Hybrid Tech, BMW Subscriptions, Data Breach, and Gen Z

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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It’s finally Friday as we cover how European plug-in hybrid technology may guide US regulations, BMW is at it again charging monthly for physical hardware, we cover the data breach affecting BILLIONS, and how Gen Z feels more detached than ever.
Show Notes with links:

• European regulations are driving the development of plug-in hybrids with significantly longer electric ranges, offering a glimpse of what might be coming to the U.S.
  • Some European plug-in hybrids now offer electric ranges of up to 84 miles, more than double what’s currently available in the U.S.
  • In comparison, U.S. plug-in hybrids like the Toyota Prius Prime max out at 45 miles of electric range, with most models offering between 25-35 miles.
  • California's regulation changes will drive similar advancements in the U.S., requiring plug-in hybrids to achieve a minimum range of 43 miles by 2028 and 70 miles after that.
• BMW is once again sparking debate with its decision to charge U.S. customers to unlock features that are already physically installed in their vehicles.
  • BMW is requiring payments to activate Adaptive Suspension on vehicles where it wasn’t selected at purchase, despite the hardware being pre-installed.
  • Customers can either subscribe monthly or yearly or pay a one-time $500 fee to activate the feature.
• A shocking data breach has exposed the personal information of billions, with serious implications for those affected.
  • Over 2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers, were allegedly stolen from National Public Data (NPD), a Florida-based background-check company.
  • The breach is attributed to the USDod group, which claims to have stolen the data and is offering it for sale on the dark web for $3.5 million.
  • While NPD has not officially confirmed the breach, it has acknowledged receiving inquiries and is investigating the claims.
  • Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against NPD for failing to protect personal data, and individuals affected are encouraged to seek legal advice.
• Employee disengagement is on the rise, and experts are warning of a looming "Great Detachment," particularly among Gen Z workers.
  • Gen Z is on track to outnumber boomers in the workforce this year and are expected to make up 27% of it by 2025.
  • The American Staffing Association warns that disengaged employees could cost the global economy over $8 trillions.
  • Since 2020, employees feel less committed to their roles, partly due to their companies' perceived lack of commitment.
  • The CEO of Applied, Khyati Sundaram notes: Gen Z is vocal about work-life balance and transparency, which some older generations mistake for disengagement or laziness.

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
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