Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup February 22-28, 2026

LEARN MORE FROM THE WEB'S LONGEST RUNNING AUTOMOTIVE COLUMN

* EV owner loyalty. A study by J.D. Power shows thal-time high, with 96% of EV drivers saying they would choose another EV for their next car, regardless of the expiration of federal tax incentives. The strong retention rate reflects growing satisfaction with battery improvements, expanded charging infrastructure and enhanced vehicle performance. The availability of public charging is by far the most improved index factor in both premium and mass market BEV segments (Editor comment: the horse has finally moved in front of the cart!). Concerns like range anxiety are fading for everyday drivers. Most EV owners simply aren’t driving hundreds of miles a day, and better range accuracy means fewer unpleasant surprises. More details HERE

* Chinese auto brands. New research by Cox Automotive on Chinese automakers shows a polarized U.S. market, limited brand awareness, and a wide gap between consumer curiosity and dealer readiness — highlighting why low prices alone may not be enough for Chinese brands to succeed if they enter the U.S. market. This research explores how consumers and dealers actually feel — and what those perceptions signal for automakers, retailers and the broader market. Take a look HERE

* About the Frunk. All the world was abuzz about front trunks in EVs...even though front trunks came in all VW Beetles since way back in 1937. Now MotorTrend reports Ford has made the previously standard equipped Mach-e frunk an option because, well, drivers weren't using them. If you want a frunk the price is $495. Here's the story. HERE

* Best for families. Parents.com has announced their 2026 Best Family Cars Awards, recognizing each vehicle as the best in its respective category and wholeheartedly recommending them to buyers. Parents.com panel of experts spent the year test driving over 150 cars, trucks, and SUVs to determine the magazine’s annual Best Family Cars Awards. See the winners HERE

* Springtime gas price increase. According to gasbuddy.com, gas prices will soon rise 10-25c/gal in KS, OK, NE, SD, ND, MN, IA, MO, TN, KY, WI, IL (and already did in MI, IN, OH) as the tradeable specs start shifting toward summer gasoline. It'll be a few weeks before those blends are in your tank.

* Volvo recall. Volvo Cars is recalling more than 40,000 of its all-electric EX30 compact SUVs worldwide over a potential battery fire risk, with US owners among those affected, according to reporting from Reuters. The recall covers 40,323 EX30 Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance models equipped with certain high-voltage battery cells.

* Ford recall. Ford is recalling 412,774 Explorer SUVs in the U.S., citing an issue with rear suspension toe links, which may fracture, leading to a loss of steering control, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The recall affects 2017 to 2019 model years. The dealers will replace the toe links free of charge as a remedy for the affected vehicles.

* And, another Ford recall. Ford is recalling over 4.3 million vehicles in the U.S., including 2021–2026 F-150, F-250–F-600, Ranger, and Maverick trucks, due to a software glitch in the trailer brake module. A software error in the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) may cause it to fail to communicate upon startup, resulting in a loss of trailer brakes, turn signals, and brake lights.

* 2DIE4 Film (2026). An immersive, 61-minute documentary-style film directed by the Abdala Brothers follows Brazilian racer Felipe Nasr during his intense, high-stakes 2024 Le Mans campaign. Shot for IMAX, it provides a raw, first-person perspective of endurance racing, focusing on real, unscripted drama, danger, and the psychological pressure of top-tier motorsport. Porsche Penske Motorsport, the team for which Nasr was racing, and with which he just won the 2026 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, agreed to let Salomão and André film the race. The racing documentary 2DIE4 is primarily available to watch in theaters, specifically in IMAX format, with special screenings and a nationwide release starting in early 2026, including locations in Daytona and New York. You can find tickets and showtimes at HERE

* Route 66 Road Trip Guide. Wanderlab, Tripadvisor's in-house creative studio, and Choice Hotels International are joining forces to celebrate 100 years of Route 66, one of America's most storied and beloved highways. To mark a century of cross-country adventures, the brands are launching a dynamic, interactive Century of Route 66 road trip guide that pays tribute to the communities, roadside stops, and travelers that have shaped Route 66 into a true American classic. HERE

* The 1000 Miglia Experience USA Florida. This week this "regularity race" brought the spirit of Italy’s legendary Red Arrow to the Sunshine State, featuring a stunning mix of historic and modern cars. The 2026 event ran from Feb 21–23 with the 1,000-mile drive starting Day 1 in Naples, heading through Venice and ending in Tampa. Day 2 traveled from Tampa through Lakeland, including an exclusive track session at the Sebring International Raceway before arriving in West Palm Beach. The final Day 3 leg from West Palm Beach finished in Miami, with a grand closing ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel. Victory in the 1000 Miglia Originals category went to Bruno Ricci and Gustavo Gallo in a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster. The Argentine crew also earned the most coveted prize: guarantees of acceptance to the 1000 Miglia 2027, the centenary year. The winners in the Classic Icons category were Americans Bruce and Harrison Roch in a 1950 Jaguar Xk120, while in Hyper/Supercars the Italian crew of Fabrizio Macario and Giovanna Di Costanzo won in a 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider.

* Detroit Autorama. It first started in 1953 as a fundraiser for a drag strip. Now, it runs Feb. 27-March 1 at Huntington Place. The Detroit Autorama will feature about 680 custom cars, guest appearances and the competition for the Ridler Award. Cars competing for the prestigious Ridler Award, considered top custom car builder honor, make their first public appearance at Detroit Autorama. More info HERE

* Oberoi Concours in Udaipur India. The second edition of the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance—just concluded at the Oberoi Udaivilas resort in Udaipur in northwest India—was one of only a handful of concours ever held on the subcontinent and helped reaffirm India’s status as an emerging force in the classic-car world. Learn more HERE

Stay safe. Be Well.

Kind regards,
Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
The Auto Channel
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