Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup April 6-13, 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 April 6-13, 2025
- Tarrif responses. Automakers have responded in various ways to the 25 percent tariff on vehicles made outside of the US. There have been layoffs and production cuts. Ford and Stellantis are offering employee pricing to all customers on vehicles in inventory now at dealers. Hyundai is guaranteeing pricing with no tariff charge for a couple months. Audi and Mitsubishi are holding newly imported vehicles at the US port. VW is adding a line item on the Monroney label price sticker to show the import tariff fee. Jaguar-Land Rover are pausing exports from the UK. Mercedes-Benz said it will not increase sticker prices on 2025 models, despite the Trump administration tariff. More HERE
- Trump retreats. It took a week for the plunge in the stock and bond markets—along with a sustained campaign by executives, lawmakers, lobbyists and foreign leaders—to prompt Trump to roll back for 90 days a major element of his sweeping tariff plan. But...auto tariffs remain. Tariffs on cars and auto parts in particular will in turn push up the cost of insurance and repairs, analysts said.
- UAW Fain flip-flop. After backing Democratic Kamala Harris’s candidacy in 2024, Shawn Fain shocked many observers by strongly supporting President Donald Trump’s tariffs. But the head of the United Auto Workers Union is now backing down. While he still backs tariffs targeting the auto industry he has dubbed Trump’s broader trade war “reckless.” Headlight.News has more. HERE
- What's affordable. A Cars.com survey found 71% of Americans have changed their spending habits in the last year with 76% reported spending less. Cars.com’s new Affordability Report identifies cars with the best value so you get the most features for the money in a new car while also keeping ownership costs down with low annual fuel costs. Find the right car HERE
- Wait to Fill to Full. Gas Buddy reports last week, as many as 44 states saw gas prices with weekly increases. Now, with oil plummeting, they are currently seeing 31 states with weekly declines, a number that will surely rise to all 50 soon with oil prices plummeting.
- Weather effect on EV range. While the effect of cold temperatures on electric vehicle (EV) range is well established, the overall effect of weather on mileage has until now largely remained a mystery. A weather & EV range report from Vaisala Xweather shows how altitude makes EVs fly, how snow and rain hit battery output, and even how using in-car climate control drops range in the summer. And surprisingly, California, the state with the highest EV adoption in the U.S., does not actually have the best conditions for long-range driving. More details. HERE
- Traffic deaths decline.U.S. traffic deaths fell 3.8 percent in 2024 to 39,345, the lowest number since 2020, but fatalities on American roads remained above pre-COVID levels, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The 2024 early estimates show trends in line with 2023, with Americans driving more miles while fatality rates continued to decrease. HERE
- Low-cost electric pickup. Michigan-based startup Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos and 16 other investors, is working to develop a two-seat electric pickup priced around $25,000, aiming for affordability in a market typically focused on high-end models. Production is reportedly planned for late next year at a location outside of Indianapolis, Ind. Details HERE
- Consumers value auto shows. New consumer survey results from the Automotive Experience Alliance demonstrate the significant impact auto shows continue to have on consumer engagement and buying behavior. Survey results say: 78% say auto shows influenced their purchase decision; 25% say auto shows have more influence on their decision than any other medium; 50% altered their vehicle consideration list after attending an auto show; 90% say they hoped to see a brand that wasn't present at an auto show. Full story HERE
- Car design meet-up. Global automotive design executives will meet with auto journalists from around the world to discuss current and future design trends at the third annual Car Design Event (CDE), May 6-8 at the Munich Drivers & Business Club. More than 15 automotive brands will be showcased during the exclusive three-day conference including BMW, Cadillac, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lamborghini, Pagani and VW. Several new-model introductions and the European intro of an American EV company also will take place.
- Invest in a classic car. Classic cars are increasingly recognized as lucrative investment assets, offering both emotional and financial returns. Amid global economic fluctuations, many investors view vintage automobiles as tangible assets with potential for long-term value appreciation. The global classic cars market was valued at USD 39.7 billion in 2024 and is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach USD 77.8 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% during the forecast period. HERE
- Jeep Moab concepts. The Jeep brand is making its annual trek to the 59th annual Easter Jeep Safari (April 12-20) in Moab, Utah, with seven new, expressive and highly capable concept vehicles for customers and off-roading enthusiasts to experience and interact with in new, memorable ways. Have a look here. HERE
- Ad Age reports. In the wake of the Trump administration implementing new 25 percent tariffs on foreign-made autos, Stellantis in recent days began running patriotic ads for Jeep, Ram and Dodge that tout the models as being built in America, as well as new discount programs. However, the automaker is now altering the campaign in response to scrutiny from an ad watchdog that alleges Stellantis engaged in deceptive marketing because some of the parts used in the vehicles are imported. (PS - There is no vehicle sold in the US that is 100% American-made.)
- There's this. Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law House Bill 270 which updates Idaho’s indecent exposure law. The bill takes effect immediately. Among other legal changes, the bill would allow people to call police over dangling faux scrotums hung on truck hitches, commonly called truck nuts.
- Ford Recall. Ford Motor Co. is recalling 105,322 full size SUVs over seat belts that may fail to retract or extend, according to a report from NHTSA. The recall covers the 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition.
- RIP. Legendary Autoweek NASCAR reporter Al Pearce has died. Pearce began writing for Autoweek in 1973 and covered his 56th consecutive Daytona 500 this past January. Pearce, 82, worked for the Newport News Daily Press, covering auto racing and other sports, from 1969 to 2004. His work for Autoweek paralleled his time in the daily newspaper business, and he continued filing stories for Autoweek after retiring from the Daily Press, writing for Autoweek magazine and later the website until the final days of his life. A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Pearce won every major auto-racing journalism award, including the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence. He was a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
- Stay safe. Be Well.