Earlier this week: Trump will enforce 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 20% on China starting March 4. Sen. Bernie Moreno’s Transportation Freedom Act to boost auto jobs and lower vehicle costs. Stellantis eyes growth despite a 70% profit drop. General Motors boosts dividends and launches $6B share buyback program. NHTSA cuts 4% of its workforce despite an open probe on Tesla. Nissan’s CEO will be replaced following the failed Honda merger and disappointing financial earnings. Rick Case Automotive Group partners with the American Heart Association (AHA) to donate 250 CPR training kits.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Trump confirms 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, 20% on China starting March 4
On Thursday, President Donald Trump confirmed that his proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada would go into effect on March 4, following a one-month delay that began on February 3. The tariffs, which include 25% duties on imports from the neighboring countries, have faced ongoing uncertainty regarding their reinstatement. In addition, Trump announced that China, which was subjected to 10% duties, would incur an additional 10%, raising the total rates on Chinese products to 20%. Read More
2. Sen. Bernie Moreno introduces Transportation Freedom Act to boost auto jobs and lower vehicle costs
Senator Bernie Moreno introduced the Transportation Freedom Act, a bill aimed at strengthening American auto manufacturing while reducing vehicle costs for consumers by eliminating what he calls burdensome government mandates. The bill marks a key push by lawmakers to shift federal policy in favor of traditional auto manufacturing while addressing rising vehicle costs. Read More
3. Stellantis faces 70% profit drop but eyes recovery in 2025
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler, and Peugeot, reported a steep 70% decline in the full year 2024 net profit, falling to 5.5 billion euros ($5.77 billion) from 18.6 billion euros ($19.5 billion) in 2023. Despite the sharp drop, the company expressed confidence in a turnaround, projecting a return to revenue growth and positive cash flow in 2025. Read More
4. GM boosts dividend and initiates $6 billion share buyback program
General Motors (GM) has announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend and a new $6 billion share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its financial position and future growth. The dividend hike, from $0.12 to $0.15 per share, will take effect with the next planned dividend in April 2025. Read More
5. NHTSA cuts 4% of workforce amid ongoing Tesla investigations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed Monday that it has reduced its workforce by 4% as part of broader federal efforts to eliminate probationary employees. The cuts come as the NHTSA continues multiple investigations into Tesla, whose CEO, Elon Musk, has been closely linked to federal employment policies under the Trump administration. Read More
6. Nissan prepares to replace CEO amid weak performance and failed merger talks
Nissan is planning to replace CEO Makoto Uchida following disappointing financial earnings and the collapse of merger talks with Honda, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company has begun exploring potential successors, though no final decision has been made. Uchida, who has led the automaker since late 2019, previously stated he was willing to step down but preferred to stabilize the company first. Read More
7. Dealers doing good: Rick Case Automotive Group donates CPR training kits to save lives
In February, in recognition of Heart Month, the American Heart Association (AHA) partnered with Rick Case Automotive Group to donate 250 CPR Anytime Training Kits to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Broward Health. The initiative aims to equip families with the skills and resources to perform CPR on children and adults in emergencies, helping to increase survival rates for those experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. The CPR Anytime Training Kits are designed to allow individuals to learn life-saving CPR techniques in about 20 to 30 minutes at home. Read More
8. Become a stronger leader by mastering the three C’s of accountability
The ability to hold others accountable is one of the cornerstones of effective leadership, and it should be a skill that all leaders strive to master. In today’s episode of Lessons in Leadership, Dave Anderson, author of Elevate Your Excellence, breaks down the three C’s of accountability that leaders need to know to manage their team’s performance effectively. Watch the full segment here.
9. TIME Dealer of the Year Ray Farabaugh shares insights on leadership and giving back
Every year, the TIME Dealer of the Year award recognizes dealers for their outstanding performance. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, we’re honored to welcome Ray Farabaugh, this year’s recipient of the prestigious award and president of D-Patrick Inc. He’ll discuss his win and the impact it’s having on his customers, team, and stores. Watch the full segment here.
10. How Troy Duhon built a legacy of giving back while leading Premier Auto Group
For Troy Duhon, success in the automotive industry isn’t just about selling cars—it’s about making an impact. As the founder of Premier Automotive Group and co-founder of Giving Hope New Orleans, Duhon has built a legacy that extends far beyond the dealership lot. In today’s episode of the Executive Profile, Duhon shares how a life-altering experience during Hurricane Katrina reshaped his priorities, leading him to dedicate his career to philanthropy. From feeding thousands daily to building orphanages worldwide, his journey proves that purpose-driven leadership can drive both business success and meaningful change. Watch the full segment here.
