Why Ferrari Isn’t Giving Up The Combustion Engine

Amidst global heat waves, devastating floods, and unpredictable weather changes, the European Union member countries have taken a historic step by approving a law that accelerates the phase-out of gasoline and diesel-powered internal combustion cars. Under this groundbreaking legislation, all new vehicles sold from 2035 must have zero carbon emissions, and cars sold from 2030 should achieve a 55% reduction in emissions.

Ferrari Isn’t Giving Up The Combustion Engine

While the EU is making a bold move towards carbon neutrality, Germany has lobbied for an exemption for internal combustion cars powered by e-fuel. E-fuel is a synthetic petroleum alternative derived from captured CO2 emissions and other organic elements, such as water (H20). Porsche, the renowned German automaker, spearheaded the e-fuel revolution in 2022 and has partnered with Siemens to scale up the production of this environmentally friendly gasoline alternative.

Interestingly, even legendary Italian automaker Ferrari has embraced the e-fuel trend, despite its plans to launch its first-ever all-electric supercar by 2025. Ferrari’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and it will continue to develop hybrid models for its lineup. Notably, Ferrari is committed to preserving its heritage by offering clients the option to choose between internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, or electric cars. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna emphasized that the soulful sound of the high-strung, gas-powered V8 and V12 engines is an essential part of the company’s identity, making the ICE an integral part of its legacy.

Recent developments from Ferrari highlight their dedication to both sustainability and performance. The automaker recently unveiled its latest road-legal hybrid supercars, the SF90 XX Stradale coupe, and spider, as part of its racing-oriented XX program. These powerful machines feature a twin-turbocharged gasoline-fed V8 engine, three electric motors, and a 7.9 kWh plug-in hybrid battery, delivering a staggering 1,015 horsepower and a blistering zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of 2.3 seconds. Impressively, the SF90 XX models can travel for 15 miles in EV mode, combining electrification with Ferrari’s characteristic performance.

Even with speculations that the Daytona SP3 could be the last V12-powered Ferrari, the automaker is embracing synthetic e-fuel and hybrid technology as a strategic approach to navigate the electrified era while preserving its prestigious lineage. By striking a balance between environmental consciousness and its iconic driving experience, Ferrari is ensuring that its legacy continues to thrive well into the future.

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Cars

Amazon’s Zoox starts robotaxi testing in Los Angeles

by George Mensah 2025-04-08

Zoox, Amazon’s autonomous car unit, is deploying a small fleet of adapted test vehicles on Los Angeles streets beginning Tuesday, a tiny but significant step as the company prepares to provide public rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year.

The data-collection endeavor marks Zoox’s entry into its sixth city and provides the framework for a potential robotaxi service. Zoox, unlike rival Waymo, which offers paid robotaxi rides in Los Angeles, is still in its early phases. This deployment will send out manually driven Toyota Highlanders equipped with Zoox’s self-driving technology to collect mapping data ahead of more extensive autonomous testing in Los Angeles this summer.

Zoox is actively testing its self-driving vehicles, including the Highlander test fleet and a purpose-built robotaxis without a steering wheel or pedals, in multiple cities. Notably, Zoox has increased the regions where its purpose-built robotaxi is being tested on public highways without a human driver, including Foster City, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Zoox recently invited employees, reporters, and other qualified guests to test the service.

The company is also doing tests in Austin, Miami, and Seattle with Highlanders driven by human safety operators.

Zoox’s expansion in California comes just a few weeks after the company issued a voluntary software recall on 258 vehicles owing to difficulties with its autonomous driving system that caused unexpected forceful braking.

Zoox’s debut into Los Angeles comes after Waymo launched a fully autonomous commercial robotaxi service in the city. Waymo is currently the only AV firm in the United States that provides a paid service in many areas, including the Bay Area, Phoenix, and Austin. The Alphabet-owned startup plans to establish a commercial service in Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C. within the next two years.

Cars

How to Identify American-Made Tires & Support Local Businesses

by George Mensah 2025-04-06

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, your tires are among the most critical components. They directly impact safety, fuel efficiency, and overall driving performance. With advancements in tire technology, major brands continuously compete to deliver superior durability, traction, and eco-friendly solutions. However, for many consumers, purchasing tires isn’t just about performance—it’s also about supporting local economies and American manufacturing.

Why Buying American-Made Tires Matters

In an era of globalization, many well-known “American” brands outsource production overseas. While this can reduce costs, it also means fewer jobs stay within the U.S. By choosing tires manufactured domestically, you contribute to:

✅ Boosting Local Economies – Supporting American workers and businesses.
✅ Higher Quality Standards – U.S. factories often adhere to stricter safety and environmental regulations.
✅ Reduced Carbon Footprint – Locally made tires require less transportation, lowering emissions.

But how can you be sure your tires are truly American-made? Here’s how to verify their origin.

How to Check Where Your Tires Were Manufactured

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all tire manufacturers to stamp a unique code indicating the production facility. Here’s how to decode it:

Locate the DOT Code – Found on the tire’s sidewall, it starts with “DOT” followed by a series of letters/numbers.
Identify the Plant Code – The first two characters after “DOT” reveal the manufacturing location.
Verify the Origin – Use the DOT’s Manufacturer Information Database (vPIC) to look up the plant.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Visit the NHTSA vPIC website.
Under “Manufacturer Information Database,” click vPIC MID.
Check the box for “Equipment Plants (Tires, Brake Hoses, Retread and Glazing).”
Select “Tires” from the dropdown menu.
Enter the DOT code (e.g., “CH” for Pirelli’s Hanford, CA plant).
Click “Search” to see the factory location.

Alternatively, we’ve compiled a list of major brands and their U.S. manufacturing codes for quick reference.

Top American-Made Tire Brands & Their U.S. Plants

1. Goodyear

Founded: 1898 in Akron, Ohio
U.S. Plants: Ohio (MB), Oklahoma (M6), Virginia (MC), Alabama (MD), North Carolina (MM, PJ), Kansas (MJ), Illinois (MN), Texas (MP, PL), Tennessee (MK)
Why Choose Goodyear? A legacy brand with a mix of budget and premium options. While some production occurs overseas, many tires are still made in America.

2. Cooper Tires (Now Part of Goodyear)

Founded: 1914 in Findlay, Ohio
U.S. Plants: Ohio (UP), Georgia (3D), Mississippi (U9), Arkansas (UT)
Why Choose Cooper? Known for affordable, high-mileage tires. Subsidiaries like Mastercraft and Mickey Thompson also produce U.S.-made tires.

3. TreadWright (100% American-Made & Eco-Friendly)

Based: Houston, Texas
Why Choose TreadWright?
- Only fully U.S.-made brand on this list.
- Specializes in retreaded tires, reducing waste.
- Uses recycled materials and 70% less oil than conventional tire production.
- Offers a 50,000-mile warranty on many models.

Foreign-Owned Brands with U.S. Factories

Many international tire companies operate American plants, providing jobs while maintaining global quality standards.

Brand	Origin	U.S. Plant Locations (DOT Codes)
Continental	Germany	IL (6B, A3), OH (A9), KY (AD), NC (AC), SC (VY)
Pirelli	Italy	CA (CH), TN (CK), GA (JR)
Michelin	France	SC (4M, M3, B6, B9), AL (B7)
Yokohama	Japan	VA (CC)
Firestone	Japan (Bridgestone)	IA, SC, NC, TN

Pro Tip: The AFL-CIO Union-Made in America list includes additional brands like Dunlop, Goodrich, and Kelly Springfield that produce union-made tires in the U.S.

Final Tips for Buying American-Made Tires

🔹 Ask Your Retailer – Some shops specialize in U.S.-made tires.
🔹 Check DOT Codes – Always verify before purchasing.
🔹 Support Small Businesses – Local tire shops often carry American brands.
🔹 Consider Retreads – Eco-friendly options like TreadWright reduce waste.

By choosing American-made tires, you invest in local jobs, higher quality, and sustainability. Next time you need new tires, check the DOT code—your purchase can make a difference!

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