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Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup February 16-22, 2025


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Auto Central Louisville, Kentucky, February 23, 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 16 - 22 2025

  • Import auto tariffs. President Trump said he would unveil new tariffs on automobiles as soon as April 2. Trump has long railed against auto imports, particularly from Europe. The European Union’s 10% tariff on imported cars, compared with an equivalent 2.5% U.S. tariff, was one example of “lack of reciprocity” cited by the White House. Last year, roughly half of the almost 16 million light vehicles sold in the U.S. were imported. More details: HERE

  • Right to Repair. A federal judge has rejected a challenge by a group representing automakers to a Massachusetts voter-approved measure that expanded access to vehicle data and allowed independent shops to repair increasingly sophisticated automotive technology. More on this: HERE

  • High used car prices. Used-car and truck prices rose 2.2% from December to January, while new-car prices were flat, according to the Labor Department. Car dealers and analysts say higher used-car prices will stick for a while. A big part of the problem traces back to the pandemic-era vehicle shortages. Get the story: HERE

  • Not rationale. The Trump Administration is now removing EV chargers from government buildings. The General Services Administration is reportedly shutting down 8,000 EV chargers at federal sites, and deleting websites about EV efforts. Story :   HERE

  • Sinking image.  Elon Musk's controversial role in the Trump administration appears to be dragging down the Tesla CEO's image — and Tesla's own brand — during a pivotal time for the EV industry. Last weekend, hundreds of protesters demonstrated at Tesla (TSLA) dealerships across the country, as well as several international locations. Protesters chanted outside Tesla showrooms from New York City's Meatpacking District to Boston's Boylston Street, and even Tesla's hometown of Austin, Texas. Among EV competitors Ford, Toyota, and VW, Tesla had the lowest favorable rating (63%) and highest unfavorable (37%). According to a more recent poll conducted by the American EV Jobs Alliance, a bipartisan group examining EV adoption across the political spectrum, EV drivers gave Musk a 35% positive rating, with 42% giving him a negative rating. His standing among female respondents had a deeper split (34% favorable, 43% unfavorable).

  • Insurance up-front. Ford Motor Co. said it's offering up to $2,500 for one year on the latest gas and hybrid F-Series truck models with the Ford Security Package if the vehicle is stolen and not recovered or found with damage to cover insurance deductibles. Vehicle thefts have increased. F-Series pickups typically are among the top 10 most-stolen vehicles. Full story : HERE

  • WWCOTY winners. The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) has presented its International Awards in Madrid, which recognize the best cars launched on the market in recent months in different categories. WWCOTY is an international organization of women automotive journalists with a global audience of more than 500 million people around the world. The jury, made up of 82 professional journalists working in 55 countries on different continents, votes to recognize the best cars of the year for their design, safety, efficiency and innovation, among other aspects. The winners can be found here:  HERE

  • NYC Congestion. The US Transportation Department said it rescinded its approval of the New York City’s recently launched congestion tolling system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the city’s congestion-pricing system, said it would continue to charge drivers traveling in lower Manhattan and would only halt the program at the direction of a court. In a suit against the DOT, the MTA said the agency didn’t have the power to rescind the approval. Details : HERE

  • Toyota/Lexus recall. Toyota Motor Co. is recalling 40,922 Toyota and Lexus vehicles because the second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged. The damage was caused by incorrect tooling during a hot-knife cutting process at a specific manufacturing facility, according to the recall report. Affected vehicles include: 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2025 Lexus NX250, 2025 Lexus NX350, 2025 Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350 Hybrid, and 2024-2025 RX500 Hybrid.

  • Volvo recall. Volvo is recalling some 2025 EX90 vehicles due to a software issue. The software can cause an error in the low power controller that makes the headlight shutters close over the high and low beams while driving. Vehicles produced from April 22, 2024, though Jan. 31, 2025, are covered under the recall. The software can be fixed either through an over the air update or at a dealer, free of charge. The recall affects 2,061 vehicles.

  • Hyundai recall. Hyundai is recalling certain 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 "N" vehicles equipped with left-foot braking over a software issue. "During certain driving maneuvers with (left-foot braking) engaged, the Integrated Electronic Brake control software may trigger depressurization of the (anti-lock braking) system," according to the recall report. Drivers are advised not to use the feature until a remedy has been implemented. The recall covers 1,508 vehicles. 

  • Tesla recall. Tesla said it will recall nearly 380,000 U.S. vehicles due to a power steering assist failure that could increase steering effort, particularly at low speeds, raising the risk of a crash. The recall follows a more than one-year-long probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after some Tesla owners reported steering failures, with some unable to turn the wheel while others cited increased effort. 

  • Rivian recall.  Rivian is recalling 17,260 vehicles in the U.S. due to a headlight issue that could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. The recall affects certain 2025 R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck vehicles, the company said in a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

  • Ford/Lincoln recall. Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 240,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs due to a problem with seat belt anchors that were improperly secured. A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects about 216,000 Explorers and 24,000 Aviators from model years 2020 and 2021. 

  • NASCAR'S Carbon footprint. NASCAR, in collaboration with Florida Power & Light Company’s EVolution commercial charging solutions and ABB, announced the installation of 30 level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at its Daytona Beach headquarters. This signifies a step forward in the organization’s commitment to sustainability through NASCAR IMPACT, a plan that aims to reduce NASCAR’s carbon footprint to zero across NASCAR core operations by 2035. The new EV chargers are for employee and industry use and will facilitate NASCAR's transition to electric fleet vehicles.  

  • NASCAR.  Hendrick Motorsports' William Byron driving the No. 24 Chevrolet took home the checkered flag in a chaotic 500-mile race on Sunday, surviving a handful of late wrecks to claim his 14th win. It's back-to-back Daytona 500 wins for Byron. In post-race activity, Daytona 500 pole-winner Chase Briscoe was dealt a major penalty when NASCAR said Joe Gibbs Racing had a modified spoiler on the No. 19 Toyota in time trials. Joe Gibbs Racing was docked 100 driver/owner points and 10 playoff points. JGR was also fined $100,000 and crew chief James Small was suspended for four races.

    • stay safe. Be Well. ...Larry