ICYMI: President Trump proposes 25% tariffs on EU auto imports amid ongoing trade tensions. Ford accelerates a secret EV truck project to challenge China with a $30,000 model. Fourteen California Volkswagen dealers push back on Scout’s sales approach. Auto debt rises 37% with dealers face increasing need for flexible financing. Used EV prices surge in April as overall used-vehicle prices cool.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Trump proposes 25% tariffs on EU auto imports amid trade tensions
President Donald Trump said he will increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25%, escalating trade tensions and adding uncertainty for automakers and dealers. Trump announced the planned increase in a Truth Social post, stating the move responds to what he described as the European Union’s failure to comply with a previously agreed trade deal. He added that vehicles produced in U.S. plants would not face tariffs. Read More
Ford accelerates secret EV truck project to challenge China with $30K model
Ford is advancing a closely guarded EV program to reshape its EV strategy and compete with low-cost Chinese rivals. The automaker is targeting a 2027 launch for a midsize electric pickup priced around $30,000, with a projected range of about 300 miles. Read More
Group of 14 California Volkswagen dealers pushes back on Scout sales approach
According to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), 14 California Volkswagen dealers filed protests at the California New Motor Vehicle Board on May 1. The complaint adds further challenges for VW’s Scout Motors subsidiary in its efforts to sell directly to consumers. Dealers contend that VW is competing with its own franchise network, citing claims that Scout is not independent due to shared ownership and production facilities. Read More
Auto debt rises 37%, dealers face increasing need for flexible financing
Americans’ auto loan debt is rising to record levels, surging to $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, a 37% increase from 2018. A quarter of all Americans now carry outstanding loan or lease debt, and the average car payment has risen to $680 a month. That’s according to new data first reported by CNBC from The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers. The credit crisis is putting pressure on dealers to find flexible lending options as buyers become increasingly stretched and the average new-car price nears $50,000. Read More
Used EV prices surge in April as overall used-vehicle prices cool
Wholesale used-vehicle prices fell slightly in April. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) fell 1.6% to 211.9 from March, but overall adjusted prices remain 1.8% higher than this time last year. Analysts say rising gas prices and affordability concerns are cooling the market overall, while simultaneously boosting sales of used electric vehicles. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Dealerships changing hands at record pace, what you need to know before making a move
A record number of car dealerships are changing hands in 2026, driven by aging owners cashing out at peak values while a new generation of buyers zeroes in on the right stores in the right markets. It’s creating a rare economic environment for dealers to buy, sell, or reposition their business if they move fast. Joining us on this episode of CBT Now is Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, one of the most active sell-side advisory firms in auto retail.
Why data infrastructure is becoming the foundation of AI success in automotive retail
As technology evolves, so do challenges. For dealers trying to make sense of it all, having the right strategy in place is just as important as the technology itself. Joining us on the latest episode of Driving Solutions is David Steinberg, CEO and Founder of Foureyes, a company aiding dealers in turning data into action. While AI is generating many opportunities for dealers, it’s also making things messier regarding customer communication and consent.
