Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup February 16-21, 2026

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Here are Larry’s Top Auto Story Picks of the Week of February 15-21, 2026: Larry picked these as important, relevant, interesting and sometimes semi-secret stories you need to know—served up as snappy, opinionated, and insider-sharp, these are expertly crafted, easy-to-understand news nuggets that cut through the noise and get right to what matters to you in the automotive world.

* Tariffs. After the Supreme Court ruled that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was illegal, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to implement a new temporary 10% duty. This move followed the major Supreme Court ruling earlier that day that struck down previous sweeping tariffs as unconstitutional. The new 10% global tariff, and the accompanying exemptions, are set to take effect on February 24, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST. Trump then signed a proclamation exempting vehicles and auto parts from the new 10% global import duty. Vehicles and auto parts were excluded from the new 10% duty because they are already subject to separate, higher tariffs—typically 25%—under different legal authorities like Section 232 and Section 301. In addition to vehicles and parts, the new duty also exempts: Steel, aluminum, copper, and certain energy products; Goods from Canada and Mexico that comply with USMCA rules; Pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and certain agricultural products like beef and oranges.  Less than 24 hours after initially proposing a 10% blanket tariff on all foreign goods, Trump raised the rate to 15%. Stay tuned !

* US Cars thirstier for gas and less competitive globally. Transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gases in the United States. The Trump administration’s yearlong parade of regulatory rollbacks, capped by its killing of the “endangerment finding" means the United States will essentially have no laws on the books that enforce how efficient America’s passenger cars and trucks should be. Car buyers could still vote with their wallets, demanding more fuel-efficient cars. California has vowed to sue to maintain stricter standards. The Department of Transportation still regulates fuel economy under rules meant to conserve oil, and the E.P.A. still regulates other tailpipe emissions, like nitrogen oxides, that harm human health. Read more on this HERE

* California v. Trump clash. A California lawsuit alleges Trump illegally stripped the state's power to restrict auto pollution. If California wins, automakers could face conflicting federal and California EV regulations. Eleven other states follow California's zero-emission vehicle mandates, raising the legal stakes. California has set its own, tougher auto-pollution rules for decades with bipartisan federal support. More HERE

* Used EV sales are surging in 2025–2026. Driven by a 40% price drop from 2022 levels, high inventory from lease returns, and strong demand for affordable, under $25,000 models like the Tesla Model 3 are selling. Sales increased by 13.5% in Q4 2025, with used EVs often selling faster than gas cars as buyers seek value and lower maintenance costs. Used EVs are proving to be reliable, often with 8-year/150,000-mile battery warranties still in effect. The market is dominated by the Tesla Model 3 and Y, alongside Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and Hyundai Kona Electric. More on this HERE

* Edmunds Top New Vehicles. Each year, the Edmunds Top Rated Awards are bestowed on the best new cars, trucks and SUVs on sale. From 17 finalists, they've narrowed it down to six winners across six categories. One vehicle also earns the coveted Edmunds Top Rated Best of the Best Award. See the top picks VIDEO HERE

* About parking lot norms. Do you back into a parking spot or back out? An exploration of what’s driving a change in America’s parking lots. Find out HERE

* French dieselgate. Volkswagen has been ordered to face a criminal trial in Paris regarding the "Dieselgate" emissions scandal, with hearings potentially starting in 2027. Prosecutors allege the company used test-cheating software in nearly a million French vehicles, causing "aggravated fraud" and endangering health, following a 2021 report claiming management approved the strategy.  VW contests the accusations, arguing that French consumers did not suffer damage requiring compensation and that they should not face a new trial, citing previous fines in Germany. This follows the 2015 revelation that 11 million vehicles worldwide were fitted with software to cheat emissions tests. The scandal has cost VW over 32 billion euros globally in fines and vehicle recalls. Other manufacturers, including Renault and Stellantis, have also faced scrutiny in France. 

* Mercedes recall. Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling certain 2023-2024 EQB 250+, 2022-2024 EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Also, owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the remedy has been completed. The recall affects 11,895 vehicles. 

* Nissan recall. Nissan is recalling 642,698 Rogue SUVs in the U.S. as part of two separate recalls, over issues that could cause loss of drive power, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. Nissan is recalling 318,781 Rogue SUVs over broken throttle body gears, the regulator said. Separately, the Japanese automaker is recalling 323,917 Rogue SUVs due to damaged engine bearings, which could lead to the discharge of hot oil, increasing the risk of an engine fire and loss of drive power.

* Ducati recall. Ducati is recalling the 2025-2026 Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 motorcycles because of a risk of rear brake failure. This is the second recall for this issue, following one initiated early in 2025. Apparently, the correction for that earlier recall was insufficient, resulting in this second recall, which adds 2026 models. The recall campaign affects both the base model and S versions of the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4, encompassing a total of 1,440 motorcycles.

* AHoF Class of 2026. The Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn has announced its Class of 2026, honoring inductees whose leadership, innovation, and influence have profoundly shaped the global automotive industry. The Automotive Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes: Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corp., Giampaolo Dallara, owner of Dallara Motorsports, Harold Goddijn, Corinne Vigreux, Peter Frans Pauwels, and Pieter Geelen — the founders of TomTom, and Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson of Barrett-Jackson. The formal Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by MEMA, will take place on Sept. 23, 2026, in downtown Detroit at The Department at Hudson’s.

* Florida 1000 Miglia. The 1000 Miglia was an open-road, motorsport endurance race established in 1926 by Giovanni Canestrini, Franco Mazzotti, Aymo Maggi and Renzo Castagneto. They had the idea of this amazing speed race on open public roads, taking place over a route of 1,600 kilometers (equal to 1000 miles) from Brescia to Rome and back. In 1977 the 1000 Miglia experienced a new start and has transformed into the most important regularity race in the world for historic cars. Over the years, the race has evolved by opening up to other categories and opening up to innovation. The MILLE MIGLIA: EXPERIENCE FLORIDA, a franchised official “Red Arrow” 1000 Miglia event, is an international three-day road rally/race, featuring vintage grand touring cars and modern Supercars. The second edition of the 1000 Miglia Experience USA Florida – a four days competition in full 1000 Miglia regularity race style – will take place in Florida from February 20 to 23, 2026. Details HERE

* Ferraris in Florida. The 35th Palm Beach Cavallino Classic concluded with record numbers, welcoming over 360 automobiles during Presidents’ Day weekend. Held at The Boca Raton, one of America’s most storied luxury resorts, this milestone edition brought together the earliest chapters of Ferrari’s competition history, iconic road models of 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, and rare special versions — many never before seen before in a concours — offering an unparalleled overview of the marque’s evolution across three unforgettable days. More than 300 Ferraris were presented throughout the Presidents’ Day weekend. See more HERE

*RIP. George Warren Barber Jr. was a prominent American businessman, philanthropist, and motorsports enthusiast from Alabama. He is most widely recognized as the founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. He passed away at the age of 85 on February 16, 2026. In 2003, he established the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, a world-class 16-turn road course that hosts major events like the IndyCar Series' Grand Prix of Alabama. In 2014, his collection was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest motorcycle collection. Today, the museum houses more than 1,800 motorcycles from 200 different manufacturers.  Barber was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2014 for his significant impact on the motorcycling world.

Stay safe. Be Well.
Kind regards,
  Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
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Chicago Car Guy