Honda-Nissan Merger, EV Equinox Too Quiet, FTC Bans Junk Hotel Fees

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Remain calm, there is only 1 week until Christmas. Today we’re talking about a potential merger between Nissan and Honda, how Chevy’s EV Equinox apparently doesn’t make enough noise and how the FTC is cracking down on junk hotel fees.

Show Notes with links:

• Nissan faces a crossroads as merger talks with Honda intensify, spurred by Foxconn's interest in a controlling stake and the competitive pressures reshaping Japan's auto industry.
  • An announcement by Honda and Nissan could come as soon as Dec. 23, with plans to sign a memorandum of understanding to discuss shared equity stakes in a new holding company.
  • A Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger would create one of two Japanese auto powerhouses—the other led by Toyota and its stakes in Subaru, Suzuki, and Mazda.
  • Foxconn’s interest in Nissan reportedly accelerated Honda’s push for a merger, fearing Nissan’s vulnerability to a takeover.
  • Combined, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi sold 4 million vehicles globally in the first half of the year, far behind Toyota’s 5.2 million on its own.
  • Nissan shares surged 24% on Dec. 18, marking the biggest one-day gain in its history, after both companies acknowledged discussions.
  • Renault, Nissan’s largest shareholder with a 36% stake, remains a key player, potentially influencing any final decision.

• General Motors issued a recall for the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV due to its pedestrian alert system failing to make sufficient noise at low speeds, potentially putting pedestrians at risk.
  • The alert system's software may not meet federal noise requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles, affecting over 7,500 Equinox EVs.
  • GM resolved the issue in its assembly plant in October. Current owners can get a free body control module update at dealerships starting January 27, 2025.
  • EVs are known for their quiet operation, but regulations require external sounds to alert pedestrians, especially at low speeds.
  • Despite the recall, over 15,000 units have already sold. The LT FWD trim, starting at $34,995, boasts a 319-mile range, making it one of the most affordable long-range EVs in the U.S.

• The FTC has passed a rule requiring ticket sellers, hotels, and rental sites to disclose total prices upfront, addressing "junk fees" that increase consumer costs.
  • Companies must now include service fees, resort fees, and other charges in advertised prices, eliminating last-minute add-ons.
  • The rule could save Americans 53 million hours annually spent uncovering hidden fees.
  • Passed 4-1, the rule may face challenges under incoming Republican leadership and legal pushback.
  • FTC Chair Lina Khan stated: "I.. encourage state and federal policymakers to build on this success with legislation that bans unfair and deceptive junk fees across the economy."

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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