ICYMI: The U.S. and EU struck a trade deal setting a 15% tariff on most European imports. Stellantis posted a $2.5 billion loss for the first half of 2025. Toyota set a new first-half global sales record in 2025. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady for the fifth month. Trump extended Mexico’s tariff rates for 90 days.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
U.S.-EU trade deal sets 15% tariff baseline, easing auto and tech sector uncertainty
The U.S. and EU reached a framework trade agreement on Sunday that establishes a 15% baseline tariff on nearly all EU goods entering the U.S., including cars, which previously faced a 27.5% tariff. The deal marks a significant easing of trade tensions and removes months of uncertainty for industries and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. Read More
Stellantis reports $2.5B loss amid weak North American performance
Stellantis reported a net loss of €2.3 billion in the first half of 2025, a sharp decline from a €5.6 billion profit in the same period last year. Revenues fell 13%, mainly due to sales declines in North America and Europe, partially offset by growth in South America. The company also faced headwinds from tariffs, foreign exchange, and a shrinking European light commercial vehicle market. Despite the challenges, Stellantis achieved sequential improvements from the second half of 2024, supported by new product launches and marketing efforts. Read More
Toyota posts record first-half 2025 sales as hybrid demand offsets tariff impact
Toyota Motor Corp. reported record global sales for the first half of 2025, driven by robust demand for hybrid vehicles in core markets like the U.S., Japan, and China. The company on Wednesday reported its global sales, including from its subsidiaries like Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors, increased 7.4% to more than 5.5 million units between January and June. Read More
Fed holds rates steady as auto financing improves for top-tier buyers
The Federal Reserve voted to hold its benchmark interest rate steady for the fifth time this year, keeping it in the range of 4.25% to 4.50%, despite growing political pressure from the Trump administration. While two Fed governors, Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, dissented in favor of cuts, Chair Jerome Powell emphasized a cautious approach as the central bank continues to assess the inflationary impact of tariffs and economic growth signals. Read More
Trump extends Mexico’s tariff rates for 90 days to allow trade talks to continue
President Donald Trump has extended Mexico’s current tariff rates for 90 days, temporarily holding off on a threatened 30% hike as both countries seek to hammer out a broader trade agreement. The move follows a call between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on July 31 and reflects rising tension over border security and trade imbalances. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
San Tan Ford’s Tim Hovik on tackling EV sales as tax credits expire
As federal tax credits for electric vehicles begin to phase out, dealers across the country are bracing for a shift in consumer behavior and sales performance. In this upcoming episode of Inside Automotive, Jim Fitzpatrick checks in with Tim Hovik, dealer principal of San Tan Ford, to discuss how these changes are already affecting his operations and what strategies his team is using to maintain momentum in EV sales. Hovik, who previously set a national EV sales record at his store, shares practical insights on consumer behavior, inventory challenges, and future demand expectations..
How fixed ops teams can enhance tech and improve customer retention – Corey Smith | EasyCare
As technology and customer expectations evolve, automotive service departments face pressure to adapt or risk falling behind. In this upcoming episode of Service Drive, Corey Smith, National Fixed Ops Training Manager at EasyCare, offered insight into how fixed ops leaders can improve retention, efficiency, and profitability through smarter processes and tools.
EV sales show mixed Q2 results – Stephanie Valdez Streaty | Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive recently released its latest Kelley Blue Book EV sales report, offering a snapshot of current electric vehicle market dynamics. In this upcoming episode of CBT Now, Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of insights at Cox Automotive, joins us to break down the report’s findings and what they mean for the remainder of 2025.
