The Truth About Cars
The Truth About Cars (TTAC) is a website covering automobiles, automotive products and the auto industry. The site began publishing in 2002,[1] and features a mix of automotive reviews, editorials and news. The site is home to the annual Ten Worst Automobiles awards,[2] which are nominated and selected by the readers.[3][4][5][6] It also featured multiple series predicting the demise of domestic automakers, namely GM and Ford “Death Watch” and Chrysler "Suicide Watch" series.
Time magazine [7] called TTAC one of the 25 "Best Blogs of 2011". Forbes magazine listed TTAC as a “Best of the Web” automotive blog as far back as 2005.[8] PC Magazine listed TTAC as one of its "100 Favorite Blogs" in 2007.[9]
Style
TTAC's review comparing the grill of the Subaru B9 Tribeca to a vagina[10] caused BMW to officially stop providing review cars.[11] Aston Martin, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Jaguar, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ford, Land Rover, and General Motors now provide access to their press cars.
A 2013 article titled "Small SUV Crashopalooza: Detroit Loses, Dykes Win"[12] resulted in a falling-out among senior contributors[13] and eventually changes in the managing staff.[14]
History
Founded by Robert Farago in 2002, The Truth About Cars publicised itself as an independent voice in the automotive media, at a time when many outlets were coming under fire for their close relationships with advertisers, particularly auto manufacturers. TTAC adopted an adversarial tone, particularly with regard to the Big Three domestic auto makers. This was exacerbated by Farago's "GM Death Watch" series, which correctly predicted the bankruptcy of General Motors over a 200+ part series. In 2012, TTAC revived the "Death Watch" series, when contributing author Mark Stevenson correctly predicted the demise of Suzuki's North American auto sales arm.[15]
After being acquired by VerticalScope, a Canadian online media firm, Farago departed, and Ed Niedermeyer became Editor-In-Chief in 2010. Niedermeyer, who originally started out as a TTAC reader, shifted the site's editorial direction to cover the post-bailout era, government affairs (such as the effects of environmental and safety regulations) and other industry-centric topics. Niedermeyer departed in late 2011 for Curbside Classics and was replaced by former Managing Editor Bertel Schmitt.
On July 12, 2013, Jack Baruth posted an article announcing that Bertel Schmitt had left the site and that he (Baruth) and Derek Kreindler would be taking over. Baruth promised a "reboot" with previously banned commenters being welcomed back.[16]
TTAC alumni include Car and Driver's Justin Berkowitz and Motor Trend's Jonny Lieberman.[citation needed]
Notes and references
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- ↑ 2008 TTAC Ten Worst Autos
- ↑ 2007 TTAC Ten Worst Autos
- ↑ 2007 TTAC Ten Worst Autos voting
- ↑ 2006 TTAC Ten Worst Autos
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