An analog pickup truck is a true paradox in 2025. It defies the logic that “primitive” could mean “more expensive,” yet that’s the reality of the automotive market. The Ineos Grenadier is the perfect example: designed around old-school technology, it paradoxically costs more than a high-end electric vehicle packed with technology. Here’s how we got here.

The Economics Behind the Phenomenon

The genesis of the Grenadier and its price can be explained by a combination of economic and regulatory factors. Beyond the story of the British billionaire wanting to resurrect the old Land Rover Defender, our analysis delves into the economics of multi-vehicle households and the disappearance of specialized vehicles.

The Role of Regulations

On a superficial level, emissions and safety standards appear to be the main forces making it impossible to sell a vehicle like the old Defender or the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series on a large scale in the United States. Almost everything on the market today is, or at least resembles, a softer and more versatile version of its predecessors.

The Evolution of Purchasing Power and Behaviors

While vehicle prices have generally followed inflation, the purchasing power of many Americans has not kept up. Where a family man could afford a Corvette on a whim in the 90s, impulsive purchases are rare today. Now, a single vehicle must do everything—even affluent buyers often prefer a high-end BMW X5 M rather than an entry-level X5 and a sporty M2 on the side.

The Disappearance of “Mission-Specific” Vehicles

Result: the market for purely mission-focused and affordable cars is shrinking rapidly. The Mazda Miata is almost the last surviving example in the American market. Highly specialized vehicles can still exist, but as the Grenadier demonstrates, when they are only produced in small volumes, they simply cannot be cheap.

This situation forms a complex web that defines the current automotive market, where analog simplicity has become the pinnacle of luxury.

Ultimate Camaro and Firebird Emporium. What I discovered wasn’t just a simple parking lot of lifted Pontiac Trans-Am WS6s, but a true paradise for GM muscle car enthusiasts. While scrolling through Facebook, a video appeared, revealing an extraordinary place: David T’s Camaro and Firebird Auto Center. The sight of hundreds of cars and the mention “LAY-A-WAY PLANS AVAILABLE” immediately convinced me to locate this unique spot. And here it is: located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

A Pharaoh-like Collection of GM Muscle Cars

I’ve seen collections of classic GM cars before, but nothing comparable. It’s a compulsive collector’s dream, with almost every imaginable variant of Camaro and Firebird, from 1967 to 2002. The company’s website lists an inventory of 1,003 Firebirds and 1,125 Camaros. Whether this number is exact or not, it seems perfectly credible at first glance from the aerial view. The place is literally packed.

Projects and Gems of All Kinds

A visit via Google Street View allows you to spot hot rods in good condition, others in poor condition, and everything in between. The fence surrounding the 8.5-acre property announces “MANY PROJECTS TO BUILD” and “MANY CARS READY TO DRIVE.” One of the Firebird limousines parked at the front probably belongs to the latter category. He actually owns two of them.

Unique Models at Special Prices

Among the most interesting models listed are the WS6 4×4 and the Firebird limousines. The lifted Trans-Am, a flood-damaged car mounted on a 1979 truck chassis, is listed at $34,129 USD. For one of the four-door T-top roof limousines, you’ll need to shell out $49,378 USD.

A Reputation and a Future to Be Written

David T’s is a legendary place, a hub for hunters of rare parts, as evidenced by the many YouTube and TikTok videos filmed on site. Google reviews are mixed: some praise the immense selection, others denounce prices considered three to four times too high. The extreme specialization of such a place allows it to set its prices, however crazy they may seem. I won’t comment on the fairness of the prices, but I wanted to show that such a place exists. If you’re looking for the elusive part for your GM muscle car, they might have it. Shipping to the United States can be expensive, but when passion speaks… Finally, the website indicates that David T. himself would be interested in selling the business, while wishing to stay on to help. Perhaps you are the person ready to take on this colossal challenge out of love for these cars.

Quick: when was the last time you listened to an AM radio broadcast? And more specifically, when was the last time you did so voluntarily? If you drive an electric vehicle (EV), the answer might very well be “never.”

The Silent Disappearance of AM Radio

While this probably says more about you as a consumer than about the state of broadcasting, the reality is that the vast majority of EV owners are driving without even realizing they lack an AM tuner. This feature is also disappearing in some internal combustion vehicles, but it is more commonly omitted in EVs because their powertrains produce significant electronic interference, to which AM frequencies are particularly susceptible. But don’t worry; the U.S. Congress is on the case.

Emergencies and Subscriptions: The Official Reasons

As explained by Stephanie Brinley, Associate Director at S&P AutoIntelligence, the push to preserve the AM band is motivated by its use for emergency alerts and the fact that it does not require a paid subscription to listen. The debate is therefore less about consumer interest and more about public service.

Has the Smartphone Era Sounded the Death Knell for AM?

The primary reason for wanting to preserve AM radio reception – the emergency alert system – has become less critical in the age of mobile phones. The U.S. government eventually acknowledged this reality by passing the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015. This law aims to create a modern alert system capable of adapting to future communication technologies, targeting geographic areas, and ensuring redundancy and privacy protection.

In other words, we no longer need to rely on AM radio. We are simply doing so because the replacement system is not yet fully implemented or even defined.

A Congressional Mandate Despite a Disputed Need

This has not stopped Congress from spending years on the initial steps to mandate the inclusion of AM radio in all new vehicles. A version of the bill was recently approved in committee with “overwhelming” support.

For a Congress traditionally averse to regulation, such interest suggests significant popular support. Yet, experts agree: the absence of AM radio is not a deal-breaker for purchases.

Expert Opinion and Market Reality

“It is highly unlikely that a consumer would forego an EV because the AM band is not available,” confirms Stephanie Brinley, while noting that this is not the core of the debate for lawmakers.

Robby DeGraff, Manager of Product and Consumer Insights at AutoPacific, agrees: “We don’t have specific numbers on consumer demand for AM radio… I don’t think its absence is a deal-breaker.”

“Most of today’s vehicle buyers and owners stream content via their phones, listen to satellite radio, or flip through FM stations,” he adds.

A Question of Generation

Part of the answer lies in the age of the average buyer. The adoption of electrified vehicles is stronger among younger, more tech-savvy populations, who have little overlap with the traditional AM radio audience.

“Of course, there are demographics, especially baby boomers and some from Generation X, who listen to AM radio regularly,” concedes DeGraff. “But I don’t think its absence is enough to steer them away from a vehicle.”

Do you know E.C.D.? Formerly East Coast Defender, a Land Rover specialist, the company has become E.C.D. Automotive Design. This name change is not insignificant. Although it continues to restore Landies, it is now diversifying. This 1967 fastback, nicknamed “Ghost,” is the first customer car from a new line of Ford Mustang restomods.

Technical Basics

This particular car did not start its life as a fastback; it left the factory as a notchback. E.C.D. performed a complete restoration and transformation. Only the original bumper, radiator support, and body are typically retained. The rest of the old 1967 elements are discarded in favor of a Roadster Shop RS Spec chassis, designed to provide modern handling under the sheet metal of an original Mustang.

This chassis features independent front suspension, a Ford 9-inch rear axle, Baer 11-inch brakes on all four corners, and a parallel four-bar rear setup. The customer who configured the Ghost opted for a Roush 347 IR V8, a Dart Sportsman block bored to 347 cubic inches and powered by an “8-stack” EFI configuration. It produces a modest 465 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, but its sound is absolutely unique.

Driving Experience and Feel

Sliding into the driver’s seat of the Ghost is a reminder of why old cars have… old ergonomics. To reach the accelerator in this fastback, you practically have to sit on the brake pedal. But a brief press of the accelerator instantly erases any sense of superiority for modern cars.

The driving position is low, reminiscent of the era when cars felt truly close to the ground. The brakes, on the other hand, are an old-school unassisted setup, a choice that is immediately noticeable. The Ghost was not designed to be a pure race beast, and that’s perfectly fine. True to its name, it floats over Michigan’s rough roads, providing commendable feedback through the steering wheel.

Verdict and Price

The price is the only real obstacle. E.C.D.’s services are not cheap. The base Mustang package starts at $279,999; the Ghost, on the other hand, rings the cash register at $362,000. What you really get for that price is exclusivity. A custom build process and a fully customizable product. E.C.D. has learned this formula so well from restoring old British tractors that it has expanded to Mustangs, as well as Jaguar E-Types, classic Toyota FJs, and soon Porsche 911s.

In Brief

A premium car with a premium price, but this V8 sounds so good.

The baby Mercedes-Benz G-Class is on its way and its arrival is imminent, according to the manufacturer’s CEO Ola Källenius. This new iteration of the icon will be an “authentic car” based on a new “miniature ladder frame chassis” with model-specific components and bodywork, which will be “even more modern” than the electric G-Class launched last year. The goal is to make this model “a bit younger,” although it will retain its iconic round headlights.

Today’s Automotive News

Test in progress: The 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum. The two-spoke steering wheel and new dashboard design eventually grow on you, although opinions remain mixed.

End of production for the Subaru Legacy. After a 36-year career, the last all-wheel-drive sedan left the Lafayette assembly line on September 12.

Volkswagen raises prices. After holding out, the German manufacturer is implementing increases of 2.9% to 6.5% depending on the model, a decision attributed to Trump-era tariffs.

Bentley unveils an exclusive paint finish. The Flying Spur “Ombré by Mulliner” features a gradient effect that costs the modest sum of $68,000.

Ford recalls over 100,000 vehicles. A defect that could cause door trim to detach while driving affects 101,944 Taurus sedans.

Panasonic announces a revolutionary battery for 2027. The Tesla supplier promises a 25% increase in energy density, offering up to 150 km of additional range for a Model Y.

The Polestar 4, a polarizing design. According to its CEO, 80% of customers quickly get used to its unique characteristics and end up loving it.

If you are a regular reader of The Drive, you may have noticed information in this morning’s edition of The Downshift regarding the arrival of a mid-size Hyundai pickup truck in the United States by the end of the decade. This announcement, stemming from Hyundai’s investor presentation in New York, actually reveals a multi-faceted offensive in the American market with a body-on-frame platform. We could thus get both a mid-size truck and an SUV.

Hyundai’s Truck Strategy Takes Shape

“Pickups represent an opportunity we are ready to seize,” said CEO José Muñoz during his presentation. “The mid-size truck segment is one of the largest and most profitable in the industry. Since the launch of the Santa Cruz in 2021, we have gained valuable experience and brand presence in this segment.”

“We are now preparing to launch a new body-on-frame model before 2030 to build our truck portfolio, with the potential for an SUV variant,” he continued. “This expansion allows us to broaden our reach and connect directly with customers at the heart of the American market.”

Muñoz then moved on to updates about the company’s electrification efforts, leaving us only with this tantalizing information.

A Competitor for the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco

This means we are not only about to get a new mid-size Hyundai pickup with a body-on-frame structure before 2030, but also very likely an SUV. This would give Hyundai a direct competitor for the Toyota 4Runner and, to a lesser extent, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.

A Proprietary Hyundai Platform for the USA

Last year, we learned that GM and Hyundai had formed a partnership to explore joint development opportunities. Although rumors suggested that Hyundai might get a pickup through this deal, it would likely be intended for other global markets. This latest announcement instead indicates a fully proprietary Hyundai platform and vehicle for its trucks aimed at the American market.

Beyond the Santa Cruz

So far, our only example of a Hyundai pickup is the Santa Cruz. It’s a perfectly acceptable small truck, but like the Ford Maverick, it is sometimes limited by the fact that it shares its fundamental underpinnings with a small unibody crossover. Designed more as a lifestyle truck than a practical pickup, the Santa Cruz’s capabilities are not really exceptional.

More importantly, a new mid-size body-on-frame platform would offer Hyundai a starting point for other truck segments, from larger pickups to premium off-road SUVs. Imagine, by the middle of the next decade, Genesis could build its own interpretation of a Geländewagen. What a world, isn’t it?

Emmanuel Macron’s official car will be one of the main attractions of Heritage Days 2025. A unique vehicle will indeed be unveiled in the main courtyard of the Élysée Palace this weekend: the Renault Rafale Presidential.

The Renault Rafale Presidential, an exceptional vehicle

Specially designed for the official travels of the President of the Republic, this Renault Rafale features a distinctive configuration and equipment that make it much more than just a sedan. Its display during this national event offers a rare opportunity for the public to get close to a symbol of the presidential office and the republican tradition.

A distinguished guest at the Élysée Palace

This presentation is part of the tradition of opening government sites to the public during European Heritage Days. Displaying the presidential car alongside the other treasures of the palace helps democratize access to state symbols and promote French automotive heritage.

Tesla’s door unlocking system, deemed too dangerous for occupants, is at the center of an investigation in the United States. In response to authorities’ concerns, the Austin-based company has promised significant improvements, including a partial redesign of its famous door handles.

An Investigation Prompting Tesla to Rethink Its Approach

The safety of Tesla vehicle occupants is being questioned. The electronic unlocking system, a cornerstone of the brand’s innovation, is now under scrutiny for its potential danger in emergency situations. American authorities have launched an investigation to assess the actual risks, forcing the manufacturer to act quickly.

Towards a Redesign of Door Handles

In response, Tesla has reportedly already begun work on designing a new mechanism. The goal is clear: maintain the minimalist and futuristic aesthetic while ensuring ease of use and absolute safety, even during an accident or electrical failure. This technical evolution is highly anticipated by owners and industry observers.

Innovation Serving Safety

This situation highlights the ongoing challenge for automakers: balancing innovation and safety. Tesla, often seen as a pioneer, must now demonstrate its ability to adapt its technologies to protect its customers without sacrificing its technological DNA.

Called for by several European manufacturers looking to revive the urban small car market, a new category of cars could emerge, inspired by Japanese Kei cars. But the opportunity could also benefit Chinese manufacturers.

The European Kei-Car Concept

Several European manufacturers are advocating for the creation of a new category of urban vehicles. Inspired by Japanese Kei-Cars, these mini cars would meet a growing need for sustainable mobility in cities. Their compact size and electric powertrain could appeal to a wide customer base seeking practical and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

A Market Coveted by the Chinese

While the initiative seems beneficial for the European automotive industry, it also presents a significant risk. Chinese manufacturers, already well advanced in developing affordable small electric vehicles, could take advantage of this new regulation. Their expertise and low-cost production capabilities give them a significant competitive advantage in this segment.

The Threat to Local Manufacturers

By opening the door to a less regulated vehicle category, Europe could unintentionally favor Chinese imports. Models like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV already demonstrate Chinese expertise in this area. Without protective accompanying measures, this new category could turn an opportunity for the European industry into a gift for Asian manufacturers.

Conclusion: An Opportunity to Seize with Caution

The development of a European Kei-Car category represents a real opportunity to revitalize the urban small car market. However, this initiative must be accompanied by protectionist measures to prevent the market from being dominated by Chinese manufacturers. A balanced approach is necessary to support the European industry while meeting consumer needs.

Scania introduces a plug-in hybrid engine for buses, an innovation that is shaking up the public transport sector. Until now, we were mainly used to seeing either electric, CNG (natural gas), or conventional combustion engine buses. Models operating with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology thus represent a new path that the Swedish manufacturer is exploring to decarbonize urban and suburban transport.

A hybrid technology adapted for buses

Scania is betting on an intelligent combination of a combustion engine and electric propulsion. The goal is clear: significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while offering extended range compared to a 100% electric bus. This plug-in hybrid solution allows the bus to operate in all-electric mode for short distances, ideally in city centers, and then switch to the combustion engine for longer journeys, thereby limiting range anxiety.

The advantages of the Scania plug-in hybrid bus

The main strength of this technology lies in its flexibility. Fleet operators are not constrained by the still sometimes limited charging infrastructure. The Scania plug-in hybrid bus can recharge at dedicated stations, but it can also rely on its combustion engine if needed. This versatility is a strong argument for cities in energy transition.

Emission reduction and savings

In electric mode, the bus emits no fine particles or nitrogen oxides locally, thus helping to improve air quality in urban areas. Economically, the reduction in diesel fuel consumption allows transport operators to achieve substantial long-term savings, despite a likely higher initial investment.

A good or bad idea for the future?

The question is worth asking. Some experts see plug-in hybrids as a necessary step towards full electrification, a pragmatic transitional solution. Others see it as unnecessary technical complexity, arguing for a direct shift to battery-electric or hydrogen. The debate is open, but Scania is providing a concrete answer that could well appeal to many communities.