Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup January 4, 2026
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The Internet's Longest Running Interactive Editorial Column
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Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup December 28 2025- January 3, 2026.
Happy New Year! We hope your 2026 is off the a good start.
* CES show coming up. CES 2026, the world's most powerful tech event, returns to Las Vegas, January 6-9, bringing together global companies, innovative startups, industry executives, global media, and government leaders to experience the next-generation of tech that will solve global challenges. A look at the complete show rundown is here. HERE
* Tesla not the top EV seller. Tesla ceded its crown as the world's top electric vehicle maker to China's BYD after annual sales fell for a second year, hit by rising competition, the expiry of U.S. tax credits and brand backlash. Tesla sales fell about 8.6% in 2025. For the full year, Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles, compared with 1.79 million in 2024. More details HERE
* Which side is the fuel filler? From Ford authority we read: Roughly one year ago, Ford Archives and Heritage Brand Manger Ted Ryan, revisited a cool piece of Blue Oval history - the Moylan Arrow, which is an idea dreamed up by former Ford engineer Jim Moylan, who found himself rather frustrated with the fact that there wasn't a simple way to know which side of a vehicle the gas tank was located on. The resulting arrow ultimately wound up not only in Ford vehicles, but quickly spread across the industry - it just made too much sense, after all. Sadly, a year later, we're learning that Jim Moylan has passed away at the age of 80, according to Automotive News. Here's more on this. HERE
* Used Car Price Trends for January 2026. Carfax's Used Car Index says vehicles are more expensive than in 2024, but prices are falling. Compared to this time in 2024, the price of used vehicles is higher for 6 of 7 of Carfax categories. However, prices fell in December from a month earlier in 5 of 7 categories. See the details HERE
* Hyundai Recall. Hyundai is recalling 51,587 Tucson models due to a fire hazard with the optional trailer hitch. Water intrusion is the culprit. Affected vehicles are from the 2022 - 2024 model years.
* Motorcycle of the Year. The Ducati V2 platform earns Motorcycle.com’s Motorcycle of the Year honors. Editors said the Ducati V2 is a bold move. Making an engine smaller takes confidence. Making it lighter, more versatile, and still packed with performance takes vision. Read more HERE
* The Auto Channel’s Top 10 Most Interesting 2025 Articles. 2025 was a strong year for The Auto Channel—packed with memorable drives, smart buyer guidance, and the kind of automotive storytelling you don’t find in cookie-cutter coverage. Ten of the most interesting reads we published in 2025—each one a great “start here” link you can share with readers and advertisers alike can be found HERE
* About Burt Levy. The sub-hed says it The writer, racer, raconteur, and ride mooch tells all, again. Burt is a fellow member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), a top-notch driving coach and friend. Take a look at what Burt is all about HERE
* The Drive Home VII: Route 66. Today kicked off the historic Drive Home across Route 66 and also the start of the celebration of Route 66’s Centennial year. America’s Automotive Trust, along with their partners the Detroit Auto Show, and the National Route 66 Centennial Commission are taking a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country drive celebrating the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66. Learn more about this historical event HERE
Stay safe. Be Well.
Kind regards,
Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
The Auto Channel