Earlier this week: Fed holds rates steady, warns inflation may rise due to tariffs. Stellantis ramps up U.S. shipments ahead of tariff deadline. Ford races against time to transport engines before April 2. Tesla gets first green light for robotaxi plans in California. BYD’s five-minute charging tech sets a new benchmark, doubling Tesla’s speed. New-vehicle affordability has reached the best level since 2021. Retail used-vehicle sales climb in February as inventory tightens.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Fed holds rates steady, warns inflation may rise due to tariffs
The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it is to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at around 4.3% while raising its inflation forecast and lowering its economic growth outlook, citing uncertainty from tariffs and federal spending cuts under President Donald Trump. Read More
2. Stellantis ramps up U.S. shipments ahead of tariff deadline
As the April 2 tariff deadline looms, Stellantis is taking proactive steps to mitigate potential disruptions to its production and supply chain. The automaker is accelerating the movement of auto parts from Mexico and Canada to the U.S. and working closely with dealerships to expedite orders of vehicles that could be impacted by new tariffs. Read More
3. Ford races against time to transport engines before April 2
Days before President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico take effect, Ford has scrambled to move as many assembled engines from its Essex Engine and Windsor Engine plants in Canada into the United States as possible. To do so, the automaker has leased dozens of semi-truck trailers and warehouses in Michigan and Ohio. Read More
4. Tesla gets first green light for robotaxi plans in California
On March 18, Tesla received its first regulatory approval in California for a potential robotaxi service, marking an initial step toward CEO Elon Musk’s vision for autonomous ride-hailing. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted Tesla a transportation charter-party carrier (TCP) permit, allowing the company to own and operate a fleet of vehicles for pre-arranged employee transport. Read More
5. BYD’s five-minute charging tech sets new benchmark, doubling Tesla’s speed
Chinese automaker BYD has introduced a new charging technology that promises to significantly reduce the time it takes to recharge an electric vehicle (EV). The company’s “Super e-Platform” is able to charge at a peak power of 1,000 kw, providing an EV with 249 miles of range in just five minutes. Read More
6. New-vehicle affordability reaches best level since 2021
In recent years, vehicle affordability has been a significant pain point for dealers and consumers. However, February marked a turning point. According to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index, new-vehicle affordability improved, reaching its best level since mid-2021. Read More
7. Retail used-vehicle sales climb in February as inventory tightens
Retail used-vehicle sales saw a strong increase in February, with 1.57 million units sold at franchised and independent dealerships, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data. This marks a 16% rise from January and a 6% increase year over year, largely driven by the seasonal influx of tax refunds that typically boost consumer purchasing power early in the year. Read More
8. Cox Automotive’s 15th Annual Car Buyer Journey Study reveals key trends shaping the industry
The latest Car Buyer Journey Study from Cox Automotive marks its 15th year, offering vital insights into consumer behavior, satisfaction, and digital retailing trends. As inventory stabilizes and digital adoption grows, the study highlights critical areas where dealers and OEMs can enhance the customer experience and drive business success. Jade Terreberry, Senior Director of Strategic Development at Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book, and Vanessa Ton, Senior Manager of Research and Market Intelligence at Cox Automotive, joins us on the latest episode of Inside Automotive to discuss the findings and their implications for the industry. Watch the full segment here.
9. Deliver fast and specific feedback to manage your team’s performance
Effective feedback is essential for shaping the behavior and performance of your team. The ability to deliver feedback quickly and specifically is crucial for fostering a culture of accountability and improvement. In today’s episode of Lessons in Leadership, Dave Anderson, author of Elevate Your Excellence, discusses how skillful feedback can be the key to both reinforcing positive behaviors and correcting mistakes in real time. Watch the full segment here.
10. Shep Hyken on the power of reviews: Why trust and authenticity matter in customer experience
Customer reviews and ratings have become a pivotal factor in purchasing decisions, but how much do consumers really trust them? Renowned customer experience expert and bestselling author Shep Hyken joins us on the latest episode of CBT Now to share key insights from his latest research on the state of customer service. Watch the full segment here.
