The Twisted Design Logic of Kia's K4 Sedan
Upon seeing the new-for-2025 Kia K4 sedan, your eye will be instantly drawn to the incongruent triangles of glass, window masking, molding and metal trim (the quarterlight), extending the car's glass section (greenhouse) into the fastback-style roof buttresses. Note how the rear door handles are hidden in smaller triangle shapes that are built into the rear window frames.
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Motor 1
3 hours ago
- Motor 1
In China, Sedans Still Thrive
We all know how much the Chinese market shapes the global automotive landscape. Any changes have an immediate impact on the rest of the auto world. Not only does China lead the race to electrification, but the country is also making great strides in technologies like advanced driver assistance, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving. But even as China races to market with new innovations and even more exciting product, one thing remains unchanged: Sedans still rule. Even though the sedan has been largely overshadowed in by SUVs in markets like the US and Europe, the traditional four-door family car is still a huge success in China. Without that success, sedans might have already disappeared from the road entirely. Half of Global Sales According to research on global car sales in 2024, China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) accounted for over 50 percent of the world's sedan sales, with 7.89 million units (+1%). Despite modest growth, the sedan is still considered a status symbol among Chinese drivers, which is why nearly all Chinese manufacturers still produce them, unlike many European and American counterparts. The second largest market for sedans was the USA / Canada with 2.63 million units (+1%). Europe, surprisingly, is only in fifth place, behind the Middle East (1.15 million, including Iran) and Latin America (921,000). European consumers have always preferred hatchbacks, station wagons, and, of course, SUVs. Top 10 Markets for Sedans In 2024 Country Percentage of Cars Sold Are Sedans Algeria 60% Algeria 48% Egypt 47% Saudi Arabia 46% Iran 46% Azerbaijan 41% Malaysia 36% Bahrain 33% China 33% Tajikistan 33% Toyota Remains on Top Among manufacturers, Toyota maintains its leadership in the segment with nearly 2 million sedans sold in 2024. The Camry and Corolla models remain very popular, but the growth of Toyota's SUVs has negatively impacted sedan sales, which fell by 7 percent last year. Volkswagen Group also saw a decline of 4 percent, with 1.82 million units. In contrast, Chinese brands show massive growth: BYD is third with 1.51 million sedans sold (+78%), Geely is seventh with 919,000 units (+36%), while Changan and Chery increased volumes by 19 percent (312,000 units) and 60 percent (298,000 units), respectively. Top Selling Sedan Brands (2024) Units sold (2024) Toyota 1.75 Million BYD 1.51 Million Volkswagen 1.33 Million Nissan 974,000 Honda 938,000 Hyundai 862,000 Mercedes 691,000 BMW 587,000 Tesla 560,000 Geely 528,000 Chevrolet 514,000 Kia 474,000 Audi 461,000 IKCO 295,000 Hongqi 251,000 Lexus 247,000 Changan 236,000 Suzuki 223,000 Chery 213,000 Saipa 174,000 The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics . More Sedan News The Best Sedans of 2025 (So Far) There's a Reason Why Subaru WRX Sales Are Way Down Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
3 hours ago
- Motor 1
Catalytic Converters Are Stolen So Often This Mechanic Made a Rap PSA About It. Here's the Real Reason Why They're So Lucrative
Catalytic converters are commonly stolen. A viral post by a mechanic highlights the issue. In a Facebook post , automotive repair shop Doctor Auto shares a rap about catalytic converters. The post has generated over 3.1 million views as of this writing. In the post, mechanic Derek McDaniel raps over a video revealing a very clogged catalytic converter. The beat is simple, and the bars are lethal. 'I don't lie, I don't murder. But I might steal your catalytic converter. When you leave it unattended in the parking lot, I got a sawzall blade and it's mighty hot,' the mechanic raps. Doctor Auto told Motor1 , 'It was a clogged Catalytic Converter on a F150 5.4L. When we took it off, we noticed that some catalyst matter fell out of it. We pulled out my camera and recorded.' Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . This rap parody of stealing catalytic converters had viewers howling for more, and others chiming in on the trend to steal these. 'My guy you snapped. I need a full song,' one person said. 'Always wanted to steal one,' another admitted. 'You should finish the song, it's good so far,' a third replied. What Are Catalytic Converters? A catalytic converter is a part of your car's exhaust system that converts harmful engine exhaust pollutants into something less harmful to the environment through chemical reactions, J.D Power reports. This car part will turn pollutants like carbon monoxide into less harmful substances like nitrogen and water vapor. This part became popular in the mid-1970s when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulated vehicle emissions tests. There are three types of catalytic converters: Two-way converters, three-way converters, and diesel oxidation catalysts. Catalytic converters are now standard in cars. Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen So Often? While the catalytic converter is known for reducing toxins and vehicle emissions, this car part has become a target for thieves, AAA shares. Thieves target this car part because it's valuable. According to Catalytic Converter Recycling , catalytic converters require three metals with more value than gold. The three metals included in catalytic converters are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These expensive metals can be recycled easily and broken down to be sold as scraps. Replacing a catalytic converter can put a dent in the wallet and cost up to $2,500 without labor, Autozone reports. With the valuable metal components of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, thieves can turn a nice profit stealing catalytic converters. Trending Now 'If He Acts Like That From Rejection in Public…:' Female Motorcyclist Gets Hit on by Man at a Gas Station. Then She Rejects Him 2 Men Spot a Mom Loading a Mini Car Into Her Truck. Then They Discover Her Ingenious Method for Transporting It Even the scraps of the catalytic converter can be valuable, RRCats shares. Scrap recyclers will usually pay $100 or so for each one because they can refine the metal if needed, one Reddit user said. Catalytic converters are an easy part to steal because they're outside the vehicle. With just a sawzall, a thief can quickly nab one. Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft Preventive measures can be taken to decrease the chance of your catalytic converter getting stolen. SUVs, trucks, and hybrids have valuable catalytic converters that are easily removable. According to Allstate Car Insurance , here are five ways to prevent catalytic converter theft: Know if your car is a likely target Park in well-lit areas Install an anti-theft device Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers You can also etch your license plate number or VIN onto the catalytic converter. This can potentially alert a scrap dealer that the part was stolen and make it easier to find the owner. Additionally, parking in well-lit areas is always a best practice. So is regularly relocating your parking spot. More From Motor1 Toyota Offering Catalytic Converter Shields On Prius, Other Models Justice Department Shuts Down Massive Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Mercedes-AMG One Technical Video Shows Just How Complicated The Hypercar Really Is Watch How Quick Thieves Can Steal Your Car's Catalytic Converter Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Car and Driver
3 hours ago
- Car and Driver
Lancia Stratos Among Wedge-Shaped Icons in New Petersen Exhibit
The Petersen Automotive Museum has a new exhibit that's all about wedge-shaped cars. Wedge designs peaked in the 1970s, shattering traditional automotive design. The exhibit features Lancias and an early Lamborghini Countach, as well as eye-bending concepts and cars you may never have heard of before. Who doesn't love wedge-shaped things? That's pizza, apple pie, cakes, little triangle sandwiches—basically all the good stuff. And when it comes to cars, the wedge is a striking way to throw down the design gauntlet. Now, a new exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum is paying homage to all things too triangular to be square. All but one of the cars on display dates from the mid-1960s until the late 1970s, an era when wedge-shaped designs transformed the auto industry. Before this time, styling was more flowing, shaped by both the wind tunnel and the designer's eye. People drew cars to look like fish or birds, natural shapes and curves. But if a Lamborghini Miura is undeniably beautiful, an early Countach is shocking, breathtaking in another way entirely. The wedge era shattered norms, allowing for truly stunning road cars such as the Countach or Lancia Stratos. Petersen Museum 1977 Lancia Stratos Stradale. Speaking of the Stratos, you can find Bertone's original jaw-dropper in this new collection: the 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero concept. It's joined by other heavy-hitter concepts such as Paul Braq's BMW Turbo concept that presaged the M1, the gullwing-doored quad-rotary 1976 Chevrolet Aerovette, and the 1979 Aston-Martin Bulldog. These are joined by cars you've likely never heard of, such as the 1966 Cannara I, an extremely early wedge-shaped car thought to be the first of the trend. There are also several tiny city car concepts, such as the AMC Amitron, Minissima, and the 1977 Urbacar. Petersen Museum 1977 UrbaCar. Petersen Museum 1977 UrbaCar. Proving that wedge-shaped design isn't just for exotics and concepts, the one-off 1976 Honda Lady marries Japanese engineering underneath with Italian coachwork. It has an amusing name, an interesting shape, and gets driven around regularly because it's still as reliable as any Honda. All these are joined by the best-known road-going wedges of the time, a Countach LP400 and a Lancia Stratos Stradale. The sole modern machine is the 2016 Lo-Res Car concept, surreal and cool in its all-black, angular glory. Petersen Museum 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400. Recently revealed concepts such as the Honda 0 Series Saloon prove that wedgy vehicle design is still the shape of the future. Head on over to the Petersen to check out these seriously ground-breaking machines. They're the best slices in town. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
