ICYMI: The Detroit 3 cut back investment after U.S. EV demand drops 30%. Ford CEO Jim Farley discussed a potential joint venture with Chinese automakers for U.S. production. Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader who spent decades advocating for minority representation in the automotive industry, passed away at 84. President Donald Trump imposes a new 10% global tariff after the Supreme Court strikes down most of his sweeping tariffs.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
EV demand drops 30%, forcing Detroit Three to cut investments
U.S. automakers are scaling back their EV ambitions after a steep drop in demand and the expiration of federal incentives triggered billions in losses and widespread project cancellations. The Detroit automakers, General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, have all reassessed EV spending after U.S. EV sales fell more than 30% in the fourth quarter. Read More
Ford CEO discusses potential joint ventures for Chinese automakers in the U.S.
Ford CEO Jim Farley discussed a potential framework with senior Trump administration officials that could allow Chinese automakers to build vehicles in the United States through joint ventures controlled by American companies, according to people familiar with the matter. The preliminary conversations took place last month at the Detroit Auto Show and included U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. Read More
Jesse Jackson dies at 84, leaving a lasting impact on minority auto dealers
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who spent decades pressing automakers to expand minority dealer ownership, supplier diversity, and executive representation, has died at 84. A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson built a national profile through presidential campaigns and activism, while also maintaining a sustained focus on economic inclusion in the automotive industry. Read More
Scout Motors to delay EV launch amid tech challenges
Volkswagen’s Scout Motors subsidiary, set to bring electric and range-extended SUVs and pickups to the U.S., is reportedly delaying its launch to the summer of 2028, according to a report from German newspaper Der Spiegel. The report cited technical issues and corporate cost-cutting measures as the primary causes. Volkswagen has not publicly confirmed the revised launch schedule. Read More
Trump imposes new 10% global tariff after Supreme Court strikes down emergency tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Feb. 20 that many of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 were illegal, while tariffs issued under other authorities, including duties on vehicles, auto parts, steel, aluminum, and copper, remain in effect. President Trump addressed the ruling during a press briefing, emphasizing that all national security tariffs and existing Section 301 tariffs would remain in place. He will also impose a new 10% global tariff under Section 122. Read More
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