LosLobo

26 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Can't seem to find that @faraday....any clues??

16th August !

The criminal adjudicated sex offender has at least 25 sexual misconduct allegations to his name — including one from a 1994 party at Epstein’s Manhattan residence.
 

In a functioning world, the reason for the cover-up should be obvious.

Sexual misconduct allegations - Wikipedia
 

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

To repeat, sales of EV's are increasing and taking away market share from new ICE sales.

 

Meanwhile Hybrid sales — like the Yaris Cross and Camry — are increasing and taking away market share from new BEV sales.
 

In the first quarter of 2025 in Thailand, HEVs registered 37,262 units compared to just 25,889 for BEVs — a lead of nearly 44%. That’s 22.3% market share for hybrids versus 15.5% for BEVs.
 

Advantages of HEVs over BEVs

• Fast, hassle-free use — no charging, no range anxiety, no downtime

• Proven long-term reliability

• Better resale — i.e. lower depreciation — and therefore a running cost per km comparable to EVs.

https://theicct.org/publication/european-market-monitor-cars-vans-may-2025-jun25/

31 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

But but but Trump.

 

I think its obvious to those that use critical thinking that 99% of US politicians are in the pockets of those pulling the strings, there  are 12 lobbyist to each politician

Hi Frank, did you know I really like pizza?

3 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

isn't it interesting that so many successful business people and ceo's, who are always busy and have no time to waste , also like to choose to drive electric cars?

so you must be a "extremely" different and sooo important person, then ... 

 

I suggest most busy top CEOs — don’t drive and park cars — they’re chauffeured, so claiming EVs are better because “successful people drive them” is a main course of fact-free BS. Served with a logic-free side salad of straw man, appeal to authority, false cause, and non sequitur.

Laos is reportedly sending troops to Russia.

Given the country’s close ties to China, it’s not a stretch to see this as quiet alignment with Beijing’s position.

Another Country Joins Russia’s War: Desperate Putin Turns to Laos for Military Backup

A mini-series on the attack was released on Netflix last week.

Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers (2025).

17 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

Sounds about right for most cars.

Maybe for EVs — but not for ICE, and definitely not for Toyota Hybrids.

The Yaris Cross holds more than three times the value of a Neta V after two years.
That’s not “about right” — that’s just refusing to face reality.

Source:
In Thailand, 2-year-old Yaris Cross listings are around 699,000 THB, down from 799,000 THB — only 13% depreciation.
(one2car.com)

19 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

Actually it was from AI, I could have posted the references, but you can look them up yourself.

 

Needless to say, it was all factual.

Brandolini told me not to waste my time responding to BS — and he’s rarely wrong.

6 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

Here's a breakdown of some key areas where Toyota has been accused of breaking promises: 

1. Handling of Safety Recalls and Unintended Acceleration Issues: 

• Initial Denial and Delay:

  Toyota initially downplayed or denied reports of unintended acceleration in some of its vehicles, which led to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. 

   
• Hiding Information:

  ABC News reports that Toyota was forced to "admit" it had "misled U.S. consumers by concealing and making deceptive statements about two safety related issues affecting its vehicles". 

   
• Massive Recalls:

  The issue led to the recall of millions of vehicles globally, causing financial losses and damaging the company's reputation. 

   
• Impact on Customer Trust:

  Change Management Insight notesthat Toyota's initial denial significantly impacted customer trust, with many questioning the brand's commitment to safety. 

   

2. Alleged Broken Promises to Minority Communities: 

• Advertising Disparities: The Citizen Newspaper Group reportsthat Toyota was accused of not fulfilling promises to advertise in African American newspapers after spending millions in mainstream publications following a safety recall. 
   

3. Political Donations and Alignment with Election Deniers: 

• Supporting Election Objectors:Common Cause reports that Toyota's political action committee (PAC) contributed to the campaigns of individuals who objected to the 2020 election results, despite the company previously stating it would not support such candidates. 
   

In summary, Toyota has faced criticism for breaking promises related to safety issues, advertising practices, and political donations. These instances have raised concerns about the company's integrity and commitment to its stated values. 
 

Then there’s its activity regarding EV’s…

• Delayed EV Launches:

  Toyota has postponed the launch of some of its planned EV models, including a new electric SUV that was initially slated for 2027 but is now expected in 2028. 

   
• Focus on Hybrids:

  Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, has been a vocal opponent of EVs and stated they would never surpass a 30% market share, suggesting a continued focus on hybrid technology. 

   
• Alternative Fuel Strategies:

  Toyota has also expressed interest in synthetic fuels and hydrogen as potential alternative fuel sources, further demonstrating a diversified approach beyond fully electric vehicles. 

   
• bZ4X Issues:

  The bZ4X, Toyota's first mass-produced EV, faced a recall due to a potential wheel detachment issue, which led to a sales suspension and further raised questions about the company's EV readiness. 

   
• Commercial Failure of Mirai:

  Toyota has acknowledged the commercial failure of the Mirai, its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which has further fueled criticism regarding the company's commitment to alternative fuel technologies. 

   
• Investor Concerns:

  Some investors and environmental groups have voiced concerns about Toyota's slower pace in transitioning to battery EVs compared to other automakers, pushing for a more aggressive EV strategy. 

   
• Government Pressure:
• In some regions, like Australia, there's pressure on governments to introduce fuel efficiency standards that incentivize the production and sale of low-emission vehicles, including EVs. 

   
• Solid-State Battery Promise:

  Toyota has made significant announcements about its progress in solid-state battery technology, which could potentially revolutionize EV range and charging times but consistently failed to deliver on any of them.

   

   

  Anti-EV spend on disinformation and lobbying.

   

  Toyota has faced criticism for its lobbying efforts against electric vehicle (EV) regulations and its financial support for politicians who deny or downplay climate change. Specifically, Toyota has been called out for donating to a large number of climate change-denying members of Congress, and for spending heavily on lobbying to weaken fuel economy and emissions standards. 

   

  Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Funding Climate Deniers:

    A report by Public Citizen revealed that Toyota has significantly funded the campaigns of climate change-denying lawmakers. Over the last three electoral cycles, they were the leading auto industry financier of climate deniers, backing 207 campaigns. 

     
  • Lobbying Against EV Regulations:

    Toyota has also been criticized for its lobbying efforts aimed at weakening fuel economy and emissions standards. This includes lobbying against electric vehicle mandates and clean air laws. 

     
  • Multi-Pathway Approach:

    While criticized for its lobbying tactics, Toyota also emphasizes a "multi-pathway approach" to reducing emissions, which includes investing in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles alongside battery electric vehicles. They have also announced plans to develop 15 EV models by 2027 and aim to produce 1 million EVs annually by that time, according to Nikkei. 

     
  • Shareholder Scrutiny:

    Some investors have raised concerns about Toyota's lobbying practices and their potential impact on the company's reputation and long-term value, according to The Driven. One shareholder resolution called for a comprehensive review of Toyota's climate-related lobbying

   

Interesting — a citation and logic-free, off-topic rant from a biased EV partisan upset that Toyota hybrids outsell EVs in their class. Built on fallacies and spin: guilt by association, red herring, straw man, post hoc ergo propter hoc, purity test, cherry-picking, and loaded language — all to paint Toyota as outdated and dishonest without a shred of relevant evidence.

The oversize text maybe makes the rant louder — but not more credible.

Meanwhile, in the real Thai market......
In May 2025, the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid alone captured 42.3% of B‑SUV sales — that’s 2,886 units out of 6,808 — outselling all BEVs in its class combined.

https://autolifethailand.tv/sales-report-b-suv-crossover-may-2025/

Trump didn’t just halt future aid.

He pulled back missiles that were already in Poland — ready to go.

“The missiles were already in Poland. Already staged. Already approved.
And my sources confirm: Trump ordered them pulled back.
Not delayed. Pulled. Back.”

Days later, Russia launched its largest drone and missile assault of the war —
over 550 projectiles rained down on Ukraine.

This wasn’t leadership — it was sabotage.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/this-is-betrayal-ex-trump-operative-accuses-president-of-sabotage/ar-AA1HUSTq

37 minutes ago, xylophone said:

I watched a very old movie last night, which I don't recall watching before, called, "The Battle of the River Plate" and although it was typical of movies made in the 1950s with regard to the "sets" it was still very enjoyable.

In 1959, I can remember my first-year high class teacher taking the class to the movies to watch it.
It was the first major naval battle of World War II and was a popular school excursion topic for history and geography in UK Aust and NZ.

5 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I can only explain things so many times, and no matter how many, can't help you understand it.  Repeating it again, probably won't help.  

 

Gatekeeping is a tiring job, and I need to prioritize my time.   I'm off, someone just compared a Hummer to an EV.   Damn tiring 

 

 

So it turns out you were just making stuff up? Thought so.

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Am I ... damn, I like that ... "Gatekeeper'.  Might have to change my username.

 

As pointed out, asked about BYD, then in come the haters.  Just correcting the BS from them.   Forum is still a place to provide information, from one's personal experiences ... is it not ?

 

Unlike your false 'assumptions' due to your ignorance.

You’re welcome to disagree —
but unless you can point to exactly what was false,
I’ll assume “BS” just means you didn’t like it.

Calling me ignorant without showing how?
Sounds more like you’re making stuff up than actually backing anything up.

13 hours ago, pookett said:

 4)  Yes, it's a small upcharge but the extras didn't appeal to me. I suppose one could argue enhanced second hand price...

I didn’t want the panoramic sunroof (bald head) or low-profile tyres (rough ride), so I went for the Yaris Cross Premium.

But in retrospect, a few options on the Premium Luxury would’ve been useful:

• Power back door – the hatch is extremely heavy; retrofit costs 20k+ and may affect warranty

• Panoramic View Monitor – helpful for parking since the car sits quite high

• Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS) – practical unless you like checking tyres manually

• Wireless charger – integrates well with the multimedia system

The rest – Pioneer 6-speaker system, two-tone leather upholstery, acoustic glass windshield – just candy, but as you said, helps resale.

11 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I see we have 2 types of folks replying ...

... EV owners, quite happy with their EVs and recommend

... EV haters, with no experience, and echoing the MSM fear mongering.

 

The present, and slowing down depreciation has nothing to do with quality, but the rapid improvement and lower cost of producing EV along with a price war.   Common with high tech new products.

 

Personally I think the price war has just about bottomed out, as any more savings the manufacturer get won't be passed on to end consumer, as they do need to retain profits.  Half the battery production is already controlled by CN (CATL & BYD / 36-37% & 16-17% market share respectfully), so not sure how CN market is going to crash, as the rest of the market wouldn't exist without CN.

 

MG uses CATL batteries, and gets a 1M kms warranty with them, and why MG gives the buyer, not just the original buyer, a 'lifetime warranty', on the newer models.

 

The haters, anti CN / EV, do nothing but show their ignorance.

I would never buy another ICEV, or a vehicle from legacy auto makers from JP or EU.  All overpriced & under performers IMHO.

The OP expressly asked for advice on BYD and EVs, yet you swat away anyone who doesn’t align with your EV-First narrative. Are you the self-appointed gatekeeper of the Motor Forum?

'Haters ,MSM'? Car choices aren’t ideological—maybe it's just EV obsession that's clouding your logic and reasoning here?

• False Dichotomy – “EV owners vs. haters”; most buyers just tally total cost.

• Ad Hominem – calls dissenters “ignorant,” offers no data.

• Straw Man – pins depreciation on battery quality; real worries are reliability, price-war volatility, and resale risk.

• Red Herring – “1 M km lifetime” battery sounds epic—until manufacturer/dealer survival and fine print appear.

• Appeal to Novelty – “legacy JP/EU ICE is overpriced”; new ≠ better if it drops 25 % in year one.

• Tu Quoque – shouts “anti-China” to dodge depreciation math.

Different strokes cars for different folks — not everything’s a culture war.

In general, I would suggest reliability and depreciation are the main issues to watch with BYD and most EVs in Thailand.

Expect nearly double the depreciation rate compared to well-established ICE vehicles like Toyotas.
 

Fuel savings won’t make up for that.

I bought the Yaris Cross Premium a year ago— no complaints so far. The 210 mm ground clearance has been useful for occasional flooding near home.
 

I also looked at the WR-V, but went with Toyota for its better service and dealer network, and depreciation — aka resale value.

MG was tempting for the price, but long-term reliability and depreciation are concerns.

Toyota Yaris Cross has 42% of the market in its class for a very good reason.
 

The Yaris Cross Premium Luxury is a worthwhile investment — the extra options are genuinely useful, and for around 50k more, it’s good value.
 

Happy to answer any specifics about the car or the options.

FYI....

Watched F1: The Movie last night — surprisingly decent CAM version.

Really enjoyed it. Brought back memories of the F1 city track races I was lucky enough to watch every year for a decade — all from the comfort of my office window.

I’ll definitely watch it again on a bigger screen once a proper 1080p release is out, for a more immersive experience.

IMAX would do it full justice.

1 hour ago, BLMFem said:

Has the Lancet published a report on how many people have dies as a result of Putin's attack and war on Ukraine?

Reminds me—Trump is cutting off foreign aid to Ukraine: weapons, and possibly sanctions — how many more millions need to die?

Two weeks after his own self-imposed two-week deadline for Putin to make peace expired without a whimper:

Weapons
He’s halted shipments of Patriot interceptors, 155 mm artillery rounds, GMLRS rockets, Stinger, AIM-7, and Hellfire missiles to Ukraine — for so-called “America First” reasons.

Sanctions
At the same time, the lack of new U.S. sanctions is helping Russia refill its war chest. Since January, not a single new restriction — and in some cases, even quiet rollbacks. This administration isn’t just dragging its feet — it’s actively weakening the pressure campaign. Analysts warn that dismantling these tools is giving Russia the space and time it needs to regroup and rearm.
 

Trump’s “America First”? — Let’s call it what it is: Russia First.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/us/politics/trump-russia-sanctions.html
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/disgraceful-critics-blast-trump-for-latest-move-doing-putin-s-bidding/ar-AA1HNcgC

52 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

That's 70 biillion that can be spent on US citizens.  And that 70 billions is borrowed money @ 4.625, that never gets paid back.   So how much is B70, plus infinite amount of interest.

 

The US only pays the interest on it's debt, and just keeps raising the debt ceiling, so the B70 isn't really B70.

 

 

That math works for a private $70 billion mortgage over 100–200 years at 4.625%—but the Treasury borrows differently:

1. Issuing fixed maturities
   The Treasury issues bills, notes, and bonds with set maturities and coupons, then redeems or refinances principal at each maturity—no perpetual amortization.

2. Capturing lower rates
   The average yield on public debt was about 2.5% in 2023, not 4.625%.

3. Rolling over debt
   With a ~6-year average maturity, roughly one-sixth of debt matures annually; in 2024, the Treasury rolled over $28.5 trillion.

4. Paying finite interest
   FY 2023 net interest totaled $678 billion; interest is paid as due; principal at maturity.

NB: Inflation substantially reduces the real value of outstanding debt over time.
 

Bottom line: $70 billion boosts this year’s borrowing but isn’t a perpetual 4.625% mortgage—and it’ll still wind up funding billionaire tax cuts under Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill.