French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the European Union should consider applying electric-vehicle subsidies to cars built in the bloc, after the U.S. limited its support to North American-made vehicles. It may be [time to reserve electric vehicle bonuses either for cars produced on European territory or for vehicles that strictly and rigorously meet new environmental standards," Le Maire told reporters during a briefing on the 2023 budget. [We need to play with the same rules if we want to defend our industries, our jobs and our technology." France and Germany, where the electric revolution is making obsolete thousands of jobs in areas like engine and transmission-making, have led the political push over the past few years for developing a local battery-cell industry in a bid to take control of a car part that can make up 40 percent of an EV`s value. The French government has been offering subsidies of as much as 6,000 euros ($5,800) for the purchase of EVs costing less than 47,000 euros, with possible additional aid under a scrapping program for old combustion engine vehicles. EVs represented 12 percent of new car sales in France in the first seven months of 2022. The bonus for electric vehicles in France will be reduced to 5,000 euros from 6,000 euros as of next year, [but it remains substantial," Le Maire said during the briefing. The U.S. has been facing criticism over a new law providing tax breaks for EVs, which says that cars will not be eligible for up to $7,500 in subsidies if critical battery components come from China, Russia and other [foreign entities of concern." To help consumers, the US administration published a list of model year 2022 and 2023 vehicles it says are likely to meet the bill`s requirement for [final assembly" in North America. [I think it`s time we start to think about this idea in Europe," Le Maire said.

WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - General Motors Co (GM.N) said on Tuesday it will invest up to $69 million and take an equity stake in Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM.AX) to secure a new source of nickel and cobalt for battery cells for use in the U.S. automaker's vehicles. GM said the investment will help support electric-vehicle eligibility for consumer incentives under new, clean energy U.S. tax credits. GM said the nickel laterite ore is expected to be processed using a new, proprietary process that helps reduce waste. Under a law passed in August, automakers must source battery minerals from countries with free trade agreements in order to qualify for the U.S. consumer EV tax credits. The GM investment is to assist in the development of its proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) Project in Northern Australia. High-grade nickel laterite ore will be imported from nearby New Caledonia, GM said. GM already has binding agreements securing all battery raw material supporting its goal of 1 million units of annual capacity in North America by the end of 2025. GM said the "new collaboration builds on those commitments as we look to secure supply through the end of the decade, while also helping continue to expand the EV market." Queensland Pacific Metals CEO Stephen Grocott said "GM`s investment in our company and the associated offtake brings us one step closer towards construction of the TECH Project." In August, GM said it was prepaying Livent Corp (LTHM.N) $198 million for a guaranteed six-year supply of lithium, a deal that reflects the auto industry's rising worry about a tightening market for the electric vehicle battery metal.

Some most noteworthy car accessory trends have hit the auto world over the years. Some things make you question why everyone has suddenly decided that the perfect way to express themselves is to decorate their vehicle, from car lashes to fake portholes to wraps. Accessories that still leave many scratching their head are beaded seat covers, and the group that started this trend may surprise you. They say all good things must end, which appears to be the case with beaded seat covers. While they were once one of the most popular types of seat covers on the market, they have been relegated to one of those `Do you remember when memes. Like so many retro fashions, there`s always a chance they could make a comeback for a brief period. As cabs are slowly becoming a thing of the past as Uber and Lyft become more popular, it won`t be the cab drivers who help beaded seats rise from the ashes of obscurity. The good news is that they`re still available to purchase if you choose to. Some even have some pretty cool designs, and they`re relatively affordable. It may also solve the problem of your passengers fighting to sit in the front seat because they don`t look comfortable, no matter what the benefits may or may not be.

Some most noteworthy car accessory trends have hit the auto world over the years. Some things make you question why everyone has suddenly decided that the perfect way to express themselves is to decorate their vehicle, from car lashes to fake portholes to wraps. Accessories that still leave many scratching their head are beaded seat covers, and the group that started this trend may surprise you. They say all good things must end, which appears to be the case with beaded seat covers. While they were once one of the most popular types of seat covers on the market, they have been relegated to one of those `Do you remember when memes. Like so many retro fashions, there`s always a chance they could make a comeback for a brief period. As cabs are slowly becoming a thing of the past as Uber and Lyft become more popular, it won`t be the cab drivers who help beaded seats rise from the ashes of obscurity. The good news is that they`re still available to purchase if you choose to. Some even have some pretty cool designs, and they`re relatively affordable. It may also solve the problem of your passengers fighting to sit in the front seat because they don`t look comfortable, no matter what the benefits may or may not be.

Some most noteworthy car accessory trends have hit the auto world over the years. Some things make you question why everyone has suddenly decided that the perfect way to express themselves is to decorate their vehicle, from car lashes to fake portholes to wraps. Accessories that still leave many scratching their head are beaded seat covers, and the group that started this trend may surprise you. They say all good things must end, which appears to be the case with beaded seat covers. While they were once one of the most popular types of seat covers on the market, they have been relegated to one of those `Do you remember when memes. Like so many retro fashions, there`s always a chance they could make a comeback for a brief period. As cabs are slowly becoming a thing of the past as Uber and Lyft become more popular, it won`t be the cab drivers who help beaded seats rise from the ashes of obscurity. The good news is that they`re still available to purchase if you choose to. Some even have some pretty cool designs, and they`re relatively affordable. It may also solve the problem of your passengers fighting to sit in the front seat because they don`t look comfortable, no matter what the benefits may or may not be.

This dog car seat is designed to be used in the backseat cargo area and is secured via a stability strap that loops over the backseat headrests. If placed in the backseat, three iron seat belt tabs click into seat belt receivers for extra stability. If you`re looking for a roomier dog car seat, this is it - it covers two-thirds of the back seat, making it one of the larger dog car seats on the market. It can fit one medium or large dog or two small dogs. The easy zip-around design consists of a one-piece removable cover (it`s washable, too). There`s no padding on the bottom liner but you can DIY. Something that stands out is that the detachable harness tethers are designed to clip into both sides of the headrest straps, which is a much higher placement than most car seats we`ve seen.

This dog car seat is designed to be used in the backseat cargo area and is secured via a stability strap that loops over the backseat headrests. If placed in the backseat, three iron seat belt tabs click into seat belt receivers for extra stability. If you`re looking for a roomier dog car seat, this is it - it covers two-thirds of the back seat, making it one of the larger dog car seats on the market. It can fit one medium or large dog or two small dogs. The easy zip-around design consists of a one-piece removable cover (it`s washable, too). There`s no padding on the bottom liner but you can DIY. Something that stands out is that the detachable harness tethers are designed to clip into both sides of the headrest straps, which is a much higher placement than most car seats we`ve seen.

Tires and wheels are susceptible to damage caused by adverse weather conditions. When tires are exposed to the sun, they can suffer from chemical degradation and cracks, and rainwater can rust the wheel rim or reduce tire pressure by seeping through cracks or small holes. Many people believe that simple vehicle covers are long enough to block both UV rays and water from coming into contact with their tires, but that`s not always accurate, as vehicle covers can be loose and often can`t wrap around the entire tire. To help you leave your vehicle out in the open without having to worry about any potential damage, we`ve found the top RV tire covers that will not only provide a snug fit around the whole tire but also offer protection against UV rays, rain, snow, and more. We`ve also included a buying guide with everything there is to know about RV tire covers. These Explore Land RV tire covers are compatible with 23 to 25.75-inch tires of many vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, campers, trucks, trailers, and more. You can use this cover to protect tires from extreme weather conditions year-round, and it`s made from UV-stabilized material that can block solar radiation and prevent tires from developing cracks. This RV tire cover has an external water-resistant coating that prevents rainwater or dew from harming the tire and causing rust formation and wheel corrosion. The cover has a non-scratch, soft backing for higher durability and longevity, and it can keep your vehicle's tires safe from abrasions. Its auto-lockable elastic cord makes installation hassle-free, and one final reason this RV tire cover is our top pick is thanks to its wind-resistant construction that eliminates the need to make extra holes or attach weights. Pros Strong stitches for increased durability Auto-lock provides a snug fit Various color and size options Cons Slightly high price

People usually customize their cars to boost their appearance, but it's really much more than just making them look cooler on the outside. Customizing your car also enhances its other features, including its performance and safety. It will be more comfortable to drive your car if you're using accessories suitable for your personal preferences rather than merely sticking with the standard accessories integrated into it. Vehicle customization will upgrade your car over time without spending millions to buy a new one. You may also redesign your car to match your style, whether you prefer a vintage or modern look. One of the most challenging parts of customizing your car is choosing the right car accessories. You need to consider many things, such as durability, safety, and your car's specific needs to function better.

By now, you're probably exhausted by the number of Amazon Prime Day sales media outlets and editors (cough cough, me) are shouting at you to buy. Luxury vacuums, smart toothbrushes, best-selling vibrators, beauty products-the deals are virtually boundless, and we really do think they're too good to pass up! But I get it-it's a lot. For more Prime Day savings, be sure to check out these super deals on cookware, fitness tools, home goods, and beauty essentials. Hate to add another sale to your list, but listen up (really, listen up) because this one is simply too good not to tell you about-it's hands down the best purchase I've made all year. I'm saying that with my chest voice to anyone who will listen: The Urpower Car Seat Pet Cover ($31) is by far the single best thing I have bought in 2022. It's a lifesaver for pet parents, and it's 30 percent off for Prime Day. You might be thinking, a *checks notes* car seat cover? Yes. A car seat cover. One specifically designed to keep your floor, seats, and windows protected from pet fur and drool. As a product writer, it is my job to review products, and I'm saying (once again, with my chest voice) that anyone who travels with pets should get this handy car seat cover pronto. You will not regret it. Rather than waxing poetic about a silly little seat cover for pets, let me get straight to the point: It stops fur in its tracks: I have two white dogs: A pointer, whose fur sheds like pine needles, and a border collie/lab mix, whose heavy down coat gets on everything. Between the two of them, the black interior of my car was once impossible to keep clean. Even the shortest jaunts to the grocery store or dog park resulted in the backseat getting covered in hair. Not anymore-the seat cover folds down over my bench seat and over the top of the front seats, keeping the interior fur-free. My vacuum has never loved me more. It keeps my windows clean: Both pups love the windows, but the windows don't love them back. If they're not open wide enough for my dogs to dangle their heads out of, they'll slobber all over the glass leaving it covered in gross, wet streaks. This car seat cover prevents all of that mess with two connectable hooks, which you can put over the windows to protect the glass. You can still open them for airflow, but it protects your pups from pushing their snoots up against the glass. (And saves you big bucks on Windex.) It keeps my dogs safe: Even when I put my dogs in the back seat, they'll end up in the front. It's not safe-you wouldn't want a child roaming around the car while it's moving, would you? Thanks to the cover's unique hammock design, it acts as a blockade to keep them from scooting up to shotgun. At most, they can peek their head over to say hi, but their bodies stay in place. It *actually* stays in place: Speaking of staying in place... this thing doesn't move. I actually bought it because the old sheets and towels I was using beforehand constantly moved around whenever the dogs got in and out, leaving strips of fur and dander. But this thing has a number of anchors to stop it from squirming, including four adjustable headrest loops, two adjustable window flaps, and two seat anchors you stuff in between the seat cracks for extra support. It's so secure.