Each week I bring you the top stories in the auto industry along with my commentary or sometimes amusing thoughts about the craziness that goes on in the world of cars.
Stories you’ll find today:
That Awkward Moment When the Mayor’s Ride Costs More Than Your House. Baltimore’s mayor has found himself in the “you paid how much?” hall of fame after the city spent about $163,000 on a new SUV for his use, and taxpayers noticed. Records show the city bought a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with a sticker price just under $99,000, then piled on roughly $65,000 more for security-related upgrades, pushing the total well into six-figure territory. City officials say the added cost covers police lights, sirens, communications gear and protective features, though they have declined to release a detailed breakdown of exactly where every dollar went. The price tag stands out because it’s far higher than what other Maryland leaders are spending on official vehicles, including the governor, whose SUV reportedly cost about half as much even after modifications. Mayor Brandon Scott has defended the purchase, arguing that security is a necessity and that similar vehicles are used by other officials, while brushing off criticism as overblown. Still, plenty of Baltimore residents see it differently, questioning why a luxury SUV with a window sticker that would make a car dealer blush was prioritized in a city where potholes, public safety concerns and basic services are constant talking points. When taxpayers hear “budget constraints” and then see a $163,000 SUV roll by, it tends to send a message, even if that message wasn’t part of the optional equipment package.
Finally, a Job Where Being a Little Nuts Is a Requirement. Planters is hiring drivers for the NUTmobile, which answers the age-old question: what if your career peaked as a 26-foot peanut on wheels? The company wants three “Peanutters” to spend a year driving this thing around the country, showing up at festivals, campuses and parades, smiling for photos and explaining that yes, this is a real job with a paycheck and benefits. You need a college degree, a driver’s license and the ability to maintain eye contact while dressed as a brand ambassador for legumes. Last year’s crew hit 46 states and met 160,000 people, most of whom probably started the conversation with, “So how did this happen?” Applications are open through Valentine’s Day, which feels fitting for a job that requires this level of commitment. If you’ve ever wanted to combine road tripping, marketing and being honked at constantly, congratulations — your moment has arrived.
From Hot-Wires to High-Tech: Auto Theft 2026 Style. Car thieves aren’t smashing windows anymore, they’re shopping for electronics, and key fobs are the hottest item on the list. Police say a pair of suspects managed to steal or attempt to steal roughly 20 vehicles valued at about $2.4 million by exploiting modern keyless entry systems, sometimes by posing as legitimate customers at dealerships and other times by electronically cloning or relaying key-fob signals. Instead of hot-wiring, thieves use relatively inexpensive radio equipment to trick a vehicle into thinking the correct key is nearby, even when it’s sitting safely inside the owner’s house. Once the car unlocks and starts, it’s gone, often without setting off alarms or leaving obvious damage. Law enforcement says this kind of theft is growing because convenience technology has outpaced security habits, and many drivers don’t realize their vehicles are constantly listening for a signal. Experts recommend simple countermeasures like storing key fobs in signal-blocking pouches, disabling keyless entry when possible, and being cautious about who gets access to a vehicle or its keys. Push-button convenience is great until the driveway is empty, the garage door is still closed, and the only clue is that the thief never even needed a crowbar.
Facebook Marketplace: Where Trucks and Tempers Clash. A used-truck sale on Facebook Marketplace didn’t end with a handshake and keys — it ended with a truck smashing through a garage door and a suspect on the run. In Bulverde, Texas, a man identified as Victor Rodriguez bought a Chevy pickup from someone he met at a gas station, signed a bill of sale and drove off with the truck, sold “as is” despite acknowledged mechanical issues and an oil leak. Hours later, police say Rodriguez turned up uninvited at the seller’s home demanding the truck back because of the oil leak. After about 20 minutes of back-and-forth he allegedly slammed the pickup into the garage door with enough force to do serious structural damage and then fled before deputies arrived. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help locating Rodriguez as a felony criminal mischief investigation continues. It’s a reminder that buyer’s remorse can be expensive, and that meeting strangers from online marketplaces at neutral, public spots isn’t just a cliché safety tip — it’s good sense when a truck becomes an unplanned battering ram.
Photo: Hormel Foods.