This was the plan right? China forced foreign auto makers into joint ventures to produce vehicles in the country, and of course China will soak up all the knowledge and IP to do it themselves.

Interesting that it took western auto companies so long to realize that the Chinese intent was to eventually build their own domestic brands after they got all the tech knowledge needed from their “joint ventures” that require foreign companies to partner with local companies (all with ties to the CCP) and “share”…

Uh even when they weren’t hot sh*t, they invaded nations. Vietnam and Tibet come to mind most recently, with Kashmir arguably being another one. You can’t even be bothered to read Wikipedia to fact check your statements?

Don’t mistake tameness with impotency. China simply wasn’t in position to openly invade anyone in the last 60 years, while the US was too callous doing it, believing its own propaganda as a “beacon of freedom”

Third world alumni here. I see your point, and I agree that the choice between the “freedom to starve” and authoritarian regime that feeds you is a no-brainer. But is like choosing between drowning or a life sentence - solves the immediate problem, but puts you in a bigger one with no clear way to solve.

The Chinese are absolutely racist, you just need to Google it, and one just needs to look at all their violations of Taiwanese airspace to deduce they are sabre rattling too. Just because the US is worse does not change or mitigate that.

The best thing that the United States could do right now is completely cut China out of our business and supply chain over the next five years. 

Too bad. Have fond memories of going when I was a kid. My dad worked in the industry and always took me. Best memory was the first Viper. Had to be 10 people deep trying to get a look. Being a kid I squeezed through. At that moment I vowed to own one someday, 25 years later I did!

I’m against those wars but did those wars shut down the world economy? No.

Meanwhile, Panasonic is building the largest battery plant just down the road to the tune of 8 Billions dollars.

We have ourselves to blame for situations like this. We spent years pretending China was anything other than an authoritarian regime that brutally cracks down on dissent and commits genocide against its own people because for years it was super easy to go there and make shit tons of money. Companies from around the…

if miata is the answer for everyone looking for a fun, inexpensive sports car, then minivan is the answer for everyone looking for a family car.  every other platform is just lying to yourself.  one of us.  one of us...

I always thought this generation of Optima was a handsome and understated sedan. I liked it then, and I honestly still do now. Car design now is so f’ing busy and complicated and angular or swoopy. I think the Lucid is very nice too.

We’re close to retiring to Costa Rica, so we’re shopping the “forbidden fruit” vehicles that aren’t available in the US and I’m currently drooling over the idea of buying a Suzuki Jimny.

I regret letting our ‘90 Corvette convertible go last year, its 6-speed manual was a joy even though the torque of the LT1 usually meant a shift wasn’t necessary. Don’t break the bank and obligate yourself for a decade of depreciating financial liability when you could get a modern classic like this.

I’ve always been a convertible fan but yeah, this list is generally pretty pricey. The wife did just buy a new 4 series convertible and the good news is that you can get that or a mercedes C class convertible at or below msrp. No ridiculous markups.

This car gives off very beautiful Citroën DS vibes to me and I think that’s awesome. 

Counterpoint: daring design = good

She’s written consistently haunting and beautiful music for nearly fifty years. Stunning voice, talented musician, composer, and dancer.

you know what we need in this world? more conspicuous consumption....

instead of, you know, not burning down the whole fucking world.