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Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup July 5-11, 2026
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Here are Larry’s Top Auto Story Picks of the Week of July 5=11, 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.
Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup July 5-11, 2026
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* Fiat Topolino has arrived in the US. Last December Fiat announced they would introduce the Fiat Topolino microcar in select US markets. Well, the Topolino, Stellantis’ first entry into the U.S. micromobility segment, is now here. Limited quantities of 2026 Fiat Topolino and Topolino Dolcevita are available now through select dealers. It's a Low-speed vehicle (LSV) designed for neighborhood and lifestyle use, with potential for street-legal capability by late summer 2026. Topolino MSRP is $13,995, plus the $990 destination fee. An LSV is a federally regulated street-legal motor vehicle capable of speeds between 20 and 25 mph. Unlike standard golf carts restricted to the golf course, LSVs are legal on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Topolino is perfectly suited as a LSV for use on city streets in high-density cities like New York, Chicago or San Francisco. Resort and beach communities and private neighborhoods are well suited for a micromobility LSV as the Topolino. Place your order here
* US Auto Sales. With the first half of 2026 behind us, the U.S. light-vehicle market remains stable but competitive. According to automotive analysts, overall volume hovered between flat to slightly lower (down about 3%) compared to the exceptionally strong benchmark set in 2025. The year-to-date SAAR level is now 15.9 million, lower against the same time last year but rising in recent months. The primary narrative defining the first six months of the year was a massive, consumer-driven surge in hybrid vehicle (HEV) demand and a cooling of the pure electric vehicle (EV) market. This shift created stark divides between individual automakers based on their available inventory.
* Premium gas shunned. With the premium-to-regular price gap approaching an unprecedented $1 per gallon, a massive shift is underway as drivers abandon premium fuel to save cash. Premium sales have dipped 5% nationwide while regular fuel demand has soared by 10%, as inflation and bite-sized household budgets push motorists to the brink. While most drivers are doing this simply to cut costs, it’s highly important to check your vehicle’s exact engine requirements before switching. If your manual says premium is "recommended," your car's computer will safely adjust to regular gas, though you may experience a slight drop in horsepower and fuel efficiency. If your vehicle specifically "requires" premium (often high-performance or turbocharged engines), running on regular gas can cause "engine knock" (pre-ignition), which damages pistons and sensors over the long haul. (Bloomberg)
* More on killer air bags. The NHTSA banned the sale and import of air-bag inflaters marked with a part number used by a Chinese manufacturer after they were tied to at least 10 U.S. deaths. DTN, the maker, said it does not do business in the U.S. and believes the parts in question are counterfeits manufactured by another company. NHTSA officials said a traditional recall is unlikely because it’s difficult to track who imported and distributed the substandard parts. Learn more HERE.
* Meanwhile, there's this. Carfax reports the number of vehicles with unfixed Takata airbags has drop by 20% since 2024. When the Takata airbag inflator recall — the largest recall in U.S. history — turned 10 years old, Carfax data showed that more than 6 million vehicles still had unfixed recalls to replace those inflators. Now, two years later, that figure is down to roughly 4.8 million vehicles. Learn more HERE.
* About EV battery life. Modern electric-vehicle batteries are proving exceptionally reliable and long-lasting, performing better than many in the auto industry expected. Despite improved battery longevity, consumer fear of replacement costs remains a top reason for avoiding EVs, hindering U.S. adoption. Industry experts think newfound knowledge of battery durability is a game-changer for consumer confidence in EVs. Editor note: We think it will increase consumer confidence, but the ability to charge the battery remains a big hinderance. Read more HERE.
* NACTOY makes 2 changes. Big changes are coming to the 2027 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year of the awards. A new award for technology of the year is being added, as is the jury’s first Mexico-based juror. They’re among the most significant changes since the jury of automotive journalists presented its first awards — to the Mercedes-Benz C-class and Dodge Ram pickup — in 1994. Of note, the NACTOY awards consider vehicles sold in the three North American countries and therefore includes Chinese-brand vehicles which make up about 15% of Mexico sales.
* Speeding catches up with you. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison launched the national "Speeding Catches Up with You" campaign last week. The campaign educates Americans on the deadly consequences of speeding, which contributes to more than 10,000 deaths a year on our nation’s roads. This July, state and local law enforcement will be out conducting high-visibility enforcement to keep roads safe. More info HERE.
* Cadillac recall. General Motors issued a recall for about 14,500 2026 and 2027 Cadillac Vistiq electric SUVs due to faulty power-folding third-row seats that can fail to reverse when blocked, creating a child-entrapment risk. Cadillac issued a stop-sale and can disabled the feature in sold vehicles until the seat control module is replaced.
* Honda recall. Honda is recalling 2018 to 2020 Odyssey minivans. Water can enter the rearview camera assembly and cause the printed circuit board (PCB) to corrode. As a result, the rearview camera image can fail to display when the vehicle is in the reverse gear. The recall affects 325,588 vehicles.
* Ford recall. Ford is recalling 110,626 Mustang vehicles in the U.S. in two separate recalls over malfunctioning windshield wipers and a rear differential pinion shaft that may fracture, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. Ford will recall 67,842 Mustang and Mustang GTD vehicles because in certain cold temperature conditions, the windshield wipers may function only at their high-speed setting and the washing system may fail to function properly, NHTSA said. Separately, Ford is recalling 42,784 Mustang Mach-E vehicles because the rear differential pinion shaft may fracture, resulting in loss of drive power or unintended movement if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied. (Reuters)
* Kia park outside recall. Kia America is recalling almost 463,000 Telluride midsize crossover SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years that could catch fire while being driven or parked, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper repair during a prior recall, and the result could be a fire while the vehicles are being driven or parked, the agency says. As a result, the NHTSA is advising owners of the affected Tellurides to park outdoors and away from structures until the latest recall repair is done.
* Vespa coffee table book. Vespa is one of those few manufacturers that has transcended beyond the two-wheel enthusiast community to become part of the larger zeitgeist for nearly a century. So, why not get a nice coffee table book to celebrate the culture? Vespa and Assouline have collaborated to publish a gorgeous coffee table book honoring Vespa’s colorful history and iconic design. Read more HERE.
* Goodwood. The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the iconic Goodwood House Estate in West Sussex, UK. The official theme is: "The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels" focuses on iconic motor racing standoffs through history. The 2026 event marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary James Hunt vs. Niki Lauda 1971 F1 title battle, the 60th anniversary of Ford's historic 1-2-3 finish over Ferrari at Le Mans, and the centenary (100 years) of Ducati. More HERE
* Also about Goodwood. The big news is Goodwood is coming to America! The Goodwood Road Racing Club will be starting a new adventure across the pond in the US. If you want to be one of the founding members, make sure you sign up by visiting. HERE
Kind regards,
Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
The Auto Channel