Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup October 20-25, 2025
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- Tariffs and the auto industry.The Trump administration formally imposed 25 percent tariffs on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and parts, as well as a 10 percent duty on buses, while extending a key tariff reprieve for American automakers. The U.S. government has extended a tariff offset program for domestic automakers through April 2030. Under this program, a 3.75% refund is offered on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of vehicles with final assembly in the U.S. to offset costs from imported parts. This measure is designed to incentivize domestic manufacturing and counter the impact of broader tariffs. Tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada and Mexico used in U.S. automotive manufacturing may be reduced by up to 50% for qualifying quantities.
- Tariffs and destination fees.Automotive destination fees are rising significantly, driven by persistent inflation, increased transportation costs, and new tariffs. The fees, which cover the cost of delivering a vehicle from the factory to the dealership, are not negotiable and are set by the manufacturer. According to Edmunds, the industry-wide average destination fee rose 8.5% for the 2025 model year, the biggest year-over-year jump in a decade. While some automakers raise fees incrementally, others are implementing large increases, especially for trucks and SUVs. For example, several full-size GM trucks and SUVs saw a $600 increase for the 2026 model year. Chevrolet, Ford and Ram have upped the destination charge on their half-ton pickups from $1,995 to $2,595 today.
- Leave the driving to us.General Motors plans to introduce eyes-off driving technology in 2028, beginning with the Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV. GM has mapped 600,000 miles of hands-free roads and its Super Cruise system has accumulated 700 million miles without a crash. Also, GM vehicles will integrate Google Gemini conversational AI next year, with proprietary AI planned for future customization. You'll have time to read a good book! More HERE
- Gas prices rise.After touching $2.98/gal, the national average price of gasoline has been on a surge, and stood at $3.07/gal this week according to GasBuddy, thanks to price jumps in the Great Lakes following a refinery fire.
- Auto production snafus.U.S. auto production faces several simultaneous supply-chain disruptions, including aluminum shortages and geopolitical chip export bans. Supply-chain snafus for rare-earth minerals, aluminum and semiconductors have hit carmakers simultaneously. Tariffs have cost the auto industry more than $12 billion and affected production. Read more HERE
- E-bike speed limits in NYC.Over the summer, the New York City mayor’s office had ordered Lyft, the operator of Citi Bike, to reduce the top speed of its electric bicycles from 18 miles per hour to 15. The directive preceded an announcement from the city last month requiring all e-bikes in the city, beginning Friday, to obey a 15 m.p.h. speed limit. The fun is gone! More HERE.
- Jeep has some fun with the Grand Wagoneer.In celebration of the new 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s wild side, the folks at Jeep felt comedian Iliza Shlesinger seemed like the perfect way to reintroduce their full-size SUV that embraces all of life’s adventures. Enjoy Iliza's take on the new Grand Wagoneer HERE
- Tesla recall.Tesla is recalling 12,963 vehicles in the U.S. due to a defect in a battery pack component that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The issue in certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles could result in the driver losing the ability to accelerate the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Tesla is also recalling 63,619 Cybertrucks in the U.S. because of front park lights that may be too bright.
- Jeep wins Rebelle Rally.The 2025 Rebelle Rally overall winner was the team of Nena Barlow and Teralin Petereit driving a 2025 Jeep Gladiator in the 4X4 class. This marks their fourth win in five years, cementing their legacy as one of the most successful teams in the rally’s history. Winning the X-Cross class was the team of Carey Lando and Andrea Shaffer a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. Spanning more than 1,700 miles of rugged terrain across Nevada and California, the all-female Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the U.S., an eight-day marathon of endurance and self-reliance. With no GPS, cell phones or outside help, it’s a true test of grit, skill and vehicle capability.
- Goodyear and a 200mph Superbird. Emelia Hartford is a versatile and multi-talented SAG-AFTRA Actress. Emelia’s versatility also includes her accolades as a leading personality in the automotive industry as a record-breaking performance car builder, driver, and content creator. Goodyear partnered with Emelia to outfit her 1970 Superbird with custom Goodyear tires, designed to meet her goal of hitting 200mph at Goodyear's San Angelo proving grounds. Emelia exceeded it, clocking in at 206 and then 211mph across two runs. Watch HERE
- New speed record.YANGWANG, the luxury sub-brand of new-energy vehicle manufacturer BYD, has established a new global production-car top-speed record. On 14 September 2025, the U9 Xtreme hypercar reached 308.4 mph at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, surpassing not only its previous electric vehicle record but also the established 304.1 mph benchmark of the fastest petrol-powered production car. More on this HERE
- Kind regards,
Larry Nutson,
The Chicago Car Guy
The Auto Channel
Stay safe. Be Well.