ICYMI: Waymo recalls software after self-driving cars illegally pass school buses. Stellantis will bring the all-electric micro Fiat Topolino to the U.S. The Fed cuts rates to 3.5–3.75%. Dealertrack Credit Index hits 99.1, reflecting increased auto loan approvals in November. Rivian rolled out a new self-driving chip and Autonomy+ system.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Waymo issues software recall after 19 illegal school-bus passings in Texas
Waymo said Friday it will issue a voluntary software recall after Texas officials reported 19 cases of its self-driving vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses since the start of the school year. The recall comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues its probe into the Alphabet-owned company after a similar incident in Georgia. Read More
Stellantis confirms US debut of tiny electric Fiat Topolino
Stellantis confirmed on Monday that it will bring its Fiat Topolino, an all-electric microcar, to the U.S. market. The Topolino, which translates to “little mouse” in Italian, is a two-seater electric quadricycle that’s closer to the size of a golf cart. It has a 47-mile range and travels at low speeds of 27-28 mph, making it best-suited for busy urban areas. Read More
Federal Reserve lowers rates to 3.5–3.75%, limits relief for car buyers
The Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 3.5 to 3.75% on December 10, which could offer limited relief for auto borrowers in 2026. The decision affects dealership floorplan financing and the rates indirect lenders offer for new and used vehicles. Read More
Auto loan approval rates rise as Dealertrack credit index reaches 99.1
In November 2025, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index reached 99.1, marking the highest level since October 2022 as access to auto credit improved. The All-Loans Index increased by 4% compared to November 2024 and rose by 1.1 points from October’s figure of 98.1, continuing a broader trend of easing that began in late summer 2024. Read More
Rivian unveils custom self-driving chip and Autonomy+ package, shares drop 8%
Rivian unveiled its first custom computer chip for self-driving vehicles Thursday, along with a new paid driver-assistance package called Autonomy+, priced far below Tesla’s comparable system. Shares of the pickup and SUV maker fell about 8% in afternoon trading, marking the company’s largest single-day percentage decline in nearly a year. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Frank Eckert on how dealers can boost service drive revenue with transparency, faster scheduling, AI
Frank Eckert, president of Eckert Solutions Group, says dealership service drive losses often stem from unclear pricing, slow scheduling, and inconsistent processes rather than customer resistance. On the latest episode of Service Drive, Eckert shares strategies to increase guest satisfaction, improve online scheduling, and boost revenue.
Get faster approvals, build customer trust with effective video MPIs
Sharing video MPIs with customers can improve service department approval outcomes by nearly 30%. On today’s episode of Loyalty-Based Sales Strategies, Jen Suzuki, sales trainer and president of eDealer Solutions, shares how to create effective video multipoint inspections that build trust and help customers make decisions faster.
