ICYMI: President Donald Trump overturned California’s EV mandate. The United States secured a deal for rare earth materials with China. Senator Bernie Moreno pushed for tax reforms. In May, the volume of vehicles shipped to the United States dropped by over 70%. General Motors (GM) announced a $4 billion investment to boost U.S. manufacturing.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Trump overturns California EV mandate, says he’s ‘rescuing’ U.S. auto industry
On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed three congressional resolutions aimed at overturning California’s aggressive statewide efforts to adopt electric vehicles and phase out diesel engines. The measures, approved by Congress last month, were formalized during a morning event at the White House and are expected to reshape national automotive and environmental policy. Read More
New framework deal grants U.S. ‘upfront’ access to Chinese rare earth materials
President Donald Trump announced the completion of a trade framework with China, pending final approval from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The deal outlines that China will provide the United States with full magnets and rare earth materials upfront, a move that will alleviate immediate pressure on the U.S. auto industry. The U.S. and China will maintain reciprocal tariffs, with the U.S. imposing a 55% tariff and China a 10% tariff. Read More
Senator Moreno proposes tax bill reforms to support U.S. auto industry
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), a former auto dealer and first-term lawmaker, is leading a push to reshape key automotive provisions in President Donald Trump’s tax package, currently under Senate consideration. Moreno has released a six-point plan to adjust the legislation with car buyers, truck operators, and U.S. manufacturers in mind. Read More
U.S. auto imports drop more than 70% in May
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported autos, the volume of vehicles shipped to the U.S. plunged dramatically. According to the trade database Descartes Datamyne, maritime imports of autos dropped by 72.3% in May compared to the same month last year. This sharp decline indicates that automakers are opting to hold inventory offshore rather than pay the 25% duty on auto imports. Most are likely delaying shipments, hoping for policy changes that could ease the cost burden and help manage supply chain expenses. Read More
GM boosts U.S. manufacturing with $4B investment amid tariff pressures
General Motors (GM) will invest $4 billion in three of its U.S. manufacturing plants as part of a sweeping plan to shift or expand production of two Mexican-assembled vehicles back to American soil. The announcement, made on Tuesday, follows GM’s recent $888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion Plant in Buffalo. Together, the moves mark a broader reshoring strategy as the automaker adapts to the rising trade tensions and intensifying pressure from President Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported autos. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
How Gary Rome builds community and culture one car giveaway at a time
For over a decade, Gary Rome, president of the Gary Rome Auto Group and 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year, has awarded a car to outstanding students, showcasing the positive impact that dealers can have on their local communities. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, he joins us to discuss how dealers can instill a culture of generosity within their dealerships.
Why technology should enhance, not replace, customer relationships with Joseph Michelli
In today’s digital age, businesses often rush to adopt new technologies, but few strike the balance between innovation and genuine human connection. On today’s episode of CBT Now, we’re joined by New York Times best-selling author and customer experience expert Joseph Michelli to discuss how Amazon’s One Medical is redefining the patient experience with a people-first, tech-enabled model. The conversation, based on Michelli’s new book All Business Is Personal, offers key lessons for any business aiming to modernize without losing its personal touch.
