ICYMI: President Trump may give U.S. automakers tariff breaks to reward domestic production. The U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on all imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Tesla released cheaper Model 3 and Model Y variants. Canadian PM Carney warns Trump’s tariffs could hurt North American auto supply chains. The U.S. and Japan reaffirm their trade deal as Japan preps new leadership.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Trump weighs major tariff relief for U.S. automakers
President Donald Trump is considering significant tariff relief for U.S. automakers, which could eliminate much of the costs major manufacturers are currently paying, according to an exclusive report by Reuters, citing Republican Senator Bernie Moreno and auto industry officials. Read More
Trump announces 25% tariff on all imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks
President Donald Trump announced Monday that all medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States will face a 25% tariff beginning November 1, a major escalation in his administration’s effort to shield domestic manufacturers from foreign competition. Read More
Tesla launches cheaper Model 3 and Model Y under $40,000
Tesla unveiled more affordable versions of its popular Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV on Tuesday, with both priced under $40,000. The new pricing aims to keep Tesla competitive and maintain consumer demand even after the federal EV tax credit expires. Read More
Mark Carney warns Trump tariffs threaten North American auto supply chain
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign-made vehicles, saying North America’s closely intertwined supply chain helps U.S. automakers remain globally competitive. Speaking Wednesday to business executives, Carney emphasized that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is essential for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the auto industry, but noted that not all stakeholders currently share that view. Read More
U.S., Japan reaffirm trade deal despite leadership change
The United States and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to carrying out their bilateral trade deal as Japan transitions to new leadership and prepares for an expected visit from U.S. President Donald Trump later this month. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Japan’s chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa spoke by phone for about an hour Friday, agreeing to move forward with the implementation of the July agreement and to strengthen the economic partnership between the two nations, according to Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
How service advisors can turn upset customers into lifetime clients – John Fairchild | Fairchild Automotive Solutions
Upset customers are a fact of life, especially in automotive. For some customers, every dealership visit is an “inconvenience,” vehicles aren’t “fixed right,” prices aren’t fully disclosed, or expectations aren’t quite met. But for dealerships, these moments are opportunities. Joining us on the latest episode of Service Drive is John Fairchild, high-performance coach and president of Fairchild Automotive Solutions, to share key strategies on turning service frustrations into loyalty.
Marcia Jackson on how to protect your dealership during an ICE inspection
Few situations create more panic for a dealership than when federal agents show up unannounced. On this episode of CBT NOW, Marcia Jackson, a partner at Wick Phillips specializing in Labor & Employment law, explains what dealers need to know if ICE agents show up at their door and the proactive steps they can take now to remain compliant.
