earlier story that roped in several major manufacturers.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just praised seven out of eight crossovers it tested with rear automatic braking. This comes as the group has pivoted its focus toward pedestrian safety. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI) also published a paper expressing safety concerns over automated driving systems. The takeaway from that piece was that alleged self-driving systems added nothing in terms of safety, but that partially automated safety systems (like automatic braking) were a net positive.