Morning Brew Daily Waymo’s Are A Lot Safer Than You Think & Meet Italy’s ‘Berkshire Hathaway’
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Dec 4, 2025 Trump's proposal to roll back fuel efficiency standards sparks a lively debate on its impact on car sales and consumer choices. The team dives into Spotify Wrapped, dissecting listener stats and the new features that showcase musical tastes. Waymo's self-driving cars are highlighted, revealing impressive safety data that advocates for policy support. Meanwhile, Boston's declining rents are analyzed, as well as the renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. All this and a warning about an impending cold snap make for a jam-packed discussion!
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Fuel Standards Rollback Lowers Long-Term Resilience
- The Trump administration cut fuel-efficiency targets from ~50 mpg to 34 mpg to lower vehicle prices.
- Neil Freeman and Toby Howell warn this risks higher long-term fuel costs and setbacks in the EV race if oil prices rise.
Automakers May Return To Big, Profitable Vehicles
- Lowering standards makes pickups and SUVs more attractive to automakers because they yield higher margins.
- Toby Howell highlights vulnerability to future gasoline price shocks under that strategy.
Italian Firm Rolls Up Dormant Web Brands
- Bending Spoons buys recognizable but stagnant internet brands, cuts costs, and rebuilds product teams to reignite growth.
- Toby Howell calls their playbook an attempt to build an internet-era Berkshire Hathaway from Milan.
