Earlier this week: Trump to ease auto tariffs, reimburse automakers, and soften parts duties. GM slashes profit outlook amid $5 billion tariff threat. Ford scraps key software program after $10 billion in losses. The WSJ reports that Tesla initiated succession planning amid a sales decline and political controversy. Waymo moves beyond fleets with its partnership with Toyota for self-driving cars. Toyota weighs $42 billion deal to buy out supplier. Aston Martin curbs U.S. shipments to offset tariff impact.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Trump to ease auto tariffs, reimburse automakers and soften parts duties
President Trump is expected to ease the financial blow of his newly imposed auto tariffs by allowing reimbursements for automakers and limiting overlapping duties on imported materials, according to people familiar with the policy. Read More
2. GM slashes profit outlook amid $5 billion tariff threat
General Motors (GM) has cut its 2025 profit forecast, warning it could take a hit of up to $5 billion due to auto tariffs levied under President Donald Trump’s latest trade policy. The revised guidance comes just two days after the company suspended its earnings outlook. Read More
3. Ford scraps key software program after $10 billion in losses
Ford Motor has abruptly canceled its flagship software architecture project, known as FNV4, which executives once described as vital to competing with electric vehicle (EV) leaders like Tesla. The decision, revealed to select employees last week, ends a multi-year effort to modernize the digital foundation of Ford’s vehicle lineup and streamline costly software systems. Read More
4. WSJ reports Tesla initiated succession planning amid sales decline and political controversy
Amid slowing sales, a plunging stock price, and growing investor concerns over Elon Musk’s political focus, Tesla‘s board has reportedly begun CEO succession planning. The Wall Street Journal broke the news, though neither Tesla board members nor CEO Elon Musk have publicly confirmed the development. Read More
5. Waymo moves beyond fleets with Toyota self-driving car partnership
Alphabet’s Waymo and Toyota announced a preliminary partnership on Tuesday to develop next-generation autonomous driving and driver assistance technologies. The collaboration will explore how Waymo’s self-driving tech can be integrated with Toyota’s automotive expertise to enhance safety and mobility in personally owned vehicles. Read More
6. Toyota weighs $42 billion deal to buy out supplier
Toyota is considering buying out Toyota Industries Corp., one of its key part suppliers, in a deal worth $42 billion. In a filing with the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Saturday, the automaker revealed that it is exploring various options, including a partial investment. Read More
7. Aston Martin curbs U.S. shipments to offset tariff impact
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc is scaling back U.S. shipments to cushion the impact of new auto tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, the company said Wednesday. While the British automaker left its full-year guidance unchanged, it reported a 13% drop in first-quarter revenue and a pretax loss of £79.6 million ($107 million). Read More
8. Turning tariffs into opportunity: How dealers can maximize service revenue
As new tariffs threaten to raise prices on imported vehicles and auto parts, dealership leaders and consultants are urging the industry to stay focused on the customer experience. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, we’re joined by Ed Roberts, COO of Bozard Ford Lincoln; Tully Williams, fixed ops director at The Niello Company; and Skyler Chadwick, director of Product Consulting at Cox Automotive, to break down how tariffs could impact dealerships—and why operational excellence, software utilization, and mobile service expansion are more important than ever. Watch the full segment here.Â
9. Boost your F&I product sales with one simple question
In today’s episode of Training Camp, Adam Marburger delivers a masterclass in helping automotive professionals improve their F&I performance. By focusing on clarifying customer priorities and strategic questioning, he explains how to shift the conversation from selling to helping, ultimately driving higher service contract sales and customer satisfaction. Watch the full segment here.Â
10. BizzyCar CEO Ryan Maher on transforming recall work into a major profit stream for dealers
As dealers face mounting pressure from tariffs, inventory volatility, and tighter margins, service revenue is becoming more important than ever. That’s where BizzyCar comes in. In today’s episode of Driving Solutions, Ryan Maher, CEO of BizzyCar and a former dealer himself, joins us to share how his company helps dealerships tap into an overlooked goldmine: vehicle recalls. Watch the full segment here.
