19 November 2023

Introducing: Bloomberg Hot Pursuit!

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Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster09:09

Hybrids Can Be More Than a Temporary EV Band-Aid

The hosts debate whether hybrids represent a compromise or the practical near-term future. Plug-in models can cover routine local journeys electrically while retaining gasoline range, and their batteries can supplement small engines with strong performance.

Toyota was moving the Camry to a hybrid-only strategy
Plug-in hybrids handle short trips on battery power
Gas engines remove long-distance charging anxiety
Electric assistance can deliver both efficiency and performance

“what Toyota is telling us is the immediate future, the next decade is going to be hybrid.”
Barry Ritholtz · 09:52

“So to me, it's the best of both worlds.”
Barry Ritholtz · 11:24

#hybrids#electric vehicles#toyota#plug-in hybrid

Hot Take· 2

Hot Take04:07

The Softening Luxury Market May Signal the YOLO Economy Is Over

Barry connects weaker Formula One demand with falling prices across collectible cars and watches. A Ferrari 250 GTO still sold for an enormous sum, but below expectations, while major watch prices reached their lowest level since 2021.

Used-car and collectible prices were softening
A Ferrari 250 GTO missed its expected sale level
Rolex and Patek Philippe prices had fallen
The pattern may reflect broader macroeconomic cooling

“everything seems that had round up in twenty and twenty one and twenty two. It's all softening.”
Barry Ritholtz · 04:26

“I think this Yolo economy is over.”
Hannah Elliott · 05:12

#luxury market#collectibles#economy#ferrari#watches

Hot Take15:03

Do Mass-Market Brands Still Need a Halo Car?

Matt argues that an aspirational performance car can make buyers feel better about purchasing lower-tier models, citing Audi's Quattro and R8. Barry counters that modern buyers can be won through practical capability and value rather than an expensive image-building flagship.

Halo cars create aspiration across a model range
Audi used racing and the R8 to strengthen its identity
Barry sees the approach as old-school marketing
Capability and affordability can serve as the core proposition

“I just think they need to make a halo car so that people can then feel okay buying the lower end models.”
Matt Miller · 15:11

“That is so old school marketing. That's just not how it's done.”
Barry Ritholtz · 15:18

#halo cars#automotive marketing#audi#brand strategy

Explainer· 3

Explainer01:52

Why Las Vegas Grand Prix Prices Fell Before Race Weekend

Formula One's Las Vegas debut initially appeared to be a natural fit between a global spectacle and an entertainment city. Yet falling ticket and hotel prices suggested organizers may have overestimated demand or priced the event too aggressively.

General-entry ticket prices were falling
Hotel rates declined from earlier quoted levels
Late buyers could still find tickets and flights
Organizers nevertheless expected strong revenue

“ticket prices have been dropping, both ticket prices for general entry into the Grand Prix hotel room rates have been dropping”
Hannah Elliott · 02:35

“It's possible organizers sort of got a little bit too greedy with how they price things, and people are just not having it.”
Hannah Elliott · 02:49

#formula one#las vegas#ticket pricing#sports business

Explainer05:38

Max Verstappen's Dominance Made Formula One Less Suspenseful

The hosts argue that predictable results reduced the appeal of the Las Vegas race. Verstappen's dominance, limited passing, and a 10 p.m. Pacific start created additional barriers for television viewers, particularly on the US East Coast.

The championship had already been decided
Verstappen had won roughly 17 of 20 races
Finishing positions had become predictable
The race began at 1 a.m. Eastern time

“He wins all the time, He's already clinched the title. He's won like seventeen of last twenty races.”
Hannah Elliott · 05:42

“this race starts at ten pm Pacific time, which means you're gonna have to be a diehard.”
Hannah Elliott · 06:00

#formula one#max verstappen#motorsport#broadcasting

Explainer11:43

How Kia Is Moving From Econoboxes to Luxury Cross-Shopping

Kia's strategy combines abundant features, competitive pricing, improved design, and a more premium brand presentation. Hannah's experience with the EV9 suggests buyers could increasingly compare Kia with Volvo, Land Rover, or Audi rather than viewing it only as a budget choice.

Kia offers unexpectedly advanced features at lower prices
The EV9 impressed a reviewer who rarely covers Kia
Hyundai's Genesis experience demonstrates luxury capability
The redesigned Kia logo supports its repositioning

“the way every one of these new manufacturers that are trying to gain traction or expand their footprint find an audience is by offering a…”
Barry Ritholtz · 12:45

“Kia is really making a play to elevate themselves”
Hannah Elliott · 13:38

#kia#automotive branding#value proposition#ev9

Story· 1

Story21:46

Three First Cars Reveal How Automotive Taste Changes Over Time

Barry, Hannah, and Matt recall their first personally purchased cars: a 1967 Chrysler 300, a 1969 Buick Skylark, and an Audi A4 Avant. Hannah was embarrassed by a car she later recognized as historically and aesthetically interesting, while Matt remembers testing his diesel Audi on the Autobahn.

Barry paid $100 for a 1967 Chrysler 300
Hannah split a $200 Buick Skylark with her sister
Hannah's appreciation of the Buick changed later
Matt bought an Audi A4 Avant and drove it on the Autobahn

“She was far more advanced think in her thinking about design and history than I was at the time.”
Hannah Elliott · 22:36

“I was living in Frankfurt at the time, so I got to drive it on the Autobahn.”
Matt Miller · 23:14

#first cars#classic cars#audi#automotive memories

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway07:47

Las Vegas Has More to Offer Than Casinos and the Strip

Barry dislikes the casino-centered version of Las Vegas but enjoys many experiences around it. The group highlights restaurants, shows, historic hotels, off-roading, Hoover Dam, driving schools, and unusual aviation experiences.

The Strip is only one part of the destination
Outdoor and automotive activities broaden its appeal
Historic hotels preserve entertainment history
Visitors can enjoy Las Vegas without gambling

“I don't go to casinos at all. I don't hang out on the strip. I don't gamble.”
Barry Ritholtz · 08:52

“That's the part of Vegas. I hate everything around that is really interesting.”
Barry Ritholtz · 08:56

#las vegas#travel#driving#off-roading

Takeaway16:12

The Audi SQ8 E-Tron Delivers Quiet Solidity but Carries Its Weight

Hannah describes the all-electric SQ8 E-Tron as beautifully appointed, exceptionally quiet, balanced, and solid. Its roughly 6,000-pound mass remains noticeable, while Matt questions whether its subdued styling deserves the Q8 name.

The SQ8 E-Tron starts at about $90,000
Its cabin is quiet and well insulated
The vehicle feels solid and over-engineered
Its weight and conservative design divide opinion

“It was beautifully appointed inside, it was as quiet, actually proven by Audi, as quiet as an a sedan”
Hannah Elliott · 16:42

“it is a product that you feel like it's over engineered and is not going to break down.”
Matt Miller · 17:55

#audi#sq8 e-tron#electric suv#car review