ICYMI: Two lawmakers have introduced legislation to tighten restrictions on Chinese automakers in the U.S. General Motors cuts hundreds of IT jobs as the automaker reshapes its workforce strategy. The United Autoworkers paused plans for a strike authorization vote at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights, Michigan, plant. Toyota is seeking approval to build a new $2 billion manufacturing plant in Texas. New-vehicle inventory held steady in April as automakers lean on incentives to push remaining 2025 stock.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Lawmakers seek permanent ban on Chinese automakers in U.S.
Two U.S. House lawmakers are introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently tighten restrictions on Chinese automakers and connected vehicle technology in the United States, citing national security and supply chain concerns. Reps. John Moolenaar and Debbie Dingell plan to introduce the measure Monday ahead of President Donald Trump’s trip to China for trade discussions. Read More
GM cuts hundreds of IT jobs as automaker reshapes workforce strategy
General Motors is cutting hundreds of salaried IT positions as the automaker restructures its workforce and reduces costs, while continuing to invest in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicle development, and other future-focused technology roles. GM began layoffs on Monday, affecting approximately 500 to 600 salaried IT employees worldwide. Most of the impacted workers are located in Austin, Texas, and Warren, Michigan. Read More
UAW halts strike authorization vote at Stellantis plant after outsourcing agreement
The United Auto Workers (UAW) paused plans for a strike authorization vote at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant after union leaders said the automaker resolved grievances tied to outsourced skilled trades work, easing tensions at one of the company’s most important truck production facilities. UAW Local 1700 President Michael Spencer confirmed the development in a May 7 member podcast, saying talks with Stellantis produced a resolution to the underlying grievances that had triggered the strike vote. Read More
Toyota plans $2B Texas factory expansion amid U.S. production push
Toyota is seeking approval to build a new $2 billion manufacturing facility in Texas, expanding its U.S. production footprint as automakers respond to tariffs, shifting trade policy, and growing pressure to localize manufacturing. The world’s largest automaker has submitted plans to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to build a new manufacturing facility in Bexar County, Texas. Read More
New-vehicle inventory holds steady as automakers push remaining 2025 stock
U.S. new-vehicle inventory held mostly stable in April, as automakers worked to clear out model year 2025 (MY2025) stock from dealer lots. Total new-vehicle inventory slipped to 2.86 million units, down 1.1% from March, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View. Days’ supply fell to 78 in April, down 2.4% from March and well below the 95 days recorded in January and February. MY2025 inventory dropped 36% month-over-month. By the end of April, nearly 93% of the total inventory was model year 2026 vehicles. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
From Iran war to inventory crunch: Tom Maoli breaks down industry pain points
From global headlines to policy changes, the automotive industry is bearing the brunt. Joining us on today’s Inside Automotive episode is Tom Maoli, CEO of Celebrity Motor Car in New Jersey, to discuss how global instability, including the war in Iran, is impacting consumer confidence, vehicle pricing, and supply chain conditions in the auto industry. With all the industry headwinds, Maoli believes consumers are “shaking in their boots.” He notes that consumer confidence is driven by apprehension and uncertainty, specifically citing high vehicle prices, monthly payments, and interest rates as the primary causes of this “unnerving.”
NJ CAR goes on the offensive as brokers, regulators, and direct sales pressure dealers
Car dealers across the country are navigating one of the most complicated regulatory and competitive environments in recent memory. Brokers are operating outside the law in states where the practice is banned. The FTC is cracking down on dealers over pricing transparency. And the long-term shape of the franchise system itself is being tested by direct-sales brands. Joining us to discuss all of those issues and more on Inside Automotive is Laura Perrotta, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR). Perrotta says illegal broker activity in her state is putting pressure on dealers, and little is being done to stop it.
