Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup October 5-11, 2025
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- EV deals. Automakers are taking steps to make up for the end of the $7,500 EV tax credit. Tesla rolled out "affordable" versions of its best-selling Model Y SUV and its Model 3 sedan, with starting prices $5,000 lower at $39,990 and $36,990. Hyundai lowered the price of its 2026 Ioniq 5 EV by as much as $9,800 and is matching the tax credit on the 2025 Ioniq 5. Ford and GM said they would match the tax credits for those who lease an EV using a maneuver that had their leasing companies buy the cars on dealers lots before September 30. However, both GM and Ford have backed off of that plan and will offer their own discounts instead.
- What must you have? Everyone has "must-have" and "nice to have" features when it comes to vehicle shopping. Those features that they won't buy a vehicle without and those that they would be willing to forgo if needed. AutoPacific's most recent Future Attribute Demand Study (FADS) captures these differences for the first time to provide even greater insight into feature demand to automakers, suppliers and marketers. AutoPacific pointed out some of the marked differences when it comes to "Must-Have" versus "Nice to Have" amongst generations of new vehicle shoppers. Older shoppers definitely aren't as eager for sustainable, eco-friendly interiors (materials and trim pieces sourced from recycled or renewables) compared to younger shoppers. There's a massive 23% pts. difference between Boomers and Gen Zers. Younger vehicle shoppers are far more needing to have more flashy and extravagant amenities like a full-width infotainment screen that spans the entire dashboard (wanted by nearly half of all Millennials and Gen Z shoppers) and various exterior/interior welcome lighting. There's a slightly greater emphasis and absolute need for safety-related features amongst older shoppers compared to younger shoppers. Note a 10% pts. difference between Boomers and Gen Zers for blind spot cameras and AWD/4x4. Thanks to Auto Pacific for these insights.
- Affordable e-cars. The European Union does not currently have specific regulations defining "small cars," but manufacturers are lobbying for a new homologation category for affordable "e-cars" to compete with Chinese vehicles. A proposal, inspired by Japan's Kei car segment, suggests less stringent safety standards and lower costs to produce smaller, urban-focused vehicles. This initiative aims to create a new market for affordable EVs. A plan proposed by Stellantis and Renault to create a separate category for small cars in Europe has gained a key supporter in European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Stay tuned!
- And here in the US. Moke America announced the launch of its brand-new street-legal Moke. No longer classified as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), the upgraded Moke now reaches a top speed of 45 MPH. This milestone comes with NHTSA approval and an EPA Certificate of Conformity. Powered by a lithium battery with a range of up to 80 miles, the Moke charges easily using a standard 110V outlet in just six hours. Coupled with the faster speed, the Moke is now a vehicle everyone can enjoy, without restrictions. See the Moke HERE
- Detroit-3 feud. Trump's threatened truck tariffs have created the fuss. Stellantis NV has lobbied the administration in recent days to waive or soften a possible 25% tariff that could otherwise hit medium-duty Ram pickups the company makes in Mexico. General Motors and Ford Motor, meanwhile, have urged Trump administration officials to dismiss the request. The tariffs are set to begin on November 1. Get the scoop HERE
- Good and bad city driving. With Americans losing an average of $771 per year due to time spent in traffic, the personal-finance company WalletHub released its report on 2025's Best & Worst Cities to Drive in, as well as expert commentary. Drivers annually spend an average of more than 369 hours on the road. That’s 15.4 days. To determine the most driver-friendly places in the U.S., WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities across 30 key metrics. The data set ranges from average gas prices to annual hours in traffic congestion per auto commuter to auto-repair shops per capita. Find your city HERE.
- American Supercar Exhibit. The Birth of the American Supercar, a thrilling new exhibition guest curated by legendary automotive innovator Steve Saleen, opens October 25, 2025 and runs through October 2026 at LEMAY - AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM in Tacoma, WA. Featuring immersive storytelling and an extraordinary line up of vehicles from Czinger, Vector, General Motors, Saleen, Hennessey, and more, this display traces the history of performance cars in America and even offers visitors a chance to help shape their future! Info here. HERE
- Nissan recall. Nissan is recalling 19,077 LEAF electric vehicles in the United States due to a potential fire risk linked to overheating during fast charging. The recall affects certain 2021–2022 Nissan LEAF models that are equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port.
- Toyota recall. Toyota is recalling approximately 393,838 vehicles in the US because rearview camera displays may fail, reducing rearward visibility, and increasing crash risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects certain 2022–2025 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid models, as well as 2023–2025 Sequoia hybrids.
- Hyundai recall. Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling 135,386 of its 2024-2025 Santa Fe midsize crossovers because of an increased fire risk from improper starter motor wiring, NHTSA said.
- Rebelle Rally The 10th annual Rebelle Rally got underway this weekend at Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes, California with competitors from 116 cities, 32 states and provinces, and four countries. The Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the U.S. and the first women’s endurance off-road rally in America.
Stay safe. Be Well
Kind regards,
Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
The Auto Channel