/tags/cars cars en-US WLRN Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:30:00 GMT /economy/2023-04-11/auto-loans-for-new-cars-reach-their-highest-interest-rates-since-2008 Interest rates reached 7% during the first quarter of 2023, meaning borrowers are facing costs that haven’t been seen since the Great Recession. Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:30:00 GMT /economy/2023-04-11/auto-loans-for-new-cars-reach-their-highest-interest-rates-since-2008 Gabriella Paul /national/npr-breaking-news/2023-02-24/hybrid-cars-are-still-incredibly-popular-but-are-they-good-for-the-environment Shoppers are far more interested in hybrids than all-electric vehicles, but environmentalists believe cars like the Prius are an unnecessary detour on the path to electrification. Fri, 24 Feb 2023 10:01:00 GMT /national/npr-breaking-news/2023-02-24/hybrid-cars-are-still-incredibly-popular-but-are-they-good-for-the-environment Camila Domonoske /business/2023-01-26/teslas-profits-soared-to-a-record-but-challenges-are-mounting The company has seen its share value drop sharply, and rivals are edging into the electric vehicle market. But after doubling its profits in a year, Tesla says it has no plans to slow down. Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:30:00 GMT /business/2023-01-26/teslas-profits-soared-to-a-record-but-challenges-are-mounting Camila Domonoske /news/2022-12-07/hertz-will-pay-168-million-to-customers-it-falsely-accused-of-stealing-its-cars Faulty recordkeeping and failure to rescind police reports led to more than 360 false accusations by the rental car company, resulting in arrests, felony charges and jail time for some customers. Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT /news/2022-12-07/hertz-will-pay-168-million-to-customers-it-falsely-accused-of-stealing-its-cars Becky Sullivan /news/2022-12-06/some-streets-closed-during-the-pandemic-to-allow-pedestrians-will-remain-car-free Most streets that were closed across the nation so people could get outside more have since reopened. But some permanent closures, such as in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, are wildly popular. Tue, 06 Dec 2022 22:00:00 GMT /news/2022-12-06/some-streets-closed-during-the-pandemic-to-allow-pedestrians-will-remain-car-free Jacob Fenston /news/npr-breaking-news/2022-11-04/its-not-just-buying-a-car-owning-one-is-getting-pricier-too Mechanics' bills are rising faster than inflation, and people are holding on to their vehicles for longer than ever. That means even those staying out of the car market are feeling inflation's pinch. Fri, 04 Nov 2022 20:00:00 GMT /news/npr-breaking-news/2022-11-04/its-not-just-buying-a-car-owning-one-is-getting-pricier-too Camila Domonoske /technology/2022-11-03/chinese-tesla-competitor-unveils-plans-for-flying-car Xpeng shared designs of the first full-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVToL) flying car on Oct. 24. Thu, 03 Nov 2022 22:00:00 GMT /technology/2022-11-03/chinese-tesla-competitor-unveils-plans-for-flying-car Giulia Heyward /news/2022-11-03/a-theft-ring-that-allegedly-made-millions-from-catalytic-converters-has-been-busted Thefts of catalytic converters has skyrocketed over the last few years, as they contain rare metals. The federal government is seeking $545 million in forfeitures from the defendants. Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:00:00 GMT /news/2022-11-03/a-theft-ring-that-allegedly-made-millions-from-catalytic-converters-has-been-busted Ayana Archie /business/2022-09-19/kia-and-hyundai-drivers-might-want-to-take-extra-precautions-to-deter-car-thieves Kia and Hyundai cars have become the target of a large number of car thieves in Milwaukee, Wis., in recent years. Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:00:00 GMT /business/2022-09-19/kia-and-hyundai-drivers-might-want-to-take-extra-precautions-to-deter-car-thieves Wynne Davis /news/2022-08-30/inside-the-rise-of-stealerships-and-the-shady-economics-of-car-buying Car dealerships deploy tricks and traps to make as much money as they can from you. Here's what I learned when trying to buy a new car. Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:00:00 GMT /news/2022-08-30/inside-the-rise-of-stealerships-and-the-shady-economics-of-car-buying Greg Rosalsky