The EPA Could Upend The Automotive Industry

Issue #137

Hello! I'm back, with little sleep but an expert at changing diapers. Thanks to Kern and everyone who reached out, but there's even bigger news. 

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Today's issue addresses the big emissions elephant in the room, plus another massive recall, and Tesla could be launching a new truck.

Market News

• Stellantis revives this famous division, hoping to spark the American market. 

• The CEO who turned Jaguar Land Rover upside down quietly retires, leaving many baffled. Here's why.  

• Compact SUVs can be cramped, but these are the most spacious and comfortable. 

• Hyundai-Kia takes a massive (really massive) hit after the Korea-US tariff deal. Here's how much. 

• The Grand Highlander just got a lot better. Here they are (including a special trim we find very cool.)

• Porsche announces a new SUV in 2028. There's one particular detail. 

• Tesla plans to develop a smaller truck to offset the losses from this product.

• Volkswagen was found liable for emissions, and here's what will happen to the automaker.

• Ferrari was so impressed with this Chinese vehicle that they bought one. 

• Mitsubishi finally flexes its off-roading heritage, but will it be enough? 

Safety and Recalls

• Ford recalls over 312,000 vehicles because of a braking issue. Check if yours is affected. 

• In keeping with tradition, Ford recalls yet even more vehicles because of a seatbelt issue. 

• Stellantis recalls more than 121,000 vehicles over this issue.

Car Culture

• Dodge posted something that even its most hardcore fans couldn't believe. Here's what happened.

• This special truck is coming back and it could be vital in reviving this company. 

• Someone tuned this Dark Horse to produce 788 bhp. Check out the end result. 

• Could this pioneering company be losing its edge in safety?

• A Chevy dealership charged a customer thousands, and here's what happened. 

• Koenigsegg is famous for hypercars, but did you know it also designed planes?

• Here's the new Porsche 911 Turbo S. Do you like it? 

• This was one of GM's most underrated cars in the 80s, and it wasn't even a GM product. 

• This Land Rover Defender should have always existed. 

• Some cars are bad, but they've spawned better offspring. Here they are.

Video Of The Week

Where did every car company get its name? This video answers the question. 

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In The Know

The EPA's Big Proposal Could Change The Automotive Industry

In 2009, the EPA announced that a scientific effort involving many authorities determined that greenhouse gases (like CO₂ and methane) endanger public health. This study directly affected vehicles because they produce these and other emissions.

Since then, strict emission guidelines have dictated how automakers must produce cars. Now, that's all about to change. 

So, if you want to remember what the latest EPA guidelines were, we covered it here. It's good to refresh your memory to further understand why this moment is important. 

🚗 What the Proposal Means

If finalized, this proposal would wipe out federal greenhouse gas standards for cars, trucks, and engines, including rules tied to the Biden EV mandate. 

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says this move would save American consumers and businesses about $54 billion a year, restoring broader vehicle choice and lowering costs.

For years, automakers have felt strangled regarding emissions, having to create smaller, more powerful engines. This move could reverse that. The counterpoint is that, inevitably, emissions will increase, further contributing to climate change. 

The EPA's Proposal Has Supporters 

Those who support the idea express one common factor: relief from regulatory pressure. As Administrator Zeldin had told Fox News, this could be "largest deregulatory action in U.S. history", arguing Obama-era rules "twisted science" and burdened automakers and consumers with hidden costs. 

He framed repeal as restoring common sense, protecting jobs, and boosting affordability. Supporters say this is essential for economic recovery, easing pressure on carmakers and avoiding mandates that favor electric vehicles at the expense of traditional gas-powered options.

The Plan Isn't Perfect–It Could Be Hazardous

Environmental law groups, former EPA officials, and science-based publications strongly oppose the rollback. 

They emphasize that the endangerment finding is rock‑solid science, backed by high court rulings, that enabled regulation of dangerous greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

The evidence is clear that stricter emissions can help make urban air more breathable. Not only that, but the positive impact these controls have had is palpable in places such as California. 

Therefore, critics warn repealing it now would dismantle decades of climate protection, slash air quality standards, and undermine investments in EV technology. As one expert put it: "like a driver flooring the accelerator when speeding toward a cliff." 

What Do Automakers Say?

Business analysts and automakers are split. Some back the move for reducing regulatory burdens—but others worry repeal will introduce legal uncertainty after years of planning around these rules. 

After all, automakers have been working hard to create a business plan that suits the requirements from 16 years ago. Changing them isn't easy. 

Additionally, critics point out the administration's reliance on a controversial DOE report by recognized climate skeptics, raising questions about the report's scientific credibility.

Then, there's the most important aspect: the consumer. What does the consumer think of all of this? 

There's no doubt that some of them will continue to buy more efficient vehicles to help with emissions and personal finance. At the same time, others are celebrating the return of more powerful engines. 

What are your thoughts? 

This EPA proposal is a bold shift—and a gamble. On one hand, it's a win for regulatory rollback and short‑term cost savings; on the other, it puts public health, climate goals, and regulatory consistency at risk. 

The proposal enters a formal comment period soon and is expected to face strong legal challenges from states and environmental groups.