ICYMI: The White House exempted vehicles and parts from a new 10% tariff, though steel and auto duties remain. Stellantis is banking on the 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid to help fuel a U.S. sales rebound. Automakers may raise prices as tariff costs rise, despite only a 1% increase so far. Stellantis posted a €22.3 billion loss after EV-related charges but reaffirmed 2026 guidance. A Cox Automotive study found nearly 40% of Americans would consider Chinese vehicles, though dealers remain wary.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
White House exempts vehicles and parts from new 10% global tariff
Detroit automakers were spared from a new 10% tariff imposed Friday night by President Donald Trump after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of his broader global duties. Trump announced a flat 10% levy on foreign goods scheduled to take effect on Tuesday. However, a White House fact sheet clarified that passenger vehicles, certain trucks, and auto parts will not be subject to the new duty, providing immediate relief to manufacturers and dealers concerned about additional cost pressures. Read More
Stellantis bets on new Jeep Cherokee to drive US sales rebound
Stellantis is positioning the return of the Jeep Cherokee as a cornerstone of its effort to reverse declining U.S. sales and regain market share in the nation’s largest vehicle segments. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is arriving in U.S. dealerships following a three-year hiatus. The midsize SUV reenters the compact and midsize crossover segments, which together account for the largest share of the U.S. market. Read More
Tariff pressures could push new vehicle prices higher this year
Automakers may start increasing vehicle prices or reducing features in the coming months as tariff costs become harder to absorb, indicating potential affordability challenges for consumers and dealers ahead. Rising import duties are already forcing brands to reconsider pricing strategies. While affordability pressures may not have been fully felt in early 2025, the impact will likely become clearer by late spring and summer as manufacturers confront mounting cost burdens. Read More
Stellantis posts first annual loss after EV strategy reset
Stellantis reported its first annual net loss since the company’s formation, posting a €22.3 billion ($26.3 billion) loss for full-year 2025 after recording €25.4 billion ($30.0 billion) in write-downs tied largely to a strategic reset of its electric vehicle plans. The automaker said net revenues totaled €153.5 billion ($181.1 billion) in 2025, down 2% from 2024. The loss compares with a €5.5 billion ($6.5 billion) profit a year earlier. Read More
Americans show growing interest in Chinese cars, though few dealers want them
A growing number of Americans say they would consider buying Chinese cars if they were available in the U.S., according to a new study from Cox Automotive. The survey found that 38% of consumers said they would be extremely or very likely to cross-shop Chinese car brands, while 39% said they would not. Consumer interest in seeing Chinese cars in the U.S. is high, with 40% supporting their entry into the market. Dealers were far less enthusiastic, with only 15% supporting it. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Mike Rocchi on how Faulkner Automotive Group builds technicians from the ground up
Fixed operations talent shortages continue to pressure dealership profitability nationwide. On today’s episode of Service Drive, Mike Rocchi, director of technical training for Faulkner Automotive Group, shares how the dealer group built a structured, in-house apprenticeship program that delivers measurable productivity gains and long-term technician retention, contributing to its second-most-profitable year on record.
Ivette Dominguez Drawe builds legacy at Alpine Motors while championing women in automotive
From a summer internship at a BMW dealership to owning multiple Alpine Motors locations, Ivette Dominguez Drawe has built a career defined by grit, strategic vision, and a dedication to her employees and community. Her recent expansion into a standalone Chevrolet store marks another milestone in her 35-year journey.
