Auto Industry News: California 300 Flings Dirt in Barstow, UAW Keeps Fight Alive in Detroit, and Self-Driving Gets Scrutinized in San Francisco

Another dramatic week for all corners of the auto industry. On the enthusiast side, off-road racing fans had a pulse-pounding weekend of excitement as the California 300 enjoyed its second annual run through the Barstow desert. Those on the business end watched union contract bargaining take an unexpected turn as GM negotiators swooped in with a last-minute concession to hold off more striking. And those in the ‘future tech’ camp saw self-driving technology come under close scrutiny again, after a Cruise robotaxi added more injury to a pedestrian hit-and-run.

Plus, rumors of a mini Toyota Land Cruiser, big fines for eBay, and fresh labor tensions for Mack Trucks.

California 300 Results

High-speed off-road racing returned to the deserts of Barstow this past weekend for the second annual California 300. A still-new addition to the Martelli Brother’s off-road racing lineup, the event served up a full weekend of dirt-flinging fun on a punishing 70-mile race course. It also doubled as the last leg of the “Unlimited Off-Road Racing Triple Crown Championship,” a new three-race championship points series that also includes the Mint 400 and King of the Hammers.

Competitors were itching to put on a show – and they certainly delivered.

Friday

Racing began Friday with the inaugural California 300 Motorcycle Race, featuring three laps on a grueling layout designed by Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer and racing legend Johnny Campbell.

Turns out the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his son JCR/Honda rider Preston Campbell took home top honors. The younger Campbell was untouchable, setting a blistering pace for the bikers’ event. He finished more than 20 minutes ahead of Barstow native and runner-up Matthew Combs.

Also competing on Friday were UTVs in the Youth 1000 race. After finishing on the podium last year, Mason Cotter finished two spots better this time ‘round and took the checkered flag over 2022 winner Chaden Zane Minder.

Saturday

The UTV and Limited Race was the main attraction on Saturday and after an afternoon of thrilling action, Brayden Baker finished first with a final time of 5:18:28. He took over the lead on the final lap after running towards the front all day, and ended up taking the win more than 12 minutes ahead of runner-up Sierra Romo.

Sunday

The feature Unlimited Race wrapped up the weekend, and saw Adam Householder come out ahead of Eric Hardin on the final lap of an intense off-road battle. The two chased each other throughout much of the race, but multiple flat tires in the Barstow rocks ultimately proved Hardin’s undoing.

Householder was the first truck across the finish line, completing four laps in 6:12:03. Hardin and third-place finisher Mikey Lawrence were both close behind, finishing in 6:22:10 and 6:24:19 respectively.

In Case You Missed It…

The Goodguys Association’s “Top 12” national car show awards are almost all handed out. Earlier this month, “America’s Most Beautiful” was crowned at the 30th Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals, with the title going to the sleek-and-sinister looking 1952 Chevy Suburban pictured below.

This past Friday, the association announced its six regional award winners for 2023. Chosen from various events in different regions of the U.S., they include a ‘49 Buick, ‘60 Buick Invicta, ‘71 Plymouth Cuda, ‘67 Chevy Chevelle, 1940 Ford and 1967 Chevy C10. Just one spot remains – the King of the Desert – which will be named in Scottsdale, November 17–19.

UAW Update

The United Auto Workers strike enters its 25th day against all three Detroit automakers. Here’s where things currently stand:

The union chose not to expand walkouts on Friday citing progress with negotiators.

The most notable development came from GM, which finally agreed to put electric vehicle battery production under the terms of the national contract – something Ford is still holding out on. However, The Blue Oval did make some big concessions, including a 23% wage increase which would bring workers to almost $40/hr by 2027. Ford also offered to give new hires top pay after three years rather than eight and – along with Stellantis – agreed to reinstate COLA benefits.

Both sides note “gaps” that still need to be closed.

While negotiators are making compromises, there remains disagreement over wage increases and progressions, temporary workers, and retirement security. UAW President Shawn Fain gave another fiery Facebook speech on Friday, celebrating current contract victories while stressing that the union still expects more movement and isn’t backing down. His “Eat The Rich” t-shirt and signature passionate rhetoric reinforced the message.

The strike is hitting suppliers harder than automakers and dealers.

While Detroit 3 inventory levels remain stable, the automakers have started laying off workers at plants affected by stoppages at other locations. Dealers are similarly holding on okay, but preparing for some pricing instability due to dropping manufacturer incentives and unpredictable consumer psychology. Suppliers, however, are struggling. According to a survey from the auto trade association MEMA, more than 30% of OE suppliers have had to lay off some direct labor employees, and more than 60% expect to start layoffs by mid-October.

Did you know…?

Mack Trucks union workers have officially joined the picket lines. The UAW announced 4,000 unionized workers walked out at 7 a.m. today, Oct. 9, after 73% voted against the tentative five-year contract agreement reached by negotiators. The rejected deal, which likely failed due to the high expectations set during Detroit talks, included a 19% pay raise over the life of the contract with 10% upon ratification, as well as a $3,500 ratification bonus and other benefits.

What Else You Need To Know This Week

Here are a few additional headlines we’re keeping an eye on — and think you should too.

Toyota Might Make A Mini Land Cruiser Called “Land Hopper”

When Toyota re-released the Land Cruiser in August, it also teased a smaller vehicle, one with dimensions similar to the Compact Cruiser EV Concept. Additionally, right around the same time, Toyota Japan applied to trademark the name “Land Hopper” in Japan.

Now, two recent reports from the country say the mini-Land Cruiser could hit production lines by as early as next year – and it would be available with a gas engine.

The automaker has yet to confirm anything, but we could hear more at the Tokyo Auto Show “Japan Mobility Show” later this month. As for the rumor mill, it predicts this vehicle will be similar in size to the Jeep Renegade or Ford Bronco Sport and could borrow a powertrain from the Corolla Cross menu, likely the 1.8-liter turbo.

EBay Facing Big Fines For Emissions Defeat Devices

The U.S. government recently launched a landmark lawsuit, suing eBay for violating the Clean Air Act by allowing the sale of environmentally-harmful products. These include restricted pesticides, paint removers, and – as it pertains to the aftermarket – emissions-defeat devices.

While eBay contends it banned the sale of such products, the DOJ alleges the e-commerce giant didn’t do enough to take down the listings. Interestingly, the retailer’s own quest for growth could be its downfall here.

The company’s evolution from ‘quirky online marketplace’ to ‘massive online retailer’ means it now has immense control over every aspect of a transaction. When an entity is that entwined in buyer-seller payments, it’s pretty hard to claim plausible deniability over what is being sold. If the DOJ is successful, it could mean headaches for Amazon. The online retailer has been repeatedly investigated by the EPA for similar offenses.

Tough Week for Self-Driving Publicists

More negative headlines for Cruise robotaxis, as one of the fleet’s San Francisco vehicles was involved in a serious collision last week that sent a pedestrian to the hospital with multiple traumatic injuries.

Video footage of the incident shows a human-driven vehicle strike a woman crossing traffic, hitting her with enough force to launch her into the path of an oncoming robotaxi, which then struck her a second time, trapping her underneath the rear axle.

While authorities search for the human driver who fled the scene, Cruise faces fresh scrutiny of its self-driving technology.

The company confirmed that sensors on the vehicle detected the pedestrian before she was ever struck by the first car. However, what remains unclear is how the company’s technology classified her while she was stuck atop the first car’s hood for nearly three seconds before tumbling to the ground. Additionally, while Cruise insists the robotaxi “braked aggressively to minimize the impact,” San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin told Forbes it still “dragged her underneath the car for approximately 20 feet, which was the source of her major injuries.”

So, if a human driver were behind the wheel, would the woman have not suffered the second impact? That’s the million-dollar question. Whether it will ever have a satisfying answer is anybody’s guess.

The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Check back Wednesday for a defense of the soft-rolling tonneau cover, and then come around on Friday and pick up some tips on overall truck security.