Key developments for dealers and consumers
- Waymo issued a voluntary software recall after 19 instances of its vehicles passing stopped school buses in Texas; an NHTSA probe remains active.
- Stellantis will bring the all‑electric Fiat Topolino microcar to the U.S. (about 47‑mile range; 27–28 mph top speed).
- The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.5%–3.75%, with limited borrower relief expected in 2026.
- Auto credit access improved: Dealertrack’s index rose to 99.1, the highest since October 2022.
- Rivian unveiled a custom self‑driving chip and a paid Autonomy+ driver‑assistance package; shares fell about 8%.
Safety and autonomy: Waymo’s school bus incidents
Waymo announced a software recall following reports from Texas officials that its autonomous vehicles passed stopped school buses 19 times during the current school year. The disclosure comes amid an ongoing NHTSA investigation tied to similar behavior, underscoring heightened scrutiny of robotaxi compliance with school zone and school bus laws that carry high safety stakes and could influence future permitting.
Product: Fiat Topolino heads to the U.S.
Stellantis confirmed U.S. plans for the Fiat Topolino, a two‑seat electric quadricycle closer to a golf cart than a subcompact. With an estimated 47‑mile range and 27–28 mph top speed, it targets urban and neighborhood mobility rather than highway use. The report did not include U.S. pricing or timing details.
Monetary policy: Rate cut and retail finance
The Fed lowered its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to a 3.5%–3.75% target range. Lower rates can ease dealership floorplan costs and support marginally better consumer APRs. However, the report suggests any relief for borrowers may be limited in 2026 as lenders adjust and existing contracts roll off.
Credit access: Gradual easing continues
Dealertrack’s Credit Availability Index rose to 99.1 in November, up 1.1 points from October and the highest level since October 2022. The uptick signals more accommodative underwriting, potentially expanding the pool of qualified buyers and smoothing the path from conditional approvals to funded contracts.
Technology: Rivian’s custom chip and Autonomy+
Rivian introduced its first custom self‑driving chip alongside a paid driver‑assistance package called Autonomy+. The report notes the package is priced well below some competing systems. Shares fell roughly 8% in afternoon trading, reflecting investor caution even as the company moves toward vertically integrated compute platforms.
Implications and next steps
- Regulation: Watch for NHTSA updates on Waymo and any guidance specific to school bus protocols.
- Dealership operations: Track floorplan expense trends and lender pass‑through of rate cuts; calibrate pricing and incentives accordingly.
- Credit conditions: Monitor the next Dealertrack release to see if easing persists into early 2026.
- Product strategy: Assess U.S. demand for micro EVs as Stellantis shares Topolino timing, pricing, and distribution.
- ADAS adoption: Gauge Rivian’s Autonomy+ uptake and chip performance alongside evolving regulatory language and consumer expectations.
