Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup February 23 - March 1, 2025
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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 23-March 1, 2025
- February sales Cox Automotive forecasts a modest rebound in February’s new-vehicle sales, with a SAAR of 16.3 million, an improvement from last year’s 15.7 million and January’s 15.6 million pace. New-vehicle sales volume is expected to decline slightly from last year, but the sales pace is stronger when adjusted for one fewer selling day in February. January sales fell significantly from December due to cold weather, California fires, and the inauguration, but buyers are likely to return in February, lifting the sales pace. Cox Automotive predicts light new-vehicle sales to continue improving modestly in 2025, reaching 16.3 million by year-end, up from just over 16.0 million units in 2024. Views of buying conditions for vehicles declined to the lowest level since August, with deteriorating views of prices but steady views of interest rates.
- Top 10. Consumer Reports has announced their 10 Top Picks of 2024; their Best Cars of the Year. The list includes four hybrids (HEVs), three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and one electric vehicle (BEV), confirming that models with fully or partly electrified powertrains can best their gas-only rivals. See the best: here.
- New Ford content channel. Ford says their new ‘Ford From the Road’ content channel is aimed at ‘news influencers’ who consumers are looking to for news and information. Ford says their new ‘Ford From the Road’ content channel is aimed at ‘news influencers’ who consumers are looking to for news and information. Have a look: here
- Tariff damage to the U.S. car industry. American auto plants rely on parts made in Canada and Mexico, some of which include U.S. content. A new analysis by the Anderson Economic Group examines the potential tariff damage. Trump says tariffs will force auto makers to make more cars in the U.S. The Trump tariff threat promises a rough ride for the auto business. Full story: here
- Used Car Prices. The Carfax Used Car Price Trends For March 2025 reports the average price of a used pickup truck fell another roughly $350 last month, dropping below $32,000 for the first time on the Carfax Used Car Index. But some other categories show that price increases can and will happen. The average price of several used vehicles on Carfax climbed in February: SUVs; Luxury SUVs; Hybrids & Electric Vehicles (EVs); and Vans all rose. Details here
- Brand loyalty. General Motors had the most loyal customers of any auto manufacturer last year, the Detroit automaker’s 10th consecutive year to tout that distinction, according to a customer buying analysis that S&P Global Mobility. S&P Global Mobility, a Southfield-based automotive data and research firm, based its findings on an analysis of more than 13.1 million new retail vehicle registrations in the U.S. in 2024. Read the details: < a href=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2025/02/26/gm-car-buyers-most-loyal-ford-pickup-category-sp-global/80336289007/> here
- California Pollution Waiver. The Trump administration is setting the stage for Congress to repeal a longstanding waiver that allows California to set its own pollution standards. State officials say the effort is illegal. Thirteen states and Washington D.C. have adopted California’s vehicle emission standards including the greenhouse gas standards for motor vehicles. Read more. <here
- EV Ownership. The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study has ranked BMW iX the highest overall and the Hyundai IONIQ 6 the highest among mass market brands. EV Owner Satisfaction has improved but regulatory, and incentive uncertainties create challenges. Read more: here
- Meanwhile, in Italy. The Italian Competition Authority (ICA) has launched investigations into BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and Volkswagen for allegedly misleading consumers about the performance of their electric vehicles (EVs). The ICA will investigate the information provided to consumers regarding EV driving ranges, battery capacity, and limitations on standard battery warranties, potentially in breach of the Italian consumer code, it said in a statement. More on this story : here
- Toyota recall. Toyota is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles that may have a third-row seatback with improperly tightened seat assembly bolts. The improperly tightened bolts may cause an increased risk of injury in a crash to those sitting in the third row of affected vehicles, according to the recall report. The recall affects 167,802 vehicles.
- Kia recall. Kia is recalling 137,256 examples of 2021 through 2023 Soul and Seltos vehicles because of a possible problem with the piston rings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall notice cites a possible manufacturing defect for the piston rings, which can result in engine failure.
- Formula 1. Carlos Sainz has been announced as a new director at the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), with the Spaniard stepping into the role vacated by former F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel. Following Vettel’s exit from the post last year after retiring from the sport at the end of 2022, Sainz will join the GPDA alongside fellow driver George Russell, chairman Alexander Wurz and GPDA leader Anastasia Fowle.
- 1000 Miglia Experience USA Florida. The inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience USA Florida has officially crossed the finish line, bringing the 1,000-mile journey through Florida to a grand conclusion. Over the past three days, 70 classic and modern cars competed across a route that spanned from Miami to Naples, Venice, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, and West Palm Beach, before culminating along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. Bruce and Logan Roch were crowned champions in the 1000 Miglia Original class (1953 Jaguar XK 120 OTS), Gabriel and Gabriel Hrib Jr. won in the Classic Icons category (1959 Jaguar XK150 S), while Fabrizio Macario and Giovanna Di Costanzo (2018 Ferrari 488 GTS) brought home the trophy in the Hypercar & Supercar class. The grand finale of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida unfolded in spectacular fashion with an elegant Award Ceremony held in the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
Stay safe. Be Well.
Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy