Your Car Shouldn't Look Like It Pumped Iron at the Gym
Smaller cars are an obvious fix for crowded cities, limited resources and a warming planet. Yet they've become an endangered species, as tougher regulations made them uneconomical to produce and we gravitated towards muscular SUVs.
A continent that built iconic, utilitarian and wildly popular city cars, like the Fiat Cinquecento and Mini in the 1950s, needs to make tiny cars appealing and affordable again. Smarter rulemaking and financial incentives can help.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
US is more vulnerable to a trade war with EU than with China
On June 4, 2025, Donald Trump doubled tariffs on EU steel and aluminium from 25% to 50% in an attempt to attain a 'good quality' trade proposal from the bloc. These actions came as Trump threatened to impose a 50% baseline tariff on the EU, and some of the US' closest strategic partners, in May. Trump has called the EU a 'mini-China' in the past, citing the US trade deficit in goods, specifically in cars and agricultural goods, and impatience with ongoing negotiations as the reasons for such extreme 'retaliatory' measures. According to GlobalData TS Lombard, a 50% baseline tariff on the EU would wipe out an estimated 1.6% of EU GDP growth. With Eurozone growth figures for 2025 hovering between 0.2% and 0.5%, any increase in baseline tariff could result in recessionary pressures for Europe in the immediate future, with more exposed nations, like Ireland for instance, facing larger GDP shocks of up to 8%. In response to this escalation, the EU has drawn up an import duty list of $21bn (€18bn) of US goods. The EU can now either engage in a tit-for-tat trade war, similar to the Chinese approach, or, similar to the British approach, try to reach a deal with the Americans. A trade war with the EU will be politically and economically unsustainable for the Trump administration due to the history of the two powers, and their dependence on each other. Trump shied away from imposing 50% tariffs on the bloc, only rising tariffs on steel and aluminium, likely in an attempt to avoid a complete trade war between the two powers due to US exposure to EU imports. With further retaliatory duties and section 301 tariffs coming into effect (after a delay) on July 9th 2025, the EU must also decide how to navigate a complex relationship with the largest superpower in history. The EU is not like China, Cambodia, or Vietnam. These nations have much of their industrial base set up to export to the US, where the EU is one of the largest exporters to the US and one of the largest importers from the US. The EU imported $370bn of US goods in 2024, exporting more than $600bn to the US in the same timeframe, representing the US' largest import source. China, a nation roughly three times the size of the EU, only imported $144bn from the US in 2024. The EU is not the US' strategic enemy, nor is it forecasted to outpace the US economically anytime soon. The US has not decoupled from the EU in the same way it has from China, making a full-on trade war difficult for the Trump administration to sustain economically. The same is also true culturally. Trump always has to have perceived enemies to maintain power, as all populists do. Whether it's DEI initiatives within the federal government or 'illegal' immigrants, Trump has to have a non-specific group to present to his followers as the 'other'. He has done the same on the international stage, with his first premiership widely being recognised as the origin of the trade war with China. Trump cannot do this with the EU. Trump cannot designate Europeans as the 'other' in the same way he could with illegal immigrants or the Chinese, due to the US' deep history and relations with Europe. Some 58% of the US' white population, a segment of the population that voted in droves for Trump, considers themselves European in some kind of way, according to a 2020 census from the US Census Bureau. A similar trade war to that seen between China and the US, if carried out against the EU, would likely hurt Trump in the polls. Trump has previously claimed that he wants immigrants from 'nice' countries, such as Denmark or Switzerland, making any potential trade or culture war with the EU a complete U-turn. Trump also does not seem to know what he wants from an EU trade deal. A revamp of EU VAT systems, promises of importing more US LNG, promises to decouple from China, or revamping the newly implemented EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) all could be aims of the 47th President, but we'll never know. If Trump does not actually have any specific demands from the bloc, he is likely to place duties on EU goods again. Trump's temperament aside, if Trump cannot guarantee trade peace of mind for the EU, why should the EU bother negotiating with Trump? Additionally, Trump only seems to be looking at the US trade deficit with the EU in goods. When it comes to services, the US has a sizeable trade surplus with the EU at around $109bn. Retaliatory measures from the EU are unlikely to be popular within member states. The economic effects of US import restrictions will largely fall on US businesses and consumers, and while the EU will feel the effects of reduced US demand for EU goods, any additional tit-for-tat tariffs will result in further pain for citizens (and voters) in the bloc. European leaders know this. Meanwhile, the UK's 'trade deal' with the US is narrow in scope, has no definitive timeline, and is a stopgap measure. Retaliatory measures are not attractive either. Further tit-for-tat measures will turn voters away from parties in power, and nations that source large shares of their imports (Ireland, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, for instance) from the US will likely fall out with Brussels over any further damage to the economy. Member states are also unlikely to agree on retaliatory measures. The only other example of a continued tit-for-tat war with the Trump administration is the ongoing US-China trade war, a trade war that is very much still ongoing. Trump's laser focus on the EU should be concerning for the bloc. The best course of action for the EU, however, is neither engaging in a tit-for-tat trade war nor negotiating a trade deal; rather, it may be to ignore Trump where possible. The only goal Trump seems to have is to reduce the 'unfair' trade deficit in goods between the EU and the US (whether it is unfair or not is a whole other story), putting any potential deal in danger of being broken by an infamously erratic president. A deal is more or less inevitable, given how dependent the US and the EU are on each other, both for security and trade. Despite this dependence, Trump has no specific goals in negotiating with the EU and is likely to turn on any future deal that the two powers sign. Brussels should not be in a rush to sign a deal with Trump, given they will not benefit from either negotiations or tit-for-tat. The best course of action for the EU is to sit and wait, biding its time until Trump realises how dependent the US is on the EU. This is unlikely to happen, though, as European and US businesses will demand certainty. In conclusion The ECB has cut the main rate from 2.25% to 2% in anticipation of said recessionary pressures from potential tariffs. GlobalData TS Lombard predicted back in early May 2025 that Trump would turn on the EU, and further tension is likely to occur. However, a full-on trade war between the US and EU would be foolish for an administration that is dependent on America's white, predominantly European, electorate. "US is more vulnerable to a trade war with EU than with China" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Gizmodo
Prime Day Has Started Early, This 15-Inch Portable Monitor Is Now 50% Off to a Record Low
Whether you're a digital nomad looking for a flexible workspace or a gamer seeking a bigger screen on the go, a portable monitor is a great tool that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles. The KYY 15.6-inch portable monitor is a great example and the go-to solution for all these needs and offers unmatched convenience. Over 10,000 units sold in the last month alone, and it's Amazon's number one best-selling portable monitor. Almost 8,000 reviewers have given it five stars, and it's extremely popular on the market. Amazon is now selling this popular display at an all-time low price of just $69 which is a stunning 46% discount off its regular list price of $129. This pre-Prime Day offer makes it more convenient (and cheaper) than ever before to improve your digital setup. See at Amazon Videos Look Stunning This monitor boasts a 15.6-inch high-definition IPS screen with Full HD 1920×1080 resolution and HDR technology for rich colors and crystal-clear sharpness regardless of angle. The monitor's wide 178-degree viewing angle ensures that images and videos look stunning whether you're working, gaming or streaming. Eye-care features such as blue light filtering and flicker-free technology ensure comfort for long hours of usage and protect your eyes as you stay productive or engaged. Connectivity is hassle-free with two USB-C ports and a Mini-HDMI port so you can use it with literally any device like laptops, smartphones, PCs and consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox. With its incredibly thin 0.3-inch profile and very light 1.7-pound weight, you can simply shove it in your bag and go wherever you please. The built-in smart cover doubles as a stand, offering multiple angles of view for your ease and comfort and stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack add to your multimedia experience. This KYY monitor is also constructed to be flexible to accommodate both landscape and portrait modes as per your need, be it editing files, surfing the web or catching a movie. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable portable monitor, this KYY model is our top recommendation (especially now, with its record-low price). See at Amazon
Car and Driver
3 days ago
- Car and Driver
Tested: 2025 Mini Countryman EV Doesn't Give a Reason to Go Electric
Mini started selling electric versions of its small hatchbacks quite a while ago, but the latest Cooper Electric is in limbo due to global trade issues, as it's built in China. But that doesn't mean Mini is without an EV entirely. The larger Countryman SUV has entered the crowded electric-utility space with a new-for-2025 model that uses the same SE name that was previously applied to the Countryman's plug-in hybrid variant in its prior generation. The new Countryman SE ALL4 shares its modern-looking design with the third-gen gas model, and it's mechanically similar to the BMW iX1, an electric variant of Bimmer's smallest SUV that isn't sold in the U.S. We only get one version of the SE, and it's a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup with 308 horsepower. That puts it right in line with the gas-powered Countryman's JCW performance variant, which has 312 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The two are also priced similarly, with the EV starting at $46,375 and the JCW at $48,075. (The base 241-hp Countryman S gas model starts at $40,075.) View Exterior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Of course, as is typical with EVs, the Countryman's 65-kWh battery pack means it's quite a bit heavier than its gas counterpart. The SE weighs in at 4606 pounds, versus 3792 for the Countryman JCW we tested. That means the electric version doesn't perform as well despite its similar power output. We got it to 60 mph in a respectable 4.8 seconds, while the gas model did it in 4.6. Within the Mini's competitive set of other electrics, the similarly priced Volvo EX30 is the speed demon, getting to 60 mph in a scant 3.3 seconds in our testing. HIGHS: Cute interior design, pleasant driving demeanor, reasonably priced compared with gas model. Though the Countryman SE feels nimble and quick for a small crossover, it doesn't give the impression of being an overtly sporting machine. The ride is firm, the steering is direct, and the powertrain is responsive, but it's a bit too big and heavy to change direction eagerly enough to live up to the promise of the sporty and boldly named Go Kart driving mode. Around the skidpad, our test car managed a so-so 0.85 g of grip, riding on 19-inch Continental ProContact GX all-season tires. The gas-powered JCW's more aggressive summer rubber helped it earn an 0.95-g result, and it also beat the SE's 70-mph stopping distance by a significant margin, at 158 feet to 171 feet. View Interior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Mini's typical kitsch is on full display inside the Countryman SE, as its dashboard incorporates a mix of textiles, ambient lighting, and other flourishes to create a fun atmosphere. Those who like this sort of thing will get enjoyment out of details like the quirky air vents and the fabric strap replacing one of the traditional steering-wheel spokes. The circular central infotainment screen is nice to look at, though it doesn't quite use its full real estate effectively for smartphone mirroring. We also felt that some of the menu structures were too complicated, as you have to dive into various settings to adjust things like the regenerative braking level. A button would have been easier. LOWS: Limited driving range, doesn't accelerate as quickly as the JCW model, quirky styling isn't for everyone. With the regen level at its highest setting and the transmission in B mode, the Countryman SE is capable of one-pedal driving. We enjoyed driving in this mode in the city, and the gas pedal has a long enough travel to make it easy to modulate your speed. But the Countryman SE's other EV specs aren't so impressive. The EPA estimates a driving range of just over 200 miles on a charge, with the version on 18-inch wheels earning a rating of 212 miles and the version with 19-inch wheels rated at 204 miles. Our test car and its 19-inchers achieved a real-world 75-mph highway range of only 180 miles. View Interior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Though that isn't too far off the EPA estimate, it's simply not very much range. Yes, the aforementioned Volvo EX30 fared even worse in this test, achieving just 160 miles, but the less expensive Hyundai Kona Electric managed 230 miles in this same test. At least the Mini's fast-charging capabilities are competitive, with a peak charging rate of 129 kilowatts in our fast-charging test and an average of 84 kilowatts overall. VERDICT: The electric Countryman doesn't give up much to its gas siblings, but it doesn't gain much either. The problem with the Countryman SE is that it simply doesn't offer any particular characteristics to entice buyers away from the gas models. It costs about the same as the JCW but doesn't perform as well, and its relatively small battery pack means it can't go far on a charge. If EV buyers are forced to make sacrifices like this, they should at least benefit from extra features, better acceleration, or increased versatility via a front cargo area. The Countryman SE doesn't have any of these upsides, and as a result it fails to make a compelling argument for itself. View Interior Photos Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver Specifications Specifications 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $46,375/$51,325 Options: Iconic trim (Harman/Kardon audio system, interior camera, power fronts seats, privacy glass), $3200; Comfort Package Max (auto-dimming mirrors, augmented-reality navigation, adaptive cruise control, Parking Assistant Plus, active driving assistant), $900; trailer hitch, $600; Parking Assistant Professional, $250; Favored Style (Anthracite headliner, John Cooper Works sport seats, silver roof and mirror caps, 19-inch Kaleido Spoke two-tone wheels, $0 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 188 hp, 182 lb-ft Rear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 188 hp, 182 lb-ft Combined Power: 308 hp Combined Torque: 364 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 65 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 130 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Tires: Continental ProContact GX 245/45R-19 102H M+S ★ DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.0 in Length: 175.0 in Width: 72.6 in Height: 64.6 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 53/42 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 56/25 ft3 Curb Weight: 4606 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.8 sec 100 mph: 13.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.6 sec @ 101 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.5 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 343 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 75 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 180 mi Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 84 kW DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 39 min EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 91/94/88 MPGe Range: 204 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED Reviewed by Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
