ICYMI: CBT News opens nominations for the Remarkable Leaders in F&I Awards. Trump threatens 100% tariffs against Canada over China EV deal and hikes South Korea tariffs to 25%. GM raises dividend and targets higher profits in 2026. NHTSA opens probe after Waymo vehicle strikes child in Santa Monica. Toyota retained its position as the world’s top-selling automaker in 2025.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
CBT News opens nominations for inaugural Remarkable Leaders in F&I Awards
CBT News, the leading news platform for retail automotive professionals, is proud to announce that nominations are officially open for its inaugural Remarkable Leaders in F&I awards, Powered by RouteOne. For more information, to submit a nomination, or to watch the celebration, visit https://www.cbtnews.com/nominate
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canadian goods over China trade deal
President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would impose 100% tariff on all Canadian goods entering the U.S. if Canada finalizes a new trade agreement with China, escalating trade tensions. Canada and China reached a preliminary agreement earlier this month to lower tariffs and expand market access, including reduced Chinese duties on Canadian agricultural exports and lowered Canadian tariffs on a limited number of Chinese-made EV. Read More
U.S. hikes South Korea tariffs to 25% after trade agreement stalls
President Donald Trump said Monday he is increasing tariffs on South Korean imports, including autos, lumber and pharmaceuticals, from 15% to 25%, accusing Seoul’s legislature of failing to enact a trade agreement with the United States. In a social media post, Trump criticized South Korea’s legislature for not approving the deal, saying the delay prompted his decision to raise tariffs across several major sectors. He did not specify when the higher tariffs would take effect. Read More
GM raises dividend, targets higher profits in 2026
General Motors expects stronger profitability in 2026, driven by continued demand for pickup trucks and SUVs, disciplined pricing, and shareholder returns, despite ongoing tariff pressures and a strategic pullback in electric vehicles. The Detroit automaker reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that exceeded expectations, while outlining a 2026 outlook that calls for adjusted core earnings between $13 billion and $15 billion. Read More
NHTSA opens probe after Waymo vehicle strikes child
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday that it is opening an investigation after a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child last week near a Santa Monica elementary school. The child sustained minor injuries after running across the street behind a double-parked SUV during typical drop-off hours. Read More
Toyota retains global sales crown in 2025 as hybrid demand offsets US tariffs
Toyota retained its position as the world’s top-selling automaker in 2025, reporting record global sales of 10.5 million vehicles, supported by rising hybrid demand and disciplined cost controls. Combined sales of Toyota and its Lexus luxury brand rose 3.7% from a year earlier, outpacing Volkswagen Group’s 9 million vehicles and Hyundai Motor Group’s 7.27 million units. Read More
Next Week: Exclusive Interviews You Can’t Miss
Jeff Cowan on the forgotten rules of professional salesmanship
Competition in the retail automotive market is rapidly intensifying, and building relationships is the key differentiator that sets salespeople apart from their competitors. On today’s episode of Service Drive, sales trainer, author and president of Jeff Cowan’s Pro Talk, Jeff Cowan, explains why fundamentals like rapport, accountability and training matter more than ever.
CarGurus’ Kevin Roberts on how affordability is reshaping the auto market
Affordability is still a challenge, but it’s not affecting every buyer the same way. Data from CarGurus has shown a clear split, creating what’s been called a “K-shaped” market. To help us unpack what that means for dealers in this new year, based on what we saw in 2025, we’re joined by Kevin Roberts, Director of Economic and Market Intelligence at CarGurus, on today’s episode of CBT Now.
