money

High-end branded car audio systems: Are they worth the money?

By Jaime E. Love 2 weeks ago
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American audio firm McIntosh is partnering with Jeep for the branded audio system in the new Grand Cherokee L.


Jeep

As luxury vehicle manufacturers learn more and more on novel tech and features to move their vehicles, we’ve seen a surge in branded high-end audio systems. You’re probably familiar with a few of them at least: Mark Levinson and Lexus, Meridian and Land Rover, Naim and Bentley, Burmester with Mercedes and Porsche, and now, with the announcement of the very handsome 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee last week, we’re seeing McIntosh launch an automotive partnership once again.

Before its partnership with Jeep, McIntosh worked directly with Harley-Davidson, Subaru and Ford on branded audio systems; the latter is exclusive to the 2005-2006 Ford GT. It also offered very high-end aftermarket car audio systems for a while, and has been around as a company since 1949.

The system in the Jeep Grand

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Car dealerships, including those owned by lawmakers, got billions in PPP money

By Jaime E. Love 6 months ago

WASHINGTON — At least a dozen lawmakers have ties to organizations that received federal coronavirus aid, according to newly released government data, highlighting how Washington insiders were both author and beneficiary of one of the biggest government programs in U.S. history.

Under pressure from Congress and outside groups, the Trump administration this week disclosed the names of some loan recipients in the $659 billion Paycheck Protection Program, launched in April to help smaller businesses keep Americans employed during the pandemic. Connections to lawmakers, and the organizations that work to influence them, were quickly apparent.

Among businesses that received money was a California hotel partially owned by the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as a shipping business started by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s family. Chao is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Car dealerships owned by Republican Reps. Roger Williams of Texas and Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania

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