Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup February 8, 2026
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* January car sales. Cox Automotive expects January new‑vehicle sales to slow following a strong finish to 2025, with the monthly sales pace forecast to land near 15.3 million – below both last January and December’s revised 16.1 million. Sales volume is projected to reach 1.14 million, up 3.2% year over year but down sharply from December, reflecting typical seasonal patterns and the impact of harsh winter weather.
* Best Cars of the Year. Consumer Reports has announced their 10 Top Picks of 2026. There are more than 260 cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market today. CR says their top-10 models are outstanding in their respective categories, earning high marks in theri testing. CR also provides a “Cars to Avoid” list as well as, for the first time, a list of what they consider to be the safest vehicle brands. See it all HERE
* More! Best Cars of theYear. Car-shopping marketplace Cars.com Inc. announced the winners of its annual Best Of Awards, recognizing the top-rated 2026 vehicles across six categories. Cars.com's top Best Car of the Year award was selected from a pool of over 40 all-new or redesigned models. When determining the Best Car of the Year award winner, Cars.com editors consider three key criteria: quality, innovation and value. The remaining five awards — Best Pickup Truck, Best Electric Vehicle, Best SUV, Best Luxury Car and Best Family Car — have their own watchwords and are open to all model-year 2026 vehicles of the respective category. See the winners HERE
* Minivan comeback. Automotive news reports, after years of being overshadowed by SUVs, minivans are experiencing a significant resurgence in North America. In 2025, the segment recorded its best performance in years, driven by a shift in consumer needs ranging from multi-generational family use to gig economy work. In Canada, sales surged by 34% to 42,377 units, the highest volume since 2020. In the United States, sales climbed 20% to 395,352 units. The Toyota Sienna was Canada's top-selling individual model. The Chrysler Pacifica led the U.S. market, accounting for over 25% of all minivan sales (110,006 units). The Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey also saw notable double-digit growth. With three-row SUV prices rising by an average of 8% in 2025, many buyers are switching to minivans as a more cost-effective way to transport five or more people. Beyond soccer moms (and dads), minivans are increasingly used by gig economy workers delivering for platforms like Amazon or DoorDash. Camping and "overlanding" have become major use cases; Stellantis even introduced a Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak off-road concept to target this demographic. The ability to fit 4x8 sheets of plywood flat remains a unique selling point for the DIYers. And, hybrid options, particularly the Toyota Sienna (all-hybrid) and Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, offer superior fuel economy compared to large SUVs.
* Top car dealers. CARFAX has recognized the top-rated car dealers across the nation. Verified customer ratings have driven the Seventh Annual CARFAX Awards. More than 10.8 million verified ratings and reviews from customers support the awards. More on this HERE
* Used EVs. Used electric cars are the best option for people who want to save money in the long run. A new study from the University of Michigan found that a used EV can save owners as much as $13,000 during the car’s lifetime. Meanwhile, a comparable gas car can save drivers up to $3,000. A surge in off-lease vehicles is expected to flood the market, creating significant opportunities for budget-conscious buyers. See more on this HERE
*Chicago Auto Show. The 2026 Chicago Auto Show opens this weekend with approximately 500 vehicles on display, including several new and redesigned vehicles. The show runs from Feb 7 to 16. Chi-Town Alley is a new immersive exhibit for 2026 celebrating local car culture, featuring custom builds, performance vehicles, and a first look at the hero car "Lola" from the upcoming film Drifter. Indoor test tracks allow enthusiasts to experience the Chicago Drives Electric track for EVs, or the rugged Camp Jeep and Ford Built Wild off-road courses. Key reveals and displays include the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, the 777-hp 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, and the polarizing Tesla Cybercab (Robotaxi).
* MAMA'S Favorite. Hyundai has been awarded three Favorite Vehicle awards for 2026 by the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). The all-new Palisade received two Favorite awards, Favorite Vehicle and Favorite Family Vehicle, and its IONIQ 9 stablemate was named MAMA’s Favorite Electric Vehicle during an award ceremony at McCormick Place during the opening of the Chicago Auto Show. The annual MAMA awards acknowledge exceptional vehicles across seven key categories, as determined by the votes of over 100 automotive journalists and creators who are members of the distinguished media organization.
* Deadly air bags. Federal regulators issued a safety warning, telling used-car owners in the U.S. to examine their vehicles’ maintenance histories regarding air-bag safety. NHTSA said nine people have died and two were injured in otherwise-survivable crashes after DTN inflaters ruptured. NHTSA urged drivers who find that their vehicles experienced an air-bag deployment to have an inspection. Read the details HERE
* No more electronic door handles. China has officially become the first country to ban hidden and electronically-actuated car door handles due to safety concerns. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued new safety technical requirements that require a return to mechanical release mechanisms. The policy shift follows multiple high-profile fatal accidents where electronic door systems failed after crashes or battery power losses, trapping occupants inside burning vehicles. As the world's largest automotive market, China's new standards are expected to influence global car design.
* Jeep & Ram recall. Stellantis NA said it is is recalling more than 450,000 vehicles because of improperly designed trailer tow modules whose trailer lights may not work and that have trailer brakes that could fail, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says. The vehicles involved are the 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis and 2026 Jeep Cherokee.
* Route 66 Centennial. Albuquerque’s main road is the longest continuous stretch—at 18 miles—of Route 66 in any city. This Southwestern city with the biggest stretch of the Mother Road is throwing big celebrations this year. Locals have renovated old Americana icons and added new murals along Central Avenue, paving the way for one of the most vibrant centennial celebrations on the 2,448-mile route. Go for it. More info HERE
* AMBR winner. At the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California the 2026 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award went to Nicole Baird’s 1932 Ford Roadster, built by Squeeg’s Kustoms. Baird's '32 rose above eight other AMBR contenders to claim the title and the $12,500 prize, sponsored by ARP Fasteners. Finished in metallic blue pearl with white scallops, the roadster features paint by Tracy and Terry Weaver, extensive chrome by Jon Wright & Ogden, polish by Russell’s Custom Polish, a Buick Nailhead V-8 built by Roger Beckman, and an interior by Recovery Room. See it HERE
* Rétromobile’s Upcoming New York Debut. Rétromobile just celebrated its 50th anniversary in Paris and organizers of the big indoor classic-car gathering gave more details on the event’s first-ever move to a second venue in New York City on November 19-22. Like Rétromobile in Paris, the New York show will feature classic-car brokers, automotive art, and even art cars, those sometimes-wacky constructions that border on the whimsical. Carmakers will also be involved, though with classic cars from their various histories instead of contemporary offerings. Both GM and Ford are said to be discussing their participation. More information HERE
* Indy car race in DC. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to hold an IndyCar street race in Washington this summer, as part of his "America 250" push to commemorate the nation's birthday. Trump, joined in the Oval Office by auto racing legend Roger Penske, announced the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be held Aug. 21 through Aug. 23. The U.S. Department of the Interior and Transportation Department will be officially charged with designing a race route along the National Mall, home to iconic monuments, the U.S. Capitol and the White House. The race is free and open to the public and will be broadcast live on FOX, according to the Transportation Department. But in order to hold the race, Trump could need congressional approval due to a ban on advertising on Capitol grounds.
*RIP. Ed "Isky" Iskenderian, the enduring and beloved “Camfather” of hot rodding, passed away Feb. 4. He was 104. From his early days as a pioneer in the post-war dry lakes racing scene to his role as a global manufacturer of high-performance camshafts, Iskenderian's influence on the aftermarket cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in transforming a fragmented hobby of "hot rodders" into a professional, multi-billion-dollar global industry that champions innovation and the freedom to customize. More Here, SEE ALSO: SoCal Hot Rodder Pioneers of Power & Speed; By Steve Ford, The Car Guy®
Stay safe. Be Well. Kind regards,Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy The Auto Channel