Earlier this week: Trump delivers speech to Congress, boasting achievements. ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement sparks nationwide protests and boycotts. Stellantis commits to ramping up U.S. manufacturing after one-month tariff exemption. UAW workers at Ultium Cells secure first contract with significant benefits. Tesla secures tax incentives for new Houston Megapack factory. Carvana acquires Arizona dealership in bold move toward new car sales. BYD achieves record EV sales, dominating the global market.
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 delivers speech to Congress, boasting achievements
In a speech to Congress on Tuesday night that abandoned the traditional calls for unity, President Donald Trump delivered a forceful, partisan address that underscored his combative approach to governance. Rather than seeking common ground, Trump boasted about his election victory, criticized Democrats for refusing to acknowledge his successes, and leaned heavily into divisive cultural issues. Read More
2. ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement sparks nationwide protests and boycotts
Nine people were arrested during a protest staged outside a New York Tesla dealership on Saturday. Several protestors aggressively heckled Tesla drivers while some forced their way inside the showroom, forcing the Tesla employees to cease operations and shut down the store. Read More
3. Stellantis commits to ramping up U.S. manufacturing after one-month tariff exemption
The automotive industry is taking a deep breath after President Trump announced a one-month tariff exemption on auto imports that comply with the USMCA trade agreement. Stellantis, in particular, publicly thanked the president for the grace period, emphasizing its commitment to U.S. manufacturing. Read More
4. UAW workers at Ultium Cells secure first contract with significant benefits
Nearly 1,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members at Ultium Cells’ Tennessee battery plant have overwhelmingly approved their first contract, securing better wages, benefits, and workplace protections. The agreement builds on gains from the UAW’s national contract with General Motors (GM) and marks a significant step in the union’s push to organize EV battery plants. Read More
5. Tesla secures tax incentives for new Houston Megapack factory
Tesla has secured a tax abatement from Waller County, Texas, to develop a new Megapack factory near Houston, further expanding its energy storage business. The facility, located in the Empire West industrial park near Katy, Texas, is expected to create 1,500 jobs by its third year of operation and boost Tesla’s battery storage production. Read More
6. Carvana acquires Arizona dealership in bold move toward new-car sales
Carvana has officially entered the new-vehicle sales market with the acquisition of a franchised dealership in Arizona, a major shift for the online retailer known for selling only used cars since its founding in 2013. Read More
7. BYD achieves record EV sales, dominating the global market
BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, reported record-breaking global sales in February 2025, continuing its rapid expansion in the EV market. The company sold 322,846 vehicles worldwide, an 8.9% increase from January. The most significant growth came from exports, which rose 187.8% year-over-year to 67,025 units, reflecting the company’s increasing presence in international markets. Read More
8. How leaders can deliver tough feedback effectively
Delivering feedback effectively isn’t just about what you say—it’s how you say it. Leadership expert Dave Anderson emphasizes that tone and inflection play a critical role in communication, especially when holding people accountable. In the latest edition of Lessons in Leadership, Anderson shares insights from his Master the Art of Accountability class, stressing that emotional control and professional delivery are key to ensuring feedback resonates. Watch the full segment here.Â
9. Remembering Jim ‘Alpha Dawg’ Ziegler: Automotive icon and industry trailblazer passes at 78
The automotive industry mourns the loss of Jim Ziegler, affectionately known as the “Alpha Dawg,” who passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025. A stalwart advocate for automotive dealers, Jim’s career spanned over four decades, during which he left an indelible mark on the industry. Watch the full segment here.Â
10. GNYADA President Mark Schienberg talks 2025 industry challenges and New York Auto Show
As the automotive industry grapples with evolving regulations, direct sales concerns, and potential tariffs, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) is working to protect franchise dealers and streamline business operations. Joining us on the latest episode of Inside Automotive is Mark Schienberg, president of GNYADA, to discuss the association’s 2025 agenda, the ongoing debate over direct sales, and what to expect from the highly anticipated 125th anniversary of the New York Auto Show. Watch the full segment here.
