Robert Ferris
CNBC
New York, NY, United States
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Past articles by Robert:
America's biggest asphalt maker faces a 'golden age' with some green strings attached
More money is going to projects that prove they are better for the environment — like those that prioritize carbon emission reduction and recycling. → Read More
Why GM is sunsetting the classic Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro was General Motors' answer to the Ford Mustang. But the classic American sports car is tough to sell and is on its way out. → Read More
How the $8 billion parking industry is evolving to stay alive
The demand for parking garages has yet to recover post-pandemic, so the $8 billion parking industry is finding ways to evolve. → Read More
Threats to the billion dollar parking industry
While historically family-owned, the parking industry is today largely dominated by two players: SP Plus (SP+) and ABM. But the industry is facing some challenges. Aside from the rise of e-commerce and ride-hailing, a post pandemic world where workers are rarely driving into urban areas is forcing the industry to pivot and expand its services, as well as heavily invest in technology. It remains… → Read More
Why Porsche is investing $100 million on eFuels to keep its cars on the road
How can Porsche maintain a connection to its illustrious heritage and brand identity in the EV era? The answer might be something called eFuel. → Read More
Oil companies hit with backlash after bringing in $200 billion in profits last year
Oil prices skyrocketed in 2022 and firms such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies and BP earned record profits. But that spurred backlash. → Read More
Odometer fraud is a $1 billion problem. Here's how it costs American drivers
Odometer fraud, where criminals fake low mileage on cars to rip off buyers, was up 7% in 2022, according to Carfax research. → Read More
Why traffic can't be solved with just adding more highway lanes
Traffic and congestion have been worsening in U.S. cities for decades. Widening roads is an oft-proposed fix, but experts say it's only part of the solution. → Read More
Demand for semitrucks is surging, and four companies stand to benefit
Four manufacturers dominate the market for large semitrucks, led by Daimler Trucks' Freightliner brand. But the business is facing challenges from the outside. → Read More
Is Toyota late to EVs?
Environmentalists and electric vehicle advocates are accusing the world's largest automaker, Toyota, for dragging its feet on electrification. As of early 2023, the company sells only one electric vehicle, the bZ4X, which it has only sold in small quantities. Will it be able to catch up with the rest of the world, or is Toyota actually in the driver's seat by going slow in EV adoption given how… → Read More
Toyota is investing $35 billion into EVs. But some say it may be too late.
Environmentalists say Toyota is behind on EVs, and even opposing them. Toyota is investing in EVs, but argues many markets aren't ready for them. → Read More
Why U.S. rail travel is so expensive
Train fares in the U.S. often cost more than flying and more than trains in other developed countries. That's because Amtrak has never made money. → Read More
Dodge tries to convert its muscle car fans from V-8 engine to EV
Dodge has built a reputation over the last decade as a maker of muscle cars and performance cars. Now it is trying to hold on to that image in an electric era. → Read More
Will Dodge's electric muscle car satisfy its die-hard fans?
Over the past decade, Dodge has dug deep into its performance car heritage and become a brand known for brash American muscle cars with supercharged V-8 engines and ridiculous amounts of horsepower. But tightening regulations, rising fuel prices and the rise of the SUV are putting the squeeze on Dodge's so-called "brotherhood of muscle." It recently debuted the Charger Dayton SRT EV, a car that… → Read More
How the U.S. got hooked on big cars — despite their downsides
American cars are big — from classic Cadillacs to today's full-size SUVs and full-size pickups. → Read More
Why Americans are obsessed with big cars
While in Europe and Japan cars are often small, U.S. automakers churn out big vehicles like SUVs and full-size pickup trucks. Consumer research in the U.S., which gave the world "land yachts" like classic Cadillacs with tailfins, shows buyers prefer bigger vehicles. Regulatory loopholes favoring trucks also have helped that shift, some analysts say. But big cars are expensive and if they burn… → Read More
Why some people hate touch screens in cars
Buttons, switches and knobs have given way to high-tech touch screens in cars. Some people find them annoying and dangerous. But they aren't going anywhere → Read More
These are the companies racing to dominate the fragmented auto dealership industry
Public auto dealership groups — AutoNation, Lithia Motors, Group1, Sonic Automotive, Penske, and Asbury — see huge profits to be made in the fragmented market. → Read More
How an unknown Vietnamese carmaker is trying to beat Tesla in the U.S.
VinFast is an unknown Vietnamese automaker selling electric vehicles (EVs) in America. Top staffers hail from industry leaders such as BMW. → Read More
Ford's Mustang Mach-E electric crossover is a hit with industry insiders — that could help it take on Tesla
Ford's first real attempt at an electric vehicle has been quite a hit with critics. → Read More