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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 March 9-15, 2025
- 2025 Top Safety Picks. IIHS made stronger protection for back seat passengers a must for 2025. In the just-released 2025 ratings only 48 models qualify for 2025 awards so far, compared with 71 last year at this time. Of this year’s winners, 36 earn TOP SAFETY PICK+ and 12 earn TOP SAFETY PICK. SUVs, which make up a large percentage of new models for sale, account for the bulk of the awards. No minicars, large cars, minivans or small pickups feature among the winners, and only two large pickups, the Rivian R1T and Toyota Tundra, qualify for either accolade. See the top performers: HERE
- Best for Families. U.S. News and World Reports has released their list of the 2025 Best Cars for Families. The awards honor the cars, SUVs and minivans that offer the best combination of safety, reliability, space, comfort, convenience and connectivity in their classes. Details : HERE
- Are you satisfied? Customer satisfaction with the dealer service experience remains strong for a second consecutive year, yet long wait times for appointments, communication shortfalls and gaps in fixing vehicles correctly limit the industry’s progress. According to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study. Porsche ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among premium brands. Subaru ranks highest among mass market brands. Chevrolet ranks highest in the truck segment. Learn more: HERE
- Shift change. Car shoppers, car renters and valets are in a quandary. A proliferation of electronic controls have allowed car engineers to largely ditch the mechanical connections between the gear lever and the transmission. Disappearing are the familiar, bulky shifters typically mounted on the steering column or center console. Electronics have open the floodgates to a myriad of designs and confusion. Enjoy more: HERE
- EPA backing down? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it is starting efforts to reverse the Biden administration's vehicle emissions rules that would force automakers to build a rising number of electric vehicles. The EPA said it would reconsider the agency's 2024 rules that would cut passenger vehicle fleetwide tailpipe emissions by nearly 50% by 2032 compared with 2027 projected levels. Congress separately is considering efforts to repeal EV tax credits. Read more details : HERE
- Gas Prices. The national average price of gasoline is holding at $3.05/gal according to GasBuddy data, down 9 cents from a month ago, but 7 cents higher than December. GasBuddy counts 35 states with gas prices averaging $2.99 or lower. Government volatility is one of the major trends pushing oil prices lower. Tariff uncertainty and the possibility of an economic slowdown are curbing prices.
- Road use tax. Illinois is eyeing taxing drivers by the mile — rather than by the gallon of gas. Under the current tax structure, vehicles that don’t rely on gasoline, such as electric vehicles, do not pay the gas tax that helps maintain state infrastructure. Oregon and Utah have already implemented similar programs, and five states including Pennsylvania and California have begun pilot or exploratory efforts, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. More details : HERE
- Buy now. US car buyers are rushing to dealer lots to avoid future tariff-related price increases. Trump's plan to implement 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will significantly raise new vehicle prices. Dealers have about three months supply to shop from. Full story here: HERE
- Big business will make it happen. Electrify America announced a $7.4+ million investment in organizations across the U.S. to support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) access programs, education, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workforce development. Read more. HERE
- Tesla Trump. President Trump bought a Tesla. Meanwhile, Tesla stock is in freefall. Tesla's U.S. registrations dropped 11% in January, while competitors like Ford, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen saw a 44% increase, S&P Global Mobility reports. Read what Trump has said in the past. HERE
- The truth hurts. Should automakers toss in home EV chargers and cover installation costs? According to a new study from Escalent, the answer is yes, if they actually want to sell these cars. "New car buyers, particularly EV owners and EV intenders, would be most comfortable with the manufacturer installing its preferred Level 2 home charger," the study said. InsideEVs points out the truth: "Car companies just kind of expected buyers to show up for EVs the way they always have for their other cars, all while the supporting industries—charging stations, repair shops, insurance providers and so on—all simply sprung up around them. That hasn't happened nearly as quickly as they projected." More details HERE
- Amelia. The 2025 Amelia Best of Show winners are a 1967 Lotus 49 Formula One Race Car Aluminum Original in the Concours de Sport class and a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Cabriolet by Stabilimenti Farina in the Concours d’Elegance class. Interestingly, mother nature got involved and the 30th Amelia Concours d’Elegance was moved from Sunday, March 9th to Saturday, March 8th to avoid threatening severe weather. Read more: HERE
- VW recall. Volkswagen is recalling certain 2024 to 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles as they may have an engine cover that may have been improperly installed after vehicle service. The loose engine cover may come into contact with hot engine surfaces and increase the risk of a fire, according to the NHTSA. Dealers are to remove the engine cover at no cost. About 177,493 are affected.
- Lincoln recall. Lincoln is recalling certain 2015 to 2017 Navigator SUVs as the LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors may short circuit. Dealers are to disconnect the lamps at no cost. Around 35,328 vehicles are affected.
- Ford recall. Ford is recalling certain 2021 to 2022 EcoSport vehicles due to a potentially disconnected axle shaft. The crossover SUV could have a front axle half shaft that may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power. About 18,648 vehicles are affected.
- Ineos recall. Ineos Automotive is recalling more than 7,000 vehicles in the U.S. after customers reported that doors on their SUVs flew open while driving. Ineos Automotive has confirmed plans to replace door button parts.
- Stay safe. Be Well.