Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup June 21-27, 2026

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Here are Larry’s Top Auto Story Picks of the Week of June 21-27-20, 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.

* Which cars are most American made? Cars.com’s American-Made Index has once again ranked all qualifying vehicles built and bought in the U.S. for model-year 2026. Now in its 21st year of publication, some 379 vehicles of model-year 2026 vintage were analyzed to qualify the vehicles that ultimately made the full list of 86. Click through to see the complete results and where a vehicle you’re shopping for may have ranked. BTW, no vehicle on the market today in the U.S. is 100% American made. Get the details HERE

* 2026 IQS. According to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), overall new-vehicle quality, as measured by the total number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) experienced in the first 90 days of ownership, has improved sharply this year, with fewer problems cited across nine of 10 categories evaluated. Infotainment is the exception, where connectivity issues continue to strain customer experience with new-vehicle quality. Have a look here to see the key findings.  HERE

* Know your buyer. Cox Automotive released new research, “Know Your Buyer, Grow Your Lot,” developed in consultation with the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), examining the realities shaping today’s independent dealership buyers and the operational strategies dealers can implement to improve conversion, trust and long-term loyalty. Independent buyer research from Cox Automotive reveals that independent dealer buyers are fundamentally different from traditional retail auto shoppers. Rather than shopping based off wants, most buyers are navigating financial pressure, urgent transportation needs and constrained credit situations—factors that influence every stage of the purchase journey. Key findings from the research include:79% of buyers say they need a vehicle rather than want one; 77% of buyers purchasing 11 to 20-year-old vehicles earn an under $75,000 household income; Buyers spend an average of 16.5 hours researching vehicles online; 77% use third-party listing sites during their search; Only 21% say they would return to the same dealership for their next purchase.

* Electric pickup trucks. The first generation of mass-market electric pickups ended in financial disaster. As automakers try again with smaller designs, consumers are right to ask what will be different this time. The answer? Almost everything. Dan Neil and the Wall Street Journal provide a nice overview of the good and the bad and what's coming. Read it HERE

* But, there's this pickup from Slate. Slate Auto, a startup backed by Jeff Bezos, is launching a two-seat, all-electric pickup truck starting at $24,950 later this year. The company employs cost-cutting measures like vinyl wraps, aiming for positive gross margins on the base truck. Slate faces market skepticism and challenges, including the elimination of a $7,500 EV tax credit. Learn more HERE
SEE ALSO: Compare Slate Pickup Vs The Auto Channel $15,000 Vehicle

* It's Hybrid time. We read in the Detroit Free Press: The escalating gasoline prices are influencing car shoppers with more of them seeking fuel-efficient vehicles, namely hybrids, more so than electric vehicles, data shows. In fact, as one analyst put it, "Hybrids are having a moment" — especially in the used car market, where prices are more affordable. “Many people assumed the recent spike in gas prices would mean a resurgence in EV demand, but hybrids have proven to be the real benefactor of rising fuel costs,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “Hybrids are selling faster, retaining more value, and growing their market share faster than electric vehicles, though Tesla’s EVs are also doing quite well.”

* Carfax Used Car Prices. Prices seem to be stabilizing. After a big jump in May, used-car prices are still rising, but the rate has dropped off considerably. Overall, used car prices on Carfax rose about 1.3% in June, down from more than 3% in May. See the price trends here. https://www.carfax.com/used-car-index

* Big brother is watching. Troy, N.Y., residents and officials are clashing over AI-enabled street cameras, reflecting a nationwide debate on privacy. Flock Safety, a dominant provider, faces backlash, with 50 cities canceling contracts amid concerns over data use. Courts have found license-plate readers don't violate privacy, but privacy groups argue laws haven't kept pace with technology. HERE

* Goodbye Polestar. Polestar, the Chinese-owned Swedish electric vehicle company, will exit the U.S. market after the Commerce Department banned the company from selling new cars. The ban is the first major casualty of a U.S. rule restricting vehicles with Chinese software because of national-security concerns. The Connected Vehicles Rule restricts the import and sale of cars with connected-vehicle technology that can be linked to China. This restriction will begin with all 2027 models. The rule, which was enacted under former President Joe Biden, states Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity and some satellite communications technologies that come in many newer car models, pose a national security risk to American owners. A mere 6% of Polestar’s sales volumes come from the U.S. market. The company makes the majority (78%) of its sales in Europe. Polestar will now focus on strengthening its business in Europe. More details HERE

* Happy 200th Birthday To The American Internal Combustion Engine, bet you didn't know that on April 1, 1826, Samuel Morey was granted U.S. Patent No. X4378 for his "Gas or Vapor Engine. Details and Video -HERE

* The Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and SUVs.In the early 2000s, more than half of the passenger vehicles on American roads were traditional cars like sedans. Their hoods were low to the ground. Today, SUVs and pickup trucks dominate the roads. Many are bigger than ever. And far deadlier, a New York Times investigation found. Read the details HERE

* Kawasaki recall. The motorcycle maker is recalling the 2025 and 2026 Kawasaki W230 for a turn signal issue, affecting 840 units in the U.S. market. According to recall documentation released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, improper process controls may lead some bulbs to contain foreign material or have cracks. Depending on the extent of the irregularities, the bulb filament may be damaged, or may not last as long as it should, causing the turn signal lamps to fail. 

* Land Rover recall. We read from The Drive and CarBuzz that JLR is issuing a recall and a stop sale on certain Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender models. The exact number of vehicles in the recall is unknown. The automaker is "voluntarily conducting a recall to address a potential issue affecting the driver’s airbag system in certain Range Rover, Discovery and Defender vehicles manufactured between April 2019 and June 2026," a spokesperson said in a statement. 

* NASCAR and the Navy. NASCAR and Naval Base Coronado in San Diego,CA just finished their first-ever weekend of racing. It turned out to be one of the most highly anticipated, memorable and, frankly, fun weekends in recent NASCAR history. Rookie driver Corey Heim beat teammate Tyler Reddick for the Cup Series win. See the background story HERE

* 2026 Pikes Peak. The 104th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb took place on Sunday, June 21, 2026. French racing driver Romain Dumas claimed overall victory and the title of "King of the Mountain," navigating the grueling 12.42-mile, 156-turn course to the summit in a blistering 8:18.202. He pioneered his all-electric Ford Super Mustang Mach-E to edge out his closest rivals in the "Race to the Clouds." Reigning champion Simone Faggioli, who took pole position for the event with his Nova Proto NP01 ATM Bardahl Super Unlimited, was hampered by a technical issue during his assent but still managed a 8m32.997s to take third overall. Emelia Hartford took ‘Queen of the Mountain’ title as fastest female in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb history. Hartford took the top female title after posting a female record time of 10:11.018 in Time Attack 1. Laura Hayes, who owned the previous record, was the next fastest female with a time of 10:17.538 in the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yomaha-Turbo division, which she won.  

* Dodge returning to NASCAR. Stellantis NA and its Ram truck brand has already returned to NASCAR's Truck Series with Kaulig Racing. Now, a return by Dodge to the top-tier Cup Series for the first time since 2012 is tracking ahead of the long-targeted 2028 schedule. Get the scoop HERE

Stay safe. Be Well.

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