3DLANES – Details, episodes & analysis

What does the "Made In..." stamp on the products you buy mean to you? Is it a positive thing or a negative connotation? Does it even matter anymore?

Has Honda really reported its worst year ever? Let's find out.

Today we look into another Volkswagen product, the Touareg.

Sources:

• Volkswagen Touareg – Wikipedia — Most comprehensive single reference covering all three generations, engines, production history, platform details, and sales data

• 20 Years of the Touareg – VW Newsroom — Anniversary release covering 2022

• The First 21 Years – VW Newsroom — Inception and design history

• Current Touareg Generation Ends with "Final Edition" – VW Newsroom — Discontinuation announcement, Final Edition pricing, global sales totals

• Technical Data of the New Touareg Hybrid Models – VW Newsroom — Gen 3 eHybrid and Touareg R specifications

• VW to Discontinue Gas-Powered Touareg – CBT News — Discontinuation rationale and electric successor hints

• VW Is Killing Its Flagship SUV As It Bets On Cheaper Models – Carscoops — Strategic portfolio shift under Oliver Blume

• Volkswagen Is Saying Goodbye to Its Longest-Running SUV – Gear Patrol — Overview of the discontinuation

• Volkswagen Is Killing The Touareg After 24 Years – The Autopian — In-depth editorial on the Touareg's legacy and why it was underrated

• Volkswagen Discontinues Touareg Vehicle – Endurance Warranty — Summary of discontinuation factors

• Say Goodbye to the VW Touareg in the US – CNET — US-market exit in 2017 explained

• VW Retires Touareg After 24 Years – Reddit/r/cars — Community discussion with brand perception insights

• Hartmut Warkuss – Lifetime Achievement Award – Car Design News — Career overview and role at VW Group design

• Hartmut Warkuss – iF Design Jury Profile — Design background

• Murat Günak Named Head of Design at TOGG – Form Trends — Post-VW career context

• The Crazy Luxury Features of the First-Gen Touareg – Jalopnik — Gen 1 over-engineering and feature detail

• VW Touareg Years to Avoid – CarInterior/Alibaba — Known reliability issues by model year

• VW Touareg: Is It a Reliable Car? – Endurance Warranty — Suspension, timing chain, and coolant issues

• VW Touareg Suspension Issues – Brake & Front End — Air suspension failure detail

• VW Touareg Buyers Guide (2018–2025) – YouTube — Gen 3 powertrain prevalence data and known issues

• Touareg III 3.0 V6 TSI Specs – Auto-Data.net — Gen 3 petrol engine specifications

• FTC Charges Volkswagen – FTC.gov — Official US government charge

• Learn About Volkswagen Violations – EPA.gov — EPA regulatory details

• Volkswagen Emissions Scandal – EBSCO Research Starters — Academic overview of the scandal

• Never-Sold VW Touareg Diesels Now Command Huge Money – Edmunds — Post-Dieselgate unsold TDI inventory pricing

• Volkswagen Touareg Price by Year and Trim – CarInterior — MSRP history across generations

• Used VW Touareg Pricing Trends – CarGurus — Current used market values

• VW Touareg Research – Cars.com — Model year research and pricing

• VW Touareg W12 Values Today – HotCars — W12 collectible pricing

• Volkswagen Touareg Annual Sales Figures – Good Car Bad Car — Year-by-year US sales

• Volkswagen Launches Worldwide Marketing Campaign for New Touareg – YouTube/VW — 2018 Gen 3 campaign launch

• adam&eveDDB's Touareg Night Vision Campaign – Marcomm News — 2020 Black Edition campaign details

• VW Marketing Strategy – Digital Agency Network — Broader VW brand marketing context

• BMW X5 vs Mercedes GLE vs VW Touareg 2019 – Drive.com.au — Pricing and segment benchmarking

• Touareg vs. Key Rivals – Times of Malta — Segment positioning

• Is VW Regretting the Name of Its Signature SUV? – Foreign Policy — Background on the "Tuareg" name origin and controversy

Today we cover Doxa.

Sources:

• DOXA official history page:
  https://doxawatches.com/pages/history​

• Belmont Watches – “Doxa Watches: A Legacy Beneath the Surface”:
  https://www.belmontwatches.com/blogs/news/doxa-watches-a-legacy-beneath-the-surface​

• Time+Tide – “A short history of DOXA, the brand that was almost lost to history”:
  https://timeandtidewatches.com/diving-into-doxa-watches-history/​

• The Hour Markers – “Tracing The Evolution Of DOXA Watches From 1880 To 2025”:
  https://thehourmarkers.com/articles/doxa-watches-history​

• Teddy Baldassarre – “Doxa Sub Review: The Iconic Dive Watch You Should Know More About”:
  https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/doxa-sub-review​

• Europa Star – “Doxa: the spectacular comeback”:
  https://www.europastar.com/the-watch-files/independent-watchmakers/1004093591-doxa-the-spectacular-comeback.html​

• The Hour Glass – “Deep Diving Into Conversation with DOXA CEO Jan Edöcs”:
  https://www.thehourglass.com/story/jan-edocs-doxa-ceo-interview-watches-of-switzerland​

• FH (Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry) – “Doxa 1889 pursues its international deployment”:
  https://www.fhs.swiss/eng/2019_09_05_03_Doxa_1889.html​

• Analog:Shift – “A Guide to DOXA Dive Watches”:
  https://www.analogshift.com/blogs/transmissions/doxa-dive-watches-guide-history​

• Fratello – “The Rolex Sea-Dweller Vs. Doxa's Sub 300T – A Battle For The Burly-Wristed”:
  https://www.fratellowatches.com/the-rolex-sea-dweller-vs-doxas-sub-300t-a-battle-for-the-burly-wristed/​

• Fratello – “Recap: The Best Dive Watches of 2023”:
  https://monochrome-watches.com/recap-best-dive-watches-2023-monochrome-watches-doxa-omega-tudor-longines-seiko/​

• Wrist Enthusiast – “12 Best Dive Watches Under $5,000 for 2025”:
  https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/dive-watches-under-5000​

• Teddy Baldassarre – “The 62 Best Dive Watches (2026)”:
  https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/best-dive-watches​

• Deloitte – “Swiss watch industry study 2023” (PDF):
  https://www.wjinitiative2030.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Deloitte_swiss-watch-industry-study-2023_EN.pdf​

• Deloitte – Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025 press release:
  https://www.deloitte.com/ch/en/about/press-room/swiss-watch-industry-study-2025.html​

• FHH – “Swiss watch industry fights back”:
  https://www.hautehorlogerie.org/en/watches-and-culture/library/swiss-watch-industry-fights-back​

• Swatch Group / COMCO material on ETA movements:
  https://monochrome-watches.com/swatch-group-ban-lifted-on-eta-movement-deliveries-industry-news/​
  https://calibercorner.com/eta-watch-movements-unavailable/​
  https://www.swatchgroup.com/en/services/archive/2019/mechanical-movements-comcos-dictate-harms-swiss-watch-industry​
  https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/swatch-group-gets-green-light-in-mechanical-movements-case​

• Microbrands list (market context):
  https://microbrandwatchworld.com/reviews/the-complete-microbrands-list/​

• Moneyhouse – Doxa Uhren AG registry entry:
  https://www.moneyhouse.ch/en/company/doxa-uhren-ag-21207787411​

• Grail Watch Wiki – Doxa entry:
  https://wiki.grail-watch.com/index.php/Doxa​

• Market context on DOXA vs other luxury dive brands:
  https://lavianojewelers.com/blogs/news/how-do-doxa-watches-compare-to-other-luxury-dive-watch-brands​

• Secondary market / pricing references (examples):
  https://www.chrono24.com/doxa/index.htm​
  https://everywatch.com/doxa​

Today we talk about the Minolta XG-M a film camera that marked a transition period for the brand.

Sources:

• Minolta XG-M – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minolta_XG-M

• LENS-DB – Minolta XG-M: https://lens-db.com/camera/minolta-xg-m-1982/

• The Rokkor Files – Minolta XG Series: https://www.rokkorfiles.com/XG%20Series.htm

• Random Camera Blog – “The Minolta XG-M”: https://randomphoto.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-minolta-xg-m.html

• Aperture Preview – “The Legacy of Minolta”: https://www.aperturepreview.com/the-legacy-of-minolta

• Relics Film Lab – Minolta XG-M product page: https://relicsfilmlab.com/products/minolta-xg-m

• Kamerastore – Minolta XG-M listing: https://kamerastore.com/en-us/products/minolta-xg-m-minolta-md

• Etsy listing (example XG-M with 45mm f/2): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1863257614/minolta-xg-m-35mm-film-slr-camera-with

• Collectiblend – Minolta XG-M price guide: https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Minolta/Minolta-XG-M.html

• 678 Vintage Cameras – “The Contraction(s) of the Camera Market – Part 2”: https://www.678vintagecameras.ca/blog/the-contractions-of-the-camera-market-part-2

• 678 Vintage Cameras – “First Movers – Part 2”: https://www.678vintagecameras.ca/blog/do-first-movers-always-win-part-2

• Company-Histories.com – Minolta Co., Ltd.: https://www.company-histories.com/Minolta-Co-Ltd-Company-History.html

• PetaPixel – “Minolta: Tales of a Forgotten Camera Maker”: https://petapixel.com/minolta-history/

• Canon AE-1 – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_AE-1

• 678 Vintage Cameras – “Minolta Capacitors”: https://www.678vintagecameras.ca/blog/what-was-up-with-minolta-and-capacitors

• Everything Vintage – XG-M capacitor replacement: https://everythingvintage.uk/vintage-camera/minolta-xg-m-capacitor-replacement/

• Photrio – XG-M capacitor replacement thread: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/minolta-xg-m-replacing-the-electrolytic-capacitors.203831/

• Reddit – r/minolta XG-M reliability discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/minolta/comments/o8iicn/minolta_xgm_reliability/

• Reddit – r/AnalogCommunity pricing/Minolta XG discussion (example): https://www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/

• 1981 Minolta XG-M ad (example listing): https://www.ebid.net/us/for-sale/1981-minolta-xg-m-camera-ad-not-following-the-crowd-159299274.htm

• Etsy 1981 XG-M ad scan: https://www.etsy.com/listing/914585507/minolta-xg-m-ad-from-1981-81-lif-04

• Minolta XG-M user manual (PDF): http://www.sandkuhl-online.de/Minolta/XG-Serie/XGM/UserManual/UM-XGM.pdf

• Minolta XG-M advertising brochure (PDF): https://www.rokkorfiles.com/Advertising/XG-M.pdf

• Capture.com – “20 1980s Cameras Ranked from Best to Worst”: https://www.capture.com/blogs/photo/1980s-camera-best-to-worst

  
  

  Bob Simmons Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/bobsimmons/p/still-the-perfect-starter-why-the?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

  
  

We spoke about the Toyota hybrid system before, but what is the bad of it? I mean not everything can be positive. Find out here.

Sources:

• Toyota Global – Toyota Hybrid System II overview
  https://global.toyota/en/powertrain/ths/[global]​

• Toyota UK – “Toyota hybrid – how does it work?”
  https://mag.toyota.co.uk/how-does-toyota-hybrid-work/[mag.toyota.co]​

• Wikipedia – Hybrid Synergy Drive
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive[en.wikipedia]​

• Green Car Journal – Inside Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive
  https://greencarjournal.com/dont-miss/inside-toyotas-hybrid-synergy-drive/[greencarjournal]​

• PCauto – “Detailed analysis of Toyota's different hybrid systems: THS, HYBRID MAX, i-FORCE MAX, PHEV, Multi-stage”
  https://www.pcauto.com/my/news/detailed-analysis-of-toyotas-different-hybrid-systems-ths-hybrid-max-i-force-max-phev-multi-stage[pcauto]​

• Toyota of Orlando – How is the Tundra hybrid system different from the Prius hybrid system?
  https://www.toyotaoforlando.com/blogs/6087/how-is-the-tundra-hybrid-system-different-from-the-prius-hybrid-system[toyotaoforlando]​

• Whitby Toyota – i‑FORCE MAX Hybrid or Standard Engine (Tundra guide)
  https://www.whitbytoyota.com/en/news/view/i-force-max-hybrid-or-standard-engine-2025-toyota-tundra-buyer-s-guide/143797[whitbytoyota]​

• Toyota Pressroom – Toyota Crown with HYBRID MAX powertrain
  https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-crown-returns-to-the-us-with-bold-style-and-new-hybrid-max-powertrain/[pressroom.toyota]​

• Car and Driver – Toyota Hybrid Cars: The Complete Lineup From Prius To Tundra
  https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g62840247/toyota-hybrid-cars/[caranddriver]​

• Toyota UK – Why does Toyota use Atkinson cycle engines?
  https://mag.toyota.co.uk/toyota-use-atkinson-cycle-engines/[mag.toyota.co]​

• Wikipedia – Atkinson cycle
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkinson_cycle[en.wikipedia]​

• Green Car Reports – Study: Toyota has the longest‑lasting hybrids
  https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1127273_study-toyota-has-the-longest-lasting-hybrids[greencarreports]​

• A3 Global – How long should a hybrid battery last?
  https://www.a3global.com/how-long-should-hybrid-battery-last[a3global]​

• Axio Auto – How long do Toyotas last?
  https://www.axioauto.com/blog/2025/october/1/how-long-do-toyotas-last-a-complete-guide-to-longevity-and-reliability.htm[axioauto]​

• Crown Toyota – Hybrid Maintenance: Unveiling the Myths and Realities
  https://www.crowntoyota.com/blogs/5040/hybrid-maintenance-unveiling-the-myths-and-realities[crowntoyota]​

• Hagerty – Piston Slap: Hybrid Engine Wear When Cold?
  https://www.hagerty.com/media/advice/piston-slap/piston-slap-hybrid-engine-wear-when-cold/[hagerty]​

• AutoExpert – The truth about oil dilution with fuel (and how you can fix it)
  https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-truth-about-oil-dilution-with-fuel-and-how-you-can-fix-it[autoexpert.com]​

• Reddit – Oil dilution in 2023 Highlander Hybrid
  https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaHighlander/comments/1aknxne/oil_dilution_due_to_gasoline_in_my_2023/[reddit]​

• Bob Is The Oil Guy – Hybrid ICE wear discussion
  https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/hybrid-ice-wear.287947/[bobistheoilguy]​

• GreenTec Auto – Toyota RAV4 Hybrid battery replacement cost in 2025
  https://greentecauto.com/toyota-rav4-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-in-2025-everything-you-need-to-know/[greentecauto]​

• Ken Ganley Toyota – Toyota Hybrid Battery Service & Replacement Cost
  https://www.kenganleytoyotaakron.com/toyota-hybrid-battery-service[kenganleytoyotaakron]​

There was a car feature that has been not banned but "discouraged" for automakers, the auto start-stop system. Is it worth having it? Or is it better to get rid of it? Find out more here.

Sources:

• Consumer Reports – “Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy?”
  https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a10282359consumerreports+1

• Edmunds – “Do Stop-Start Systems Really Save Fuel?”
  https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/do-stop-start-systems-really-save-fuel.html[edmunds]​

• USA Today (Edmunds data summary) – “Does auto start-stop actually save you gas when driving?”
  https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/research/2025/09/08/auto-start-stop-disable-good-for-car-fuel-effiency/85972474007/[usatoday]​

• AAA – “AAA’s Tests Reveal Real-World Benefits of Automatic Stop-Start Technology”
  https://newsroom.aaa.com/2014/07/aaas-tests-reveal-real-world-benefits-automatic-stop-start-technology/[newsroom.aaa]​

• NAPA – “Stop-Start Technology — Pros and Cons”
  https://knowhow.napaonline.com/stop-start-technology-pros-and-cons/napatexas+1

• SAE / ORNL technical paper – “Auto Stop-Start Fuel Consumption Benefits”
  (SAE landing page) https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2023-01-0346/[sae]​
  (ORNL summary) https://www.ornl.gov/publication/auto-stop-start-fuel-consumption-benefits[ornl]​

• New York Times – “Trump Administration Ends Credit for Start-Stop Feature in Cars”
  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/15/business/energy-environment/epa-tax-credits-stop-start-ignition-cars.html[nytimes]​

• AutoConnectedCar – “EPA Rescinds Endangerment Finding & Kills Start-Stop Off-Cycle Credits”
  https://www.autoconnectedcar.com/2026/02/epa-rescinds-endangerment-finding-kills-start-stop-off-cycle-credits/[autoconnectedcar]​

• Fox News – “Obama-era greenhouse gas rules gone as EPA’s Zeldin signs ‘single largest deregulatory action’ in history”
  https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-era-greenhouse-gas-rules-gone-epas-zeldin-signs-single-largest-deregulatory-action-history[foxnews]​

The Porsche 911E, another iteration of the 911. But what made it so special that needed a different letter after the 911 designation? Fuel Injection.

The Hasselblad 500 series? Do you know how many iterations are there? Me either, but we can find out together on this episode. I call this camera the speedmaster of the film cameras, find out why.

Did you think the Porsche 911 was just "911"? Well, there are many iterations of the model, and I am on a mission to help you know them better.