Get ready for a whirlwind tour through the latest in automotive news, as it was a week of surprise announcements. Jeep dropped more teasers for its upcoming vehicle debuts at the 2024 Easter Jeep Safari, while the IIHS dropped a critical report detailing where automakers’ ADAS systems fall dangerously short. The biggest bombshell, however, came from the New York Times which examined the controversial practice of automakers quietly sharing your driving habits with insurance companies, potentially impacting your premiums.
The Engine Block has details and context on this and more in this week’s Auto Industry News.
Jeep Teases Off-Road Easter Jeep Safari Concepts
Jeep sent the off-road community on a different kind of easter egg hunt last week, as enthusiasts attempted to decode the brand’s latest images in its EJS 2024 teaser campaign.
Now in its 58th year, the Easter Jeep Safari is one of the largest off-road gatherings in the world, drawing thousands of off-roaders to the rugged trails of Moab, Utah for a full week of trail climbing and rock crawling amid epic desert views.
Keeping with tradition, Jeep is set to unveil several exciting new concept vehicles at the annual event. The one-of-a-kind models are purpose-built and engineered to showcase Jeep’s legendary 4×4 capability – which is why they don’t just show up to pose in the desert, but also hit the backcountry trails alongside participating enthusiasts.
According to the automaker, this year’s prevailing themes go beyond mere off-road capability to include “unrivaled heritage, bold color palettes and powerful propulsion suited for any adventure.”
Color us intrigued – especially by that seafoam green 4xe.
Between the official press release teasers and the social media videos, you can expect a handful of Wrangler builds, what looks like one Gladiator, and at least one larger SUV – either a Grand Cherokee or Grand Wagoneer.
You won’t have to wait long to find out. This year’s Easter Jeep Safari kicks off Saturday, March 23 and runs through Sunday, March 31.
Bad-ADAS Report
Last week, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) unveiled a new ratings program aimed at evaluating automakers’ driver-assist systems. The verdict? “The industry has work to do.”
Of the 14 systems tested, only one earned an Acceptable rating. Two were deemed Marginal, and 11 fell into the Poor category.
“Some drivers may feel that partial automation makes long drives easier, but there is little evidence it makes driving safer,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “As many high-profile crashes have illustrated, it can introduce new risks when systems lack the appropriate safeguards.”
According to IIHS standards, these safeguards should include built-in features that deter misuse of the technology by ensuring drivers maintain focus and remain prepared to assume control of the vehicle if anything goes wrong.
However, many of the tested systems lacked fundamental safety measures, such as timely and persistent attention reminders or effective monitoring of hand placement on the steering wheel. Additionally, some systems showed critical design flaws, like operating regardless of whether seatbelts were buckled.
Harkey admitted the results were “worrying” but pointed to a silver lining: While no single system did well across the board, in each category at least one system performed well.
“That means the fixes are readily available and, in some cases, may be accomplished with nothing more than a simple software update,” he said.
A Bigger Problem
However, the real challenge lies in the broader picture. IIHS officials felt compelled to develop these standards because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to set any rules. Despite the technologies currently available in a standard passenger vehicle, there remains no federal regulation or even formal guidance concerning ADAS.
Even the phrase itself remains somewhat meaningless by government standards – as evidenced by Tesla’s casual use of the terms “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” to describe features that demand constant driver monitoring and interaction for safe and effective use.
Just last week, AAA issued another call for more transparency in ADAS advertising. According to the organization’s research, there remains an alarming education gap between what the technology can actually do and what average Americans think it can do. Case in point: Four in ten drivers were unsure or under the impression that they could purchase a car capable of driving while they slept. (For the record, you can’t.)
“ADAS performance should reflect reasonable and safe scenarios, with clear understanding of the limitations,” said AAA. “Advanced vehicle safety technology should enhance driver awareness, rather than give the impression of replacing a vigilant driver.”
Did you know…?
A recent study revealed significant variations in trust levels toward autonomous vehicles worldwide. Conducted by Maison Law of Fresno, CA, the survey found that individuals from China, Russia, and the UAE exhibit the highest trust levels, with over 80% comfortable sharing roadways with autonomous vehicles, whereas respondents from the United States, Japan, and South Korea showed the lowest trust levels, with nearly half expressing discomfort with the technology.
Connected Cars & Your Consent
If you’re one of the many drivers who saw their auto insurance costs skyrocket this past year, then it might be time to request a copy of your LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Report.
What’s a LexisNexis report and why should you care?
Well, buried within the fine print of your connected car services’ terms and conditions lies a potential privacy minefield: Automakers are quietly collecting information about driving habits and sharing this data with third parties like LexisNexis, who then turn around and sell it to insurance companies. The result can be noticeably higher insurance premiums, and even outright denial of coverage.
Worse, as The New York Times reported last week, most of this data collection is happening without vehicle owners’ knowledge or explicit consent.
Automakers + Data Brokers + Insurance Companies = Higher Premiums
According to the report, the data-tracking is happening through connected car services, specifically those designed to encourage safe driving by rating on-road performance. To operate, the apps track metrics such as rapid accelerations, hard braking, speeding over 80 mph, number of trips, and distances driven. They often “reward” smart driving habits with little digital badges and enthusiastic notifications.
(This is not to be confused with usage-based insurance, in which drivers explicitly consent to have their insurance company monitor their driving behavior in an effort to lower their premium.)
Car companies and data brokers say drivers consent to the data collection and sharing when they agree to enroll in the programs or join the apps. But, as NYT points out, these opt-ins are buried in murky privacy policies laden with fine print legalese. Furthermore, some of the terms and conditions (lookin’ at you, GM) never actually mention third-party data sharing.
Some drivers reported being tracked despite never turning on the specific features; others didn’t even know the features existed, questioning whether dealership employees signed them up to take advantage of automaker bonuses.
Enthusiasts, Listen Up.
Equally alarming for consumers who are concerned about their data privacy is that the collected information does not show a complete picture. For example, what exactly constitutes a “hard braking” event? Can the system accurately tell the difference between reckless acceleration and the quick speed-up necessary for merging onto a busy highway? How about new Corvette owners enjoying all that quality go-fast engineering on designated track days? These questions remain unanswered.
Regulators, including California’s privacy watchdog, are taking notice, launching investigations into automakers’ data practices. In the meantime, consumers are urged to review their connected car service privacy terms and request consumer disclosure reports from companies like LexisNexis. This empowers them to understand how their driving habits are tracked and shared.
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What Else You Need To Know This Week
Here are a few headlines we’re keeping an eye on and think you should too.
2025 RAM Trucks To Get ZF Eight Speed
In late February, rumors hinted at RAM replacing the 68RFE six-speed transmission with the ZF Powerline 8-speed for its upcoming 2025 HD models. As the new lineup approaches, it appears these rumors were accurate.
The ZF Powerline 8AT, developed in collaboration with Cummins and RAM engineers, is purpose-built for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, boasting a capacity of up to 57,000 lbs.
Its patented design offers a wider-spread gear range with fewer moving parts, reducing friction and improving fuel efficiency. With the ability to handle up to 1,000 lb.-ft. of engine torque and deliver nearly 500 lb-ft of torque to an engine-driven dual-side Power Take-Off (PTO), this transmission stands to set a new standard in heavy-duty truck technology. Stay tuned for its performance in the 2025 models.
Sticky High Interest Rates
Looks like inflation might be outstaying its welcome, potentially delaying an anticipated June interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve. According to the Labor Department, the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.4% last month, contributing to a 3.2% increase year-on-year. Driven largely by higher gasoline and shelter costs, the increase has economists warning of “sticky” inflation but overall, remaining hopeful that the Fed will issue a cut by mid-year.
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Chinese Cars Made in Mexico
As election tensions heat up, Donald Trump announced his plans to up the ante on tariffs should he win the presidency. Directly addressing Chinese President Xi Jinping during a rally speech in Dayton, Ohio, Trump warned of imposing 100% tariffs on every Chinese car entering the U.S. from manufacturing plants in Mexico.
The comments come shortly after U.S. automakers expressed concern over news that China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, was looking to set up a new EV plant in Mexico.
The company already boasts significantly lower production costs than its Western counterparts (roughly 30%), thanks to its ownership of almost the entire battery supply chain. By setting up shop in Mexico, BYD could circumvent the 25% tariff on vehicles made in China, intensifying competition in the North American market.
Trump’s recent threats follow earlier ones of a 50% tariff on Chinese cars and proposed tariffs on all Chinese goods.
The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Be sure to check back Wednesday for a rundown on car covers and then look back around on Friday to learn what the best accessories are for new truck owners.