The unique Finnish life simulation game, My Summer Car, has finally transitioned out of its lengthy early access phase. Known for its challenging gameplay and eccentric features, this title offers players an unconventional experience that includes building a car from scratch, navigating poverty, and engaging in peculiar Finnish customs. Despite its difficulty and unconventional design, the game has garnered a dedicated following, boasting over 77,000 positive reviews on Steam. The developer, Amistech Games, has hinted at a sequel, My Winter Car, which is currently under development.
A Decade-Long Journey to Completion
This Finnish life simulation game's path to full release has been nothing short of extraordinary. After nearly a decade of development, it has finally reached its 1.0 version. Initially launched in early access on Steam in 2016, My Summer Car quickly became known for its extreme difficulty and quirky gameplay elements. Players are tasked with constructing a vehicle from the ground up, all while dealing with the harsh realities of poverty. This unusual combination of challenges has set it apart from other games in the genre.
Building a car in My Summer Car is no easy feat. Players must not only assemble the vehicle but also construct its engine, making the process both intricate and time-consuming. The game’s unforgiving mechanics mean that players often struggle to survive long enough to complete these tasks. Hunger and financial constraints add layers of complexity, creating a truly immersive yet demanding experience. Despite these challenges, the game has managed to attract a devoted fanbase who appreciate its unique approach to gaming.
An Unconventional Take on Finnish Culture
Beyond its mechanical challenges, My Summer Car immerses players in various aspects of Finnish culture. Activities such as visiting saunas, fishing by the lake with a crate of beer, and participating in local rallies provide a glimpse into the country’s traditions. One of the most peculiar features is the inclusion of a "wee" button, reflecting the game’s dedication to replicating Finnish drinking customs. These elements contribute to the game’s distinctive charm and humor.
The game openly acknowledges its unconventional nature, even stating in its launch trailer that it is “not fun” in the traditional sense. However, this rejection of conventional gaming norms has resonated with a niche audience. The developers have maintained a steady stream of updates, albeit minor, ensuring the game remains fresh and engaging. With the promise of future patches and the ongoing development of a sequel, My Summer Car continues to captivate its loyal player base.
The Future is Bright: Auto Maintenance Stocks to Watch
Driven Brands: A Legacy of Comprehensive Vehicle Care
Founded in 1972, Driven Brands has emerged as North America’s largest auto services company, boasting over 5,000 locations that service nearly 70 million vehicles annually. The company's extensive portfolio includes well-known brands such as Maaco for auto body repairs, Meineke Car Care Centers for routine maintenance, Midas for comprehensive repairs, CARSTAR for collision repair, Take 5 Oil Changes for quick oil changes, Take 5 Car Wash for vehicle cleaning, Auto Glass Now for glass repairs, 1-800 Radiator & AC for parts, and Fix Auto for collision services.Internationally, Driven Brands owns IMO Car Wash, Uniban, ABRA Auto Glass, Automotive Training Institute, and Merlin Complete Auto Care. With over half its businesses franchised, the company leverages a robust network of 2,600 franchise locations. These franchises contribute significantly to the company's advertising budget, generating over $80 million annually to drive sales and traffic. Driven Systems Advantage, an online marketplace, offers more than 90,000 SKUs from 50 vendors, ensuring stores and franchisees have access to essential supplies ranging from office materials to specialized equipment.Driven Brands reported a strong Q3 2024 with EPS of 26 cents, surpassing analyst estimates by 4 cents. Revenues climbed 2% YoY to $591.7 million, although slightly below the consensus estimate of $598.5 million. System-wide sales increased 1.1%, bolstered by the addition of 56 net new units. Notably, Take 5 Oil Change recorded its 15th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth. CEO Jonathan Fitzpatrick emphasized the company’s focus on delivering financial outlooks, reducing debt, and managing its portfolio actively. He expressed confidence that the company's steady returns and reinvestment opportunities will eventually reflect positively on its valuation.Goodyear: Pioneering Tire Innovation and Service Excellence
Following its acquisition of Cooper Tire, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has solidified its position as North America’s largest tire manufacturer. The company caters to a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, aircraft, mining, and farming equipment. Activist shareholder Elliott Management holds a 10% stake and has been instrumental in advising management to unlock shareholder value. Elliott believes Goodyear’s stock could reach $32 under its proposed plan, which includes divesting service centers.In November 2023, Goodyear launched its Goodyear Forward turnaround strategy, targeting $1.3 billion in cost savings by Q4 2025. The plan aims to raise over $2 billion through the sale of non-core assets, focusing on high-margin businesses. Financial goals include achieving a 10% segment operating income margin and maintaining net leverage between 2x and 2.5x by the end of 2025. Strengthening Goodyear’s brand and tier position in North America remains a key objective.Goodyear’s Q3 2024 results showcased EPS of 37 cents, exceeding consensus estimates by 15 cents. Revenues declined 6.2% YoY to $4.82 billion, falling short of the $4.92 billion analyst forecast. Segment operating income (SOI) reached $347 million, marking a 7.2% SOI margin, up 70 bps YoY. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of SOI margin expansion, totaling a 300 bps increase in the trailing twelve months. Goodyear Forward has achieved $200 million more in run rate cost reduction and top-line benefits than initially targeted. The company expects gross proceeds over $2 billion from portfolio optimization, reaffirming its commitment to net leverage targets.CEO Mark Stewart highlighted the consistent execution of the Goodyear Forward transformation plan, resulting in four consecutive quarters of segment operating margin expansion. He attributed these achievements to the talent within the organization and the strong foundation of Goodyear. Stewart also noted that Goodyear has raised its guidance for 2024 Goodyear Forward gross benefits to $450 million and anticipates an additional $750 million in year-over-year gross benefits in 2025. The company remains confident in achieving its 10% SOI margin and 2.0x – 2.5x leverage targets by the end of 2025.In a unique television segment, Jeremy Jenkins, the Daybreak anchor, traded his desk for work gloves to delve into the world of automotive maintenance. This week on "Jeremy on the Job," he visited the new Jiffy Lube MultiCare facility in New Palestine, where he learned about vehicle upkeep under the guidance of Lonnie Hinkle. Over two segments, Jeremy tackled tasks ranging from tire removal to performing an oil change, gaining valuable insights into modern car care and emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance.
During the first part of the segment, Jeremy was introduced to the expanded services offered by this cutting-edge Jiffy Lube location. The facility's capabilities extend far beyond traditional oil changes and fluid maintenance. Lonnie explained that they now handle brakes, tires, tune-ups, and minor repairs. Jeremy's initial challenge involved removing a tire using an impact wrench. With some initial difficulty, he eventually succeeded, thanks to Lonnie's expert guidance. “This is the new concept store,” Lonnie remarked, highlighting the versatility of the MultiCare facility.
In the second segment, Jeremy faced a more complex task: performing an oil change. Working underneath a vehicle with Lonnie, Jeremy carefully removed the oil drain plug and drained the old oil. He joked about remembering advice from his father regarding the process. Despite a few laughs along the way, he managed to complete the job successfully. Lonnie emphasized the significance of regular oil changes, noting that modern vehicles can suffer from low oil levels due to extended maintenance intervals. Jeremy admitted he sometimes neglects timely oil changes, underscoring the common issue many drivers face.
Beyond vehicle servicing, the Jiffy Lube MultiCare facility runs a special program for Boy Scouts, helping them earn badges in car maintenance. As a former Scout himself, Jeremy appreciated the educational aspect of teaching practical skills to young people. “It’s a fantastic way to impart essential skills while having fun,” Lonnie commented. At the end of the day, Lonnie evaluated Jeremy's performance, giving him a solid B for his efforts. Jeremy took the grade in stride, drawing a humorous comparison to the local football team's resilience.
The segments provided viewers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the expertise required for automotive maintenance and the importance of routine vehicle care. Jeremy's hands-on experience served as a reminder to all drivers to stay vigilant about checking their oil and maintaining their vehicles properly. Additionally, exclusive online content showcased a standard vehicle inspection, covering components like oil, battery, and windshield wiper fluid, further enriching the audience's understanding of vehicle maintenance.