vehicles

Ford recalls nearly 273,000 Bronco Sports and Mavericks for 12-volt battery problems

5:09pm January 23, 2025

A manufacturing defect in the vehicles' 12-volt batteries can cause them to stall at low speeds, or not restart after stopping. The automaker will fix the flaw for free.

BYD electric cars wait to be loaded onto a ship at a port in Yantai, China, on April 18. China has rapidly become a major auto exporter, but tariffs have kept cheap Chinese EVs out of the U.S. market — so far.

Economy

China makes cheap electric vehicles. Why can't American shoppers buy them?

5:42am May 06, 2024

by Camila Domonoske

American drivers want cheap EVs. Chinese automakers are building them. But you can't buy them in the U.S., thanks to tariffs in the name of U.S. jobs and national security. Two car shoppers weigh in.

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2024 Accord sedans are displayed at a Honda dealership April 14, 2023, in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

National

U.S. to require automatic emergency braking on new vehicles in 5 years

2:12am April 30, 2024

by The Associated Press

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration unveiled the final version of the new regulation on Monday and called it the most significant safety rule in the past two decades.

Health & Safety

Pediatric emergency department director shares tips on keeping Halloween safe for kids

4:44pm October 24, 2023

by David Ford

Halloween is on the horizon and soon children will set off on their quest for tasty treats.

Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO, wrote in social media postings Tuesday, May 23, 2023 that the company is reversing a decision to scrub the AM band after speaking with government policy leaders who are concerned about keeping emergency alerts that often are sounded on AM stations.

National

Ford reverses course and decides to keep AM radio on its vehicles

2:20am May 24, 2023

by The Associated Press

Federal lawmakers cite safety concerns for keeping AM radio, citing its historic role in transmitting vital information during emergencies, such as natural disasters, especially to rural areas.

Greensboro reinforces safety ordinance with new signage

4:00pm August 31, 2022

by Keri Brown

The City of Greensboro installed new signs at busy intersections to help prevent panhandling or loitering in these areas. Advocates for the homeless say the signs are discriminatory.

More than half of New York City's households don't have access to a car. Across the country, people without vehicles are weighing their options — or lack thereof — as the pandemic adds a new risk to public transit.

Health & Safety

CDC Now Recommends Driving Alone. But What If You Don't Have A Car?

6:28pm June 16, 2020

by Camila Domonoske

Some people who are carless by choice find themselves reassessing that decision. And those who can't afford cars face increased risks, in yet another example of the pandemic exacerbating inequalities.

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Environment

Cuts To Emissions Testing Raise Environmental Concerns

11:52am May 15, 2017

by Christina Sandidge, Associated Press

North Carolina environmental officials say the state's air has become clean enough that only 22 of its 100 counties still have to conduct vehicle emissions testing.

Vehicle Blamed For 'Star Trek' Actor's Death Was Subject Of Recall

9:10am June 21, 2016

by Sonari Glinton

Anton Yelchin, who played the role of Pavel Chekov, died after he was pinned against a fence by his SUV. He might have fallen victim to a defect that prompted Jeep to send warning letters to owners.

While other automakers are working on a gradual progression toward more automation in cars, Google has its eyes on a fully automated self-driving car.

National

Google Makes The Case For A Hands-Off Approach To Self-Driving Cars

6:39pm February 24, 2016

by NPR Staff

California regulators say autonomous cars should have a licensed driver, but a top Google engineer says that makes as much sense as putting a steering wheel or brake pedal in the back of a cab.

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