ICYMI: The U.S. delayed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods for three days as Trump cited a tentative trade deal. Ford and GM publicly back North American auto production but privately push differing trade priorities. Stellantis is considering selling its idled Brampton plant amid a labor dispute with Unifor. The FTC and Connecticut reached a $4 million settlement with a Nissan dealer over unauthorized fees. Dealers are leaning on fixed ops as softening new-vehicle sales pressure profits.
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. delays 50% Canada tariffs as Trump says trade deal is near
The Trump administration delayed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Canadian products for three days, hours before the duties were set to take effect. President Donald Trump announced the decision followed a tentative agreement with Canada, subject to the finalization of documents. Read More
Ford, GM clash over trade policies as Detroit rivalry heats up
Ford and GM are presenting a united front regarding the need to protect North American auto production. However, behind the scenes, the two automakers are advocating for trade policies that cater to their distinct manufacturing operations. Their differing tariff priorities highlight the increasingly divergent supply chains and production strategies between them. Read More
Stellantis weighs Brampton plant sale as Canada labor dispute intensifies
Stellantis is considering closing and selling its idled Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Unifor said Friday, deepening uncertainty over Canadian production and the more than $1 billion in combined federal and provincial funding pledged to the facility. Read More
Foundation Automotive ‘insolvent’ after losing $5 million appeal
Foundation Automotive Corp. is insolvent and has lost control of its dealership group to a creditor after falling behind on more than $300 million in debt, the company’s CFO Derek Slemko said in an October court hearing, according to Automotive News. The insolvency claim arose during a dispute over a separate judgment, in which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit upheld a $4.7 million award against Foundation Automotive on Aug. 4. Read More
FTC, Connecticut secure $4 million settlement with Nissan dealer over unauthorized fees
On Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission and the state of Connecticut secured a $4 million settlement with Chase Nissan LLC, doing business as Manchester City Nissan, over allegations that the dealership and its owners and managers charged customers unauthorized fees and misrepresented certified pre-owned vehicles. Read More
Next Week: CBT News goes LIVE!
Join us for the launch of CBT Live starting at noon Eastern on Monday, August 24. Hosts Jim and Bridget Fitzpatrick will bring you the day’s top automotive headlines plus exclusive interviews with industry leaders, dealers, and more. Monday’s guests include Tully Williams, Fixed Operations Director at The Niello Company, and Steve Greenfield, General Partner at Automotive Ventures and author of The Future of Mobility.
Watch live at noon every weekday on CBTnews.com as well as on our social channels: YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
