Earlier this week: Chinese cars and tech faced a U.S. ban as Biden finalized a landmark auto policy. Trump’s proposed 25% Canadian tariff on cars may raise vehicle costs for U.S. consumers. The Biden-Harris administration allocated $635 million in grants to boost U.S. EV charging infrastructure. Auto loan interest rates are expected to fall in 2025, offering relief to dealers and consumers. The Detroit Auto Show returned after a four-year hiatus. Reputation scores drive growth for leading American dealerships. The L.A. wildfires will likely increase California’s auto insurance rates and loan deferments.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Chinese cars and tech face U.S. ban as Biden finalizes landmark auto policy
As President Biden’s administration prepares to leave office this month, it has finalized sweeping rules effectively banning Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market, citing national security concerns. The new regulations, announced by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, target Chinese software and hardware used in U.S. vehicles and prohibit Chinese car companies from testing self-driving vehicles on American roads.
2. Trump’s proposed 25% Canadian tariff on cars could drive up costs for U.S. consumers
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports has sparked backlash, with industry experts warning of major disruptions to North America’s integrated auto sector. Trump justified the move by claiming, “we don’t need the cars.” However, industry data, labor leaders, and economists paint a different picture, emphasizing the vital role of Canadian-built vehicles in the U.S. market. Read More
3. Biden-Harris administration allocates $635M in EV charging grants
With less than a week until President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, the Biden-Harris administration awarded $635 million in electric vehicle (EV) charging grants. This push for accelerated infrastructure development comes just ahead of what could be significant policy changes under the incoming administration. Read More
4. Auto loan interest rates set to fall in 2025, offering relief to dealers and consumers
As 2025 begins, auto loan interest rates are showing signs of improvement, offering hope to both car dealerships and consumers who have struggled with high rates throughout 2024. The Federal Reserve’s forecast suggests a potential reduction of another half percentage point in its benchmark federal funds rate target, offering further relief to the auto finance sector. Read More
5. Detroit Auto Show returns to its roots with hybrid, electric cars and snowy streets
After a four-year hiatus, the 2025 Detroit Auto Show made its highly anticipated return to the Motor City, reopening its doors to the public on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The show runs through January 20, offering a comprehensive look at the future of the automotive industry. Read More
6. Reputation scores propel growth for leading American dealerships
Reputation, the global leader in reputation performance management, has released its annual North American automotive industry report, revealing that all 152 top-performing dealerships achieved Reputation Scores of 900 or higher. Read More
6. California wildfires likely to spike auto insurance rates
The tragic wildfires blazing across California are not only destroying homes, properties, and lives, but they could also have serious financial repercussions for millions of Americans, likely spiking auto insurance rates and loan deferrals. Read More
8. NADA’s Mike Stanton on franchise pressures, direct sales models, and advocacy under a new administration
The automotive industry is grappling with seismic shifts as OEMs like Sony Honda Mobility and Scout Motors explore direct-to-consumer sales models. Mike Stanton, CEO and President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), joins Inside Automotive to discuss these challenges, their implications for the franchise system, and how NADA is navigating this evolving landscape through advocacy and collaboration with key stakeholders. Watch the full segment here.
9. How dealers can protect profits and CSI with compliant surcharging – Amberly Allen | Dealer Merchant Services
In today’s episode of Driving Solutions, Amberly Allen, the founder and managing partner of Dealer Merchant Services (DMS), joins us to share how her company helps auto dealers save millions on credit card processing fees without disrupting CSI. Watch the full segment here.
10. 2024 Dealer Sentiment shifts amid economic and brand dynamics – George Karolis | Presidio Group
In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, we speak with George Karolis, President of the Presidio Group, about the 2024 Dealer Sentiment Survey, which underscores the major shifts in dealer attitudes. From the evolving performance of brands like Subaru to the future of the M&A market, the survey offers crucial insights for dealerships navigating a dynamic automotive landscape. Watch the full segment here.
11. Len Short on driving dealer success: AI’s role in solving inventory challenges
In an exclusive interview on Driving Solutions, we sit down with Len Short, Chairman of LotLinx, to explore his vital perspective on the shifting landscape of automotive retail. As dealerships prepare for NADA 2025, Short addresses pressing concerns about inventory management, profitability, and how cutting-edge AI tools can transform dealer operations. Watch the full segment here.
