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Nutson's Auto News Wrapup, Week Of February 2-8, 2025


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America's Longest Running Automotive Internet Interactive Column

Auto Central Louisville, Kentucky, February 9, 2025; Every Sunday Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy and Auto Channel Executive Producer, with able assistance from senior Detroit editor Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compile The Auto Channel's "take" on this past week's automotive news, condensed into easy to digest news Nuggets.

LEARN MORE: Complete versions of today's news nuggets, along with hundreds of thousands of pages of relevant news, information and opinions are stored in a million-page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 30 years. Complete information can be found by copying a headline and inserting it into any Site Search Box.

Here are Larry's top story picks from this past week's important to you, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions and insider back stories presented as expertly crafted easy-to-understand automotive news nuggets.

Nutson's Auto News Wrapup, Week Of February 2-8 2025

  • Tariffs paused. Two days after his pronouncement, President Trump on Monday agreed to a 30-day pause on his tariff threats against Canada and Mexico as America’s two largest trading partners took steps to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking. The pauses provide a cool-down period after a tumultuous few days that put North America on the cusp of a trade war that risked crushing economic growth, causing prices to soar and ending two of the United States' most critical partnerships. For now, both jobs and vehicle prices are safe. Of the 5.3M light vehicles built in Canada and Mexico each year, about 70% of these are destined for the US. A 25% tariff would increases prices to a point that sales are negatively impacted with a corresponding loss of auto industry jobs. Cox Automotive estimates suggest the average tariff on models assembled in Canada or Mexico, or with reported content from those countries, would increase the cost of a vehicle by $5,855. This amounts to 16.6% of an average new-vehicle price, but it ranges from 3% to 25%.

  • Gasoline prices. GasBuddy reports, with a pause on tariffs for Mexico and Canada U.S. motorists for now will avoid a potential impact to fuel prices. However, prices move for many reasons, and GasBuddy is still expecting prices to begin rising seasonally soon. The national average price of gasoline now stands at $3.14/gal according to GasBuddy data, the highest level since October.

  • January sales. Cox Automotive reports new-vehicle sales in January increased compared to year-ago levels, as they had expected, but initial results indicate that market volume likely came in slightly below their forecast. The Cox Automotive forecast called for year-over-year growth of 5.2%, but early estimates suggest the increase was closer to 4%, as some automakers posted record January volume and others saw declines from January 2024 levels. January marked the fourth consecutive month with higher year-over-year sales, an indication of momentum in the new-vehicle market. December was particularly strong, and the January sales pace of near 15.6 million, slightly below the forecast of 15.8 million, was the strongest since 2021. Media reports say Toyota and Ford sales fell while Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis made gains. Cox Automotive is forecasting total new-vehicle sales in 2025 to reach 16.3 million, up from 16 million in 2024

  • (More) Bumps in the EV road. Some states are levying fees on EVs to make up for gas tax losses. And, DC GOP legislators are considering a national EV premium. Owners of electric cars in Vermont recently got a letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles informing they would have to pay $178 a year to register their cars, twice as much as owners of vehicles with internal combustion engines. Vermont became the latest state to make people pay a premium for driving electric. At least 39 states charge such annual fees, including $50 in Hawaii and $200 in Texas, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Republicans in Congress are considering imposing a national fee to bolster the fund used to finance roads and bridges. The fees are an attempt to make up for declining revenue from gasoline taxes that electric cars, for obvious reasons, don’t pay. Read more: HERE

  • And there's this. Ford is working on extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) motor/engine technology, CEO Jim Farley indicated in the company’s fourth-quarter and fiscal 2024 earnings call with Wall Street analysts. EREVs use a small combustion engine as a generator to extend the range of a battery-electric vehicle, and Ford CEO Jim Farley says they are a better solution for larger passenger vehicles and trucks. Ram will have an EREV pickup, the Ramcharger,  late this year.

  • Windy City auto show. The 117th Chicago Auto Show opened its doors to the car-shopping public this weekend following two days of media previews. Auto brands making there first appearance at the show are Polestar, Rivian and Vinfast. Subaru made two Global Debuts, the 2025 Forester Hybrid and 2026 Forester Wilderness and the all-new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid made its first public appearance. The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S are on display and on the Chicago Drives Electric track. Camp Jeep has returned for its 20th anniversary appearance. Ram Ramcharger is showcasing its next-generation extended range technology. The Chrysler Halcyon concept car provides a glimpse into the future of mobility. New this year is the Toyota-supported Overlanding Chicago off-road enthusiast exhibit.

  • It's about ROI. Cox Automotive notes that Super Bowl LIX ads command a jaw-dropping $8M+ for just 30 seconds. For automakers the challenge is turning that massive investment into actual sales. With only two major brands —Jeep and Ram—advertising this year, it's clear that the auto industry is facing tough times. Cars aren’t impulse buys—shoppers need time to consider, research, and evaluate. That’s why understanding consumer behavior, measuring engagement and sustaining momentum even after the game is over is more critical than ever.  

  • Illinois EV rebates. At the Chicago Auto Show local electric utility company ComEd announced it is offering $100 million in rebates this year to help fund EV adoption, including $9 million for home charging systems, $53 million for EV fleet purchases and $38 million for infrastructure charging projects. More than 50% of the funds are reserved for low-income and equity communities through the beneficial electrification plan, the utility said. A requirement under the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, ComEd committed $231 million over three years to help customers transition to EVs. In 2024, ComEd helped fund 3,500 charging ports and 200 electric fleet vehicles, according to Cristina Botero, senior manager of the program. This year, ComEd is offering up to $3,750 for low-income customers and up to $1,000 for other residential customers to defray the cost of home chargers. More details. HERE

  • Best for Families. PARENTS Magazine has named their 2025 best vehicles for families. PARENTS reviewed more than 140 vehicles to select the Best Family Cars of 2025, assessing features like flexible seating, powertrain options, and family-focused design. The publication prioritized vehicles with multiple LATCH systems, standard safety equipment, and latest and greatest technology, awarding credit to brands that include these features without extra cost. Check out the complete list HERE

  • More Best. Cars.com has released its Best Cars and Trucks of 2025 awards. See what fits your transportation needs.   HERE/

  • Best of the best. A stunning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM has been named winner of the 10th annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2024. Presented during an awards ceremony at The Peninsula Paris, the distinction recognizes the pinnacle of classic automotive design and engineering. The Ferrari, chosen from a select group of nine vehicles that won awards at the past year’s major concours events, became eligible for consideration after winning the Best in Show honor at the Cavallino Classic in January 2024. The annual Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award crowns just one winner from the automobiles named Best of Show in the preceding year’s most prestigious concours d’elegance in Europe and the U.S. The award marks its tenth anniversary this year and was cofounded by Sir Michael Kadoorie, the serial car collector and chairman of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels group, which owns the Peninsula chain. The judges include Ralph Lauren, Jay Leno, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, and Henry Ford III.

  • Automotive Hall Of Fame;The Automotive Hall of Fame announced its 2025 Class of Inductees – Ayrton Senna, Dieter Zetsche, Betty Skelton and David E. Davis Jr. Widely considered the single-greatest honor an individual can receive in the automotive industry, induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame is reserved for noteworthy individuals whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace. The Automotive Hall of Fame Induction & Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Detroit. HERE

  • Most beautiful roadster. The 75th annual Grand National Roadster Show capped off a star-studded event with the crowning of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. The title, a massive trophy, and a check from ARP for $12,500 were bestowed upon the 1936 Ford owned by Ross Myers and built by Rad Rides by Troy. This marks back-to-back wins for the Myers family, as Beth Myers took the trophy home last year. It’s also the second time that Rad Rides by Troy has teamed up with the Myers for a major show win, as they took home the 2007 Ridler Award with a 1936 Ford coupe. See it HERE

  • Ford and Pikes Peak. Ford plans to return to America’s Mountain in 2025 to take on Pikes Peak with a new, Mustang Mach-E derived Electric Vehicle Demonstrator with Romain Dumas behind the wheel. This is the third consecutive year that Ford is competing with an electric demonstrator at Pikes Peak adding to the previous success of SuperVan 4.2 and F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. Dumas will look to repeat his 2024 King of the Mountain win this June.

  • NASCAR HoF. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees. The class includes Ricky Rudd, Carl Edwards, and Ralph Moody, with Dr. Dean Sicking receiving the Landmark Award for his contributions to safety in motorsports. The 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame class was officially inducted on Friday February 7 in Charlotte.

    • Stay safe. Be Well.