American nonprofit, nonpartisan watchdog for product testing and consumer advocacy
Automakers have announced strategic shifts as Chinese brands and US trade rules upend the sector. Volkswagen has proposed deep job cuts to cut costs, Jaguar Land Rover is adding hybrids and prioritising the US, and the Commerce Department has denied Polestar permission to sell new connected models in the US from 2027, pushing the brand to refocus on Europe.
Households face higher costs for repairs and full system replacements as refrigerant transitions and supply constraints push up prices. Experts say replacements are increasingly likely when repair costs exceed half the price of a new unit, with rates varying by system type and home size.
A round-up of fresh retailer earnings and consumer price signals indicates ongoing inflationary pressure. Executives say costs are rising, customers are rebalancing spending, and policy signals remain uncertain. The story synthesises perspectives from multiple outlets to show what this means for households and markets.
Consumer Reports has named Sam’s Club’s rotisserie chicken the top overall pick among 10 chains, praising flavor, seasoning and juiciness. Costco’s bird is praised for plumpness but criticized for seasoning inconsistency. The test found no PFAS and noted several birds weighed more than listed on packaging.