Nutson's Weekly Auto News WrapUp - April 14-20, 2025
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 Larry Nutson |
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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.
- Uncertainty is certain. President Trump said there might be exemptions to his tariffs on imported vehicles and parts. Trump might now understand it will take more time to set up U.S. manufacturing. Reshoring would take time. Retooling a plant can take a year or two. Building a new plant can take easily three years, which by then would be nearing the end of Trump's second term when he constitutionally is required to leave office. Capacity to move or increase production immediately is limited because a component being produced in the United States would have to be identical to that being made elsewhere. And the country already has a skilled trades shortage. More details HERE.
- Used car sales rise, as do prices. Tax Day came amidst growing economic uncertainty, motivating many car buyers to make that big purchase - a key driver behind the recent surge in sales and vehicle prices. This Spring, the surge in used car prices is nearly two times compared to this time last year, and the surge in sales is more than twice what we saw last Spring. With the rate of new car production possibly dropping in the coming months, demand for used cars could rise, leading to even higher prices. More details HERE.
- Gas prices drop. The national average price of gasoline continues to drift lower, falling 5.3c/gal over the last week to $3.166/gal according to GasBuddy data. Prices are now 45.9c/gal lower on average than a year ago, saving Americans $1.2 billion per week. The drop comes as oil prices have plummeted due to concerns over tariffs and OPEC+ restoring production, but typically the national average peaks on April 10 (10-year average date) before beginning to slowly decline.
- New York Auto Show. America's oldest auto exhibition, the New York International Auto Show, celebrates its 125th anniversary through April 27 at Javits Convention Center. During media previews, Kia unveiled a hatchback version of the compact K4 sedan, an electric K4 named the E4, and the new Telluride SUV. Hyundai's Palisade took the wraps off in New York with a boxier look. Subaru debuted an all-new EV, the Trailseeker, and the all-new Subaru Outback. Also introduced was the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo. The Genesis X Gran Equator concept made its debut.
- World Car Awards. The 2025 World Car Awards were announced at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The 2025 World Car Design of the Year is chosen by a jury of 96 distinguished international automotive journalists from 30 countries. Initially, a design panel consisting of global design experts creates a shortlist of recommended cars for the jurors. The full line up of winners are: World Car of the Year - Kia EV3, World Electric Vehicle - Hyundai Inster, World Luxury Car - Volvo EX90, World Performance Car - Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, World Urban Car - BYD Dolphin Surf/Seagull, World Car Design - Volkswagen ID.Buzz
- Consumer Choice Awards. Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive brand, today announces the winners of the "Consumer Choice Awards." These awards are based on annual new-car shopper perception study data. Award categories are calculated among in-market luxury and non-luxury, including truck and electric vehicle and hybrid shoppers who plan to purchase within the next 12 months. Honda dominated the non-luxury category, winning five titles, including Best Overall Brand and Most Trusted Brand. Porsche claimed Best Overall Luxury Brand for the first time in 10 years. Toyota reclaimed Best Overall Truck Brand from Ram, and Lexus earned its first win as Best Overall EV/Hybrid Brand; a strong signal of rising consumer confidence in its electrified lineup. For more information about the 2025 Kelley Blue Book Consumer Choice Awards, visit HERE.
- Redefining the future of mobility. Newsweek unveiled the honorees of its fourth annual World's Greatest Auto Disruptors awards - a prestigious recognition of the automotive industry's most forward-thinking visionaries, companies, and leaders. This year's award ceremony took place on April 15 from 4-7 p.m. at Newsweek's headquarters at One World Trade Center, New York City. See who the disruptors are HERE.
- EV reliability. Electric vehicles manufactured from 2020 to 2022 have a lower breakdown rate compared with internal combustion engine vehicles, per data from the German Automobile Club. EVs averaged 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, whereas combustion vehicles had 10.4. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 had a notably high breakdown rate, while the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 were among the most reliable EVs. More details HERE.
- Ford concepts at Moab. Ford revealed two project vehicles to enthusiasts who want to pimp up and personalize their Broncos for off-road excitement. As part of the Bronco Stampede at Moab in Utah, Ford showcased the Bronco Off-Roadeo: Arches Project Vehicle and the Bronco Off-Roadeo: Cliffhanger Project Vehicle. Details HERE.
- Ferrari gone missing. Automotive News reports a $218,000 Ferrari Roma disappeared on its way from a Bentley dealership in Colorado to a Ferrari store in suburban Minneapolis. The car was reportedly picked up by an "imposter carrier" last November and never arrived at its destination. Now Twin Cities Performance of Golden Valley, MN, and its parent dealership group Lithia Motors Inc. are suing seller Bentley Denver of Lone Tree, CO, and auto transport company Angels Moving Autos to recoup the purchase price and other damages.
- Harleys are hot in France. A couple of weeks back, we wrote that a retaliatory tariff proposed by the EU could lift Harley-Davidson's motorcycle prices in Europe to six figures. Now Reuters reports sales are brisk at the Villiers-Sur-Marne Harley-Davidson dealership outside Paris, where French bikers reckon they had better hurry if they want the American motorcycle of their dreams before a trade war puts them out of reach. More news HERE.
- Route 66 100th Anniversary. America's Automotive Trust, the Detroit Auto Show, and the National Route 66 Centennial Commission announced The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure, a once-in-a-lifetiime cross-country drive celebrating the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66, with a focus on Route 66 preservation success stories and spotlighting future needs. This commemorative event will begin on January 3, 2026, in Santa Monica, California, and span the full length of Route 66, arriving nine days later in Chicago, IL, on January 12. The vehicles will then be on display at the world-class Detroit Auto Show beginning on January 14th.
- Audi recall. Audi is recalling certain 2021 model year A6, A6 All Road, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, RS Q8, S6, S7, S8, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles due to a software error causing the instrument panel display to fail. The recall affects 44,387 vehicles.
- Porsche recall. Porsche is recalling 8,571 Macan electric vehicles produced in 2024 and 2025 due to an issue with the rear-view camera that might produce a blurry image or fail to display, which breaches federal motor vehicle safety standards on rear visibility.
- Ford/Lincoln recall. Ford Motor Co. will recall 123,611 full-size pickup and SUV models due to a fluid leak that could reduce braking performance and increase stopping distance. This affects certain 2017-18 Ford F-1500, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models. "Dealers are expected to replace the affected parts, such as the master cylinder or the brake booster, free of charge", the U.S. auto safety regulator said.
- Honda motorcycle recall. Honda is recalling certain 2018-2025 CB300R motorcycles. The headlights may flicker or shut off while driving. Dealers will replace the headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall affects 7,212 vehicles.
Stay safe. Be Well.