The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Nov. 25, edition that automakers in the United States and Europe are trying to reduce reliance on essential materials from China due to frequent shortages and superpower rivalries. A New York Times dispatch to The Globe reports that companies are exploring technologies and exotic materials to replace rare-earth magnets used in various car and truck components. Magnets made from rare-earth elements like neodymium, dysprosium and terbium are vital for motors in electric and hybrid vehicles, which are growing in popularity. China dominates the mining and processing of rare earths, using its near monopoly as a diplomatic weapon. This year, it imposed export controls on some materials in response to U.S. tariffs. Recent instability in rare-earth supplies poses a greater threat to automakers, underscoring the urgency of finding motors that do not require rare earths or suitable alternatives. BMW's electric vehicles already use motors that operate without rare earths. Researchers at Northeastern University and others are synthesizing materials with unique magnetic properties found only in meteorites. Start-ups have begun developing new kinds of motors and other technologies.