Very Poor Auto Privacy, Potential Strike Targets, Most Expensive Toyota

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It’s Thursday AND the first day of the NFL Season. Fan or not, we are definitely entering Fall-mode as we talk about a recent privacy study that puts Auto at the bottom of the list. We also take a look at how the potential strike may roll out. Finally, we look at the most expensive Toyota coming soon to the US of A. 

Show Notes with links:

• A recent report by the Mozilla Foundation, the company most known for its privacy-first browser Firefox, has labeled modern cars as the "worst privacy nightmare" highlighting extensive data collection practices, from basic personal information to sensitive data like genetic details.
  • “While we worried that our doorbells and watches that connect to the internet might be spying on us, car brands quietly entered the data business by turning their vehicles into powerful data-gobbling machines,” says Mozilla in the report.
  • The study revealed 92% of automakers provide minimal control over user data, and 84% share it with external parties
  • Notably, Nissan and Kia collect data on users' sexual activity. 
  • Mozilla couldn't verify if any automakers met its data encryption and theft protection standards, highlighting the fact that dating apps often provide better security details than cars.
  • Mozilla spent over 600 hours on the study, which is far more than than typical. 
  • Tesla ranked lowest. 
    
    
• In an unprecedented move, the UAW is considering a simultaneous strike against Detroit's Big 3 automakers. This potential action, involving nearly 150,000 workers, could severely drain the UAW's $825 million strike fund. Strategists debate the sustainability of such a strike, alongside the potential for major financial impacts and production losses for the automakers.
  • "Let me assure you, the VPs, myself, all the leadership at this level, the bargaining committees, we understand how to manage this," Fain said in response to a worker's question on the issue during a Facebook livestream in early August. "We have a plan. Come Sept. 14, if these companies don't deliver, they're going to see that plan unfold."
  • When on strike, workers receive $500 per week plus potential health coverage from the Union while funds remain
• Not wanting to be left out of the ultra-lux game, Toyota has unveiled a revamped plug-in hybrid version of its prestigious Century model, often dubbed the 'Rolls-Royce of Japanese cars'. 
  • Traditionally reserved for Japan's elite, the $170,000 luxury car, known for its classic elegance and superior craftsmanship, will now be offered to a global audience, signaling Toyota's ambitious move into the international luxury market.
  • McKinsey forecasts indicate faster growth for the luxury car market, especially in the price range of $150,000 to $299,000 10%, 300-500k 9%, over 500k 14% 

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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