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the founder of Nikola
Cars

Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola, is charged with attempting to sabotage the bankruptcy case

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

What started as a smooth court hearing on Friday regarding the sale of Nikola Corporation’s key assets to Lucid Motors took a sharp turn toward controversy — all thanks to a late intervention by a familiar figure from Nikola’s past.

The hearing, conducted via Zoom and overseen by Delaware bankruptcy judge Thomas Horan, had been progressing without a hitch. No formal objections had been filed, and Judge Horan gave his verbal approval for the sale without hesitation. That is, until a new voice broke the calm.

A lawyer, representing ISSO LLC — a firm tied to Trevor Milton, Nikola’s embattled founder — spoke up. His client had “concerns” about the auction process, the attorney said, though he clarified they could be addressed later. He emphasized, however, that he didn’t want his client’s current silence to be used against them in future legal proceedings.

This seemingly minor comment cast a long shadow over what should have been a straightforward conclusion. Trevor Milton, recently spared a prison term by a pardon from former President Donald Trump, appears far from finished with Nikola.

Milton’s Ongoing Influence and Legal Entanglements

Trevor Milton has a complicated history with Nikola. After resigning amid fraud allegations, he faced multiple lawsuits and an arbitration award ordering him to pay $168 million to Nikola — a sum that plays a critical role in the company’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Before filing for bankruptcy, Nikola agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit from shareholders who had accused Milton of making false and misleading statements. That settlement hinged on distributing any proceeds from the arbitration award to affected shareholders.

Milton’s legal maneuvering during the bankruptcy process has not gone unnoticed. His representatives’ attempts to contest the sale or delay proceedings suggest he may be angling to undermine the company’s efforts to stabilize and move forward — potentially impacting that $168 million award.

What Lucid Motors Is Gaining — and What Nikola Still Holds

Despite the courtroom drama, the sale to Lucid Motors was officially approved. Lucid acquired:

  • Nikola’s Coolidge, Arizona factory
  • The Phoenix headquarters lease
  • Key manufacturing equipment
  • Around 300 Nikola employees who will join Lucid’s workforce

However, Nikola is not completely out of the asset business. It retains its inventory of hydrogen-powered trucks and various other equipment, leaving the door open for additional sales to generate much-needed funds.

Nikola’s Legal Team Pushes Back Against Milton

Nikola’s attorney, Joshua Morris, made it clear during the hearing that Milton’s last-minute objections were not only expected but also unwelcome.

“This is a pattern of behavior that we’ve seen over and over,” Morris said, referencing Milton’s history of disruptive tactics.

Morris argued that Milton’s actions appeared to be an effort to sabotage Nikola’s recovery, speculating that Milton might be trying to force a desperation-driven settlement that would devalue the arbitration award he owes.

“We believe these are baseless assertions. When asked for any evidence or specificity, none was provided,” Morris stated. “We ran the sale process openly and involved all parties.”

Ultimately, the hearing concluded without any formal delays, though the unresolved tension between Milton and his former company leaves open the possibility of future legal battles.

A spokesperson for Milton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

What This Means for Nikola’s Future

The approval of the asset sale to Lucid Motors is a critical milestone for Nikola as it seeks to navigate bankruptcy proceedings and chart a path forward. However, Trevor Milton’s lingering influence and legal maneuvers could continue to complicate efforts to fully stabilize the company.

As Nikola pushes forward, the focus will likely remain on:

  • Successfully liquidating remaining assets
  • Upholding the shareholder settlement linked to Milton’s arbitration award
  • Minimizing disruption from ongoing legal threats

Lucid Motors, meanwhile, gains valuable infrastructure and talent to bolster its own ambitions in the competitive EV market.

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On Instagram, the mothers are thrifting
Social Tech

On Instagram, the mothers are thrifting

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

Late one evening, my phone buzzes — it’s a notification from Instagram: “Clark’s Closet Connection’s countdown has ended.” Excited, I tap into the page, knowing that a fresh batch of coveted secondhand treasures is about to go live.

Within seconds, new posts start flooding the feed. Size 10 Mario-themed sneakers, adorable Moana-print Hanna Andersson pajamas, a vibrant 3T Boden skort — each item is claimed almost instantly. Shoppers, mainly busy moms, comment “me!” to reserve their finds, racing against one another in a first-come, first-served frenzy. Tonight, 36 items are posted; 24 are snatched up before the final listing even goes live.

The woman behind the operation is Ashley Hauri, a Kansas City-based entrepreneur who has turned reselling into a thriving, community-centered business. Once an active seller on platforms like Poshmark, Hauri is part of a growing wave of thrift store flippers shifting their efforts to more personal spaces like Instagram — even though the platform isn’t exactly optimized for online commerce.

“Instagram is one zillion percent not set up for selling,” Hauri admits. “But it’s about the community. I get to watch customers’ kids grow up. I’m connected to them beyond just a sale.”

Why Instagram? Building Relationships Over Transactions

While platforms like eBay, Depop, and Poshmark offer structured selling tools, Instagram allows resellers to build something deeper: genuine relationships. Buyers become more than just transactions — they become part of a tight-knit community. Sellers like Hauri can share life updates, celebrate milestones with their customers, and engage in real conversations.

This shift toward social-first selling reflects a broader trend where authentic connection is becoming just as valuable as the product itself.

The Rise of Resale Culture: More Than Just Saving Money

Although online reselling isn’t new — fashion entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso famously launched her brand Nasty Gal through eBay back in 2006 — the concept of “thrifting” has exploded in popularity over the past decade.

Today, buying secondhand is no longer viewed as a niche hobby; it’s a mainstream movement driven by millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize:

  • Sustainability: Secondhand shopping reduces the environmental impact of fast fashion.
  • Uniqueness: Vintage and one-of-a-kind finds offer a way to stand out from mass-produced styles.
  • Affordability: High-quality pieces at a fraction of retail prices are hard to resist.

The numbers speak for themselves: the resale industry is projected to grow nine times faster than the broader retail sector by 2027, according to market research.

Mobile-First Shopping: A Shift in Consumer Behavior

One of the most significant drivers behind this growth is convenience. Thanks to smartphones, millions of shoppers are browsing, buying, and even bidding on secondhand items through apps they already use daily. They no longer need to step inside a brick-and-mortar thrift store to score deals or support sustainable fashion.

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Marketplace are becoming virtual thrift stores themselves — offering curated drops, direct communication with sellers, and a personalized shopping experience that traditional e-commerce struggles to match.

The Future of Reselling: Community Is Key

As the resale economy continues to expand, it’s clear that the next wave of successful sellers won’t just be those with the trendiest inventory. The winners will be those who can build trust, foster community, and create a human-first shopping experience — even in a digital world.

Ashley Hauri’s success story isn’t just about flipping thrift finds for profit. It’s a testament to the power of authentic connection in a marketplace increasingly driven by technology.

In an era where personalization, sustainability, and community matter more than ever, platforms like Instagram — despite their limitations — are proving to be fertile ground for the future of secondhand shopping.

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netflix OpenAI
Entertainment

A new search engine powered by OpenAI is being tested by Netflix

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

Netflix is once again pushing the boundaries of technology by experimenting with a new AI-powered search engine, built in collaboration with OpenAI. As reported by Bloomberg, this innovative feature is designed to dramatically enhance how users find content on the platform, making search more intuitive, personalized, and emotionally intelligent.

A Smarter Way to Search: Beyond Titles and Genres

Currently being piloted on iOS devices in Australia and New Zealand, Netflix’s new search functionality allows subscribers to search using highly specific and nuanced terms — including their current mood or preferences. Instead of being limited to typical filters like genre, actor names, or titles, users can now make much more detailed and natural-language queries.

Imagine typing: “Show me a feel-good comedy for a rainy day” or “Find me an intense drama with a strong female lead” — and getting spot-on recommendations instantly.

According to a Netflix spokesperson, MoMo Zhou, the early beta is part of a broader “learn and listen” phase, aimed at gathering user feedback. Zhou confirmed that the test will gradually expand to the United States in the coming weeks and months, but for now, the feature remains exclusive to iOS, with no immediate plans for Android or other platforms.

Why This Matters: The Future of Streaming Is Personal

This move underscores Netflix’s long-standing commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance user experiences. Speaking on The Verge’s Decoder podcast last year, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters explained the company’s philosophy around AI:

“We’ve used machine learning and AI in our recommendation systems for over 20 years. Our focus is always on how innovation can empower creators to tell better stories and deliver richer experiences to our members.”

By integrating OpenAI’s cutting-edge capabilities into its search engine, Netflix is taking personalization to a whole new level — aiming to not just recommend shows but truly understand the context behind what users want to watch at any given moment.

What’s Next?

OpenAI has yet to comment officially on the partnership. However, it’s clear that this collaboration could mark the beginning of a major shift in how AI tools are integrated into entertainment platforms.

If Netflix’s experiment proves successful, it could set a new standard for content discovery across the streaming industry, making it easier than ever for viewers to find the perfect show or movie — without endlessly scrolling.

For now, the beta is still in its early stages. As Netflix gathers feedback and fine-tunes the system, users can expect more updates and possibly wider access in the near future.

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LinkedIn users chatgpt
Social Tech

LinkedIn users are being turned into incredibly boring dolls by ChatGPT.

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

Following the massive success of the Studio Ghibli-inspired AI art trend, ChatGPT’s latest image generation tool has found itself at the center of another viral sensation. This time, professionals on LinkedIn have kickstarted a playful new craze — turning themselves into AI-generated action figures.

From Fantasy Worlds to Plastic Packaging: The Rise of AI Action Figures

Initially igniting on LinkedIn, the trend quickly captured the imagination of marketers, entrepreneurs, and self-styled thought leaders. Users are now sharing highly customized images of themselves packaged like action figures, complete with accessories like laptops, coffee mugs, books, or even mini microphones — a nod to the platform’s business-focused vibe.

Among the different variations of this trend, the “AI Action Figure” version has gained the most momentum. Some have even adapted it to popular culture phenomena like the “Barbie Box Challenge,” creatively merging nostalgia with modern AI technology.

Although LinkedIn remains the trend’s main playground, the phenomenon has started spilling over to other social media spaces, including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. However, it hasn’t quite reached the viral heights of the Ghibli art trend, which continues to dominate Google Search interest and online conversations.

A Quieter, More Professional Viral Trend

Unlike the Ghibli-style AI art, which attracted backlash from artists and fans over ethical and copyright concerns, the AI action figure trend has so far escaped significant criticism. That could change as the trend grows, but for now, it remains relatively controversy-free.

It’s worth noting that the new text-to-image update from ChatGPT has played a central role here. The feature’s popularity was so overwhelming at launch that OpenAI had to temporarily restrict free access to image generation, managing server loads as users flooded the platform. While this action figure trend is comparatively smaller in scale, it once again highlights ChatGPT’s growing appeal beyond tech circles, drawing in everyday users with creative, low-stakes applications.

Brands and Influencers: Who’s Jumping In?

So far, the trend has been largely organic, fueled by individual users rather than celebrities or major influencers. Some brands like MAC Cosmetics and NYX Cosmetics have experimented with AI-generated toy versions of their teams or products, showing early signs of how companies might use this format for branding and marketing.

However, mainstream celebrities have mostly stayed away. The highest-profile figure spotted participating has been Marjorie Taylor Greene — an indicator that the trend hasn’t fully penetrated pop culture just yet.

Despite limited engagement numbers, especially compared to broader viral trends, the AI action figure movement is a fascinating example of how AI creativity is shaping personal branding on professional platforms. As AI tools continue evolving, trends like these may become an essential part of how individuals and companies express themselves online.


While it’s not the global sensation that the Ghibli AI trend was, the AI action figure craze shows how rapidly AI-driven creativity is infiltrating even the most unexpected platforms. With LinkedIn users leading the charge, the line between professional branding and playful self-expression continues to blur — all powered by the limitless potential of generative AI.

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China brands the US
News

As it boosts tariffs for the last time, China brands the US a “joke.”

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

In a dramatic turn in the ongoing US-China trade conflict, China has once again raised tariffs on American goods — this time to a staggering 125%, matching recent hikes initiated by the United States. Chinese officials have signaled that this will be their final adjustment in response to Washington’s escalating tariff policy, warning that the US risks becoming an economic “joke” on the global stage.

China’s Firm Stance Against US Tariff Hikes

According to a translated statement released by China’s Ministry of Finance, Beijing emphasized that any further tariff increases by the United States would be “economically senseless.” The ministry added a scathing remark, saying, “The United States will become a joke in the history of the world economy” if it continues down this aggressive path.

The trade dispute escalated rapidly after former President Donald Trump introduced an initial 10% tariff on Chinese imports in February. Since then, the US has repeatedly ratcheted up the pressure, pushing tariffs to a record 145%. China, in a tit-for-tat response, had consistently mirrored these increases — until now.

At the new 125% tariff rate, Chinese authorities assert that there is essentially no longer any market demand for American products in China. “There is no more market acceptance for US goods exported to China,” the statement read. “If the United States continues playing the tariff numbers game, China will simply disregard it.“

Retaliation Beyond Tariffs

While China claims it will no longer engage in further tariff wars, it made it clear that other forms of retaliation remain on the table. The Ministry of Finance concluded its statement with a stern warning:

“If the United States continues to substantially infringe on China’s interests, China will resolutely counterattack and fight to the end.”

Already, China has begun flexing its muscles in other areas. Just yesterday, Chinese regulators announced a reduction in the number of Hollywood films allowed to be released in the country — a move that could heavily impact one of America’s most lucrative export industries. Additionally, over the past week, China has restricted import and export licenses for several US-based companies, further tightening the screws on American businesses operating overseas.

What This Means for the Global Economy

Trade experts warn that continued tensions between the world’s two largest economies could have far-reaching implications for global markets, supply chains, and diplomatic relations. As China adopts a more calculated and diversified approach to retaliation, industries ranging from technology to entertainment could face unexpected disruptions.

Meanwhile, businesses and investors worldwide are watching closely, bracing for potential aftershocks that could reshape international trade policies for years to come.


China’s latest move marks a pivotal moment in the US-China trade war. By capping tariffs and signaling alternative strategies, Beijing is aiming to shift the battlefield while maintaining economic leverage. The message is clear: China is prepared to defend its interests with resilience, even as tensions with the US reach a critical boiling point.

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Amazon's Zoox starts robotaxi testing in Los Angeles
Cars

Amazon’s Zoox starts robotaxi testing in Los Angeles

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

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.

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Android zero-day issues
Mobile

Google resolves two Android zero-day issues that were caused by hackers

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

Google released an Android update on Monday that resolves two zero-day bugs that “may be under limited, targeted exploitation,” as the company phrased it. That suggests Google is aware that hackers have and may continue to use the bugs to infect Android devices in real-world circumstances.

Amnesty International found one of the two now-fixed zero-days, tracked as CVE-2024-53197, in partnership with Benoît Sevens of Google’s Threat Analysis Group, the tech giant’s security division that analyzes government-backed cyberattacks. line by 75 days.

In February, Amnesty International discovered that Cellebrite, a firm that provides equipment to law enforcement for unlocking and forensically analyzing phones, was using a series of three zero-day vulnerabilities to hack into Android phones.

In this case, Amnesty discovered vulnerabilities, including one patched on Monday, that were being utilized against a Serbian student activist by local police armed with Cellebrite.

There isn’t much information available about the second vulnerability, CVE-2024-53150, which was patched on Monday, other than the fact that it was discovered by Google’s Sevens and that the bug was located in the kernel, an operating system’s core.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Amnesty representative Hajira Maryam stated that the organization did not have anything to report at this time.

According to the tech giant’s alert, “the most severe of these issues is a critical security vulnerability in the System component that could lead to remote escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed,” which means that “user interaction is not needed for exploitation.”

Google stated that it will release source code updates for the two corrected zero-days within 48 hours following the advisory, and that Android partners are “notified of all issues at least a month before publication.”

Given Android’s open source nature, every phone manufacturer must now distribute patches to their own consumers.

This item has been amended to reflect Amnesty’s response.

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TikTok ban
News

Trump extends the TikTok ban date by 75 days

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

President Donald Trump has prolonged the TikTok ban by 75 days. On Friday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would be signing an executive order to give him extra time to reach a deal. The announcement comes only one day before the ban was scheduled to go into force.

“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Mr. Trump wrote. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.”

Today’s announcement marks Trump’s second extension of the TikTok ban deadline. ByteDance’s original deadline to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations was January 19, according to a statute signed by former President Joe Biden last year. However, on his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order giving the firm an additional 75 days to reach an agreement.

Prior to the executive order’s signing, TikTok was momentarily taken offline and removed from the Apple and Google app stores before being reinstated.

According to Bloomberg, Trump evaluated a proposal from a group of US investors on Wednesday, which included Oracle, Blackstone, and Andreessen Horowitz. According to reports, the idea is a strong contender for a deal. Other interested parties include Amazon, Perplexity, billionaire Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty consortium, Walmart, AppLovin, and others.

It is important to note that any contract must be approved by the Chinese government before it can be consummated. Furthermore, ByteDance has indicated no interest in selling TikTok or lowering its share in the social network, as required by the TikTok ban legislation.

The action comes only days after Trump proposed sweeping tariffs, including a 34% tariff rate on China. Trump has previously said that he may lower tariffs on China to assist a TikTok agreement.

In his post announcing the extension of the TikTok ban date, Trump stated: “We want to continue working in good faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our reciprocal tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the United States of America!). This demonstrates why tariffs are the most potent economic tool and critical to our national security! TikTok should not ‘go dark.’ We look forward to working with TikTok and China to complete the transaction. Thank you for paying attention to this topic!”

In retaliation for the duties, China announced on Friday that it will levy a 34% tariff on all US imports.

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xbox Ai
Entertainment

Microsoft’s Xbox AI Revolution: How Muse AI is Shaping the Future of Gaming

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

Microsoft is ushering in a new era of AI-powered gaming with its Xbox AI initiative, highlighted by the groundbreaking Muse AI model. Originally showcased as an experimental project, Muse has now taken a significant leap forward—allowing Copilot users to experience AI-generated gameplay through a reimagined version of Quake II.

This interactive tech demo, part of Microsoft’s Copilot for Gaming initiative, offers a glimpse into how AI could revolutionize game development, preservation, and player assistance. While still in its early stages, the implications for the future of gaming are immense.

Muse AI in Action: A Playable Quake II Experience

Microsoft’s AI-generated Quake II demo is now accessible via browser, though with notable limitations:

  • Simplistic level design with basic enemy AI
  • Blurry textures and interactions (running at 640 x 360 resolution)
  • Time-restricted gameplay (likely to manage server load and user testing)

Despite these constraints, the demo marks a major improvement from Muse’s initial reveal, where it ran at just 10fps and 300 x 180 resolution. The fact that it’s now playable—albeit in a limited capacity—shows rapid progress in AI-driven game generation.

Beyond a Tech Demo: Muse AI’s Potential for Game Developers

Microsoft envisions Muse as a powerful tool for game prototyping and preservation:

  • Accelerated Development: AI could help studios quickly generate playable prototypes, reducing pre-production time.
  • Game Preservation: By learning from gameplay data, Muse could revive classic games without needing original hardware or engines.
  • Cross-Platform Adaptation: AI models might make older games playable on modern systems seamlessly.

“You could imagine a world where models learn old games and make them portable to any platform,” said Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, earlier this year. This aligns with Xbox’s commitment to game preservation, ensuring classics remain accessible for future generations.

Copilot for Gaming: AI as Your Personal Gaming Coach

Microsoft isn’t stopping at game generation—Copilot is evolving into an AI gaming assistant:

  • Real-Time Tips & Guides: Copilot will analyze gameplay and offer contextual advice (e.g., boss strategies, hidden secrets).
  • Vision-Based Assistance (Coming Soon): Windows Insiders will soon test Copilot Vision, where AI can “see” your screen and provide live support.

This positions Copilot as a next-gen gaming companion, blending AI insights with real-time player needs.

The Future of AI in Gaming: What’s Next?

Microsoft is actively training Muse on multiple games, suggesting more AI-powered demos will arrive in Copilot Labs. While today’s experience is rudimentary, the foundation is being laid for:
✔ AI-generated game worlds with dynamic storytelling
✔ Procedural content creation for endless replayability
✔ Automated remasters of retro titles

Final Thoughts: A Glimpse into Gaming’s AI-Powered Future

Microsoft’s Muse AI and Copilot for Gaming represent a bold step toward AI-enhanced game development and interaction. While current implementations are experimental, the long-term potential—from instant game prototyping to preserving gaming history—is undeniable.

For gamers and developers alike, this signals an exciting shift where AI doesn’t just assist but actively shapes gameplay experiences. As Microsoft continues refining these tools, we may soon see AI-generated games that rival human-crafted titles—ushering in a new frontier for interactive entertainment.

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American made tire
Cars

How to Identify American-Made Tires & Support Local Businesses

by George Mensah
written by George Mensah

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:

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

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Visit the NHTSA vPIC website.
  2. Under “Manufacturer Information Database,” click vPIC MID.
  3. Check the box for “Equipment Plants (Tires, Brake Hoses, Retread and Glazing).”
  4. Select “Tires” from the dropdown menu.
  5. Enter the DOT code (e.g., “CH” for Pirelli’s Hanford, CA plant).
  6. 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.

BrandOriginU.S. Plant Locations (DOT Codes)
ContinentalGermanyIL (6B, A3), OH (A9), KY (AD), NC (AC), SC (VY)
PirelliItalyCA (CH), TN (CK), GA (JR)
MichelinFranceSC (4M, M3, B6, B9), AL (B7)
YokohamaJapanVA (CC)
FirestoneJapan (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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