At a time when new vehicle prices are reaching record levels and interest rates remain stubbornly high, despite the recent rate cut by the Federal Reserve, affordability is becoming a critical issue that could send U.S. auto sales into a tailspin in the months ahead.
Strong sales by the Jeep and Ram brands helped Stellantis reverse its long sales slide during the third quarter, even as Volkswagen faltered in the face of a challenging economy. While U.S. auto sales are running stronger than expected, analysts still worry about the impact of tariffs and the federal government shutdown in the months ahead.
How consumers feel about the economy and their own economic prospects sit close to the heart of the decision to purchase a new vehicle. But in a worrisome sign for the future of vehicle sales consumers sentiment is slipping and price increases loom. Headlight.News has more.
Facing an uncertain economic environment that threatens to undermine demand for retail sales, including new vehicles, the Federal Reserve Board voted to cut interest rates. But it’s far from clear that will be enough to head off an automotive downturn worsened by anticipated tariff-driven price hikes. More from Headlight.News.
Japan reached a trade deal with the Trump administration that will lower tariffs on its auto imports to 15%. That’s nearly half what the president’s trade war initially imposed on Japanese-made vehicles – but its still six times more than the duties in place before the Trump trade war – which means thousands of dollars in potential price hikes should automakers pass the tariffs on to consumers. More from Headlight.News.
Hundreds of South Korean workers detained by an ICE raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia were returned home to cheers from family and government officials. But Korean companies are worried that more immigration raids will follow, throwing into chaos Korean-owned auto, shipbuilding, steel and electrical equipment operations across the U.S. Headlight.News has more.
Hundreds of employees of LG Energy Solution, a South Korean battery maker, were taken into custody in an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant being built outside Savannah, Georgia, officials from both ICE and the South Korea’s Foreign Ministry have confirmed.
Strong sales of electric and electrified vehicles boosted overall U.S. auto sales during August, with manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Toyota and Ford Motor Co. and Honda reporting solid gains and, in some cases, record sales. More from Headlight.News.
Shawn Fain’s grip on the Presidency of the United Auto Workers Union is under siege as more locals ask the UAW’s board of directors to consider removing Fan from office under the watchful eye of an independent monitor.
Automakers, especially Asian brands, posted healthy sales for July. But the pace is expected to slow as the economy turns sluggish from Trump’s tariffs and as unemployment begins to climb.
Trump’s tariffs are raising the prices of new vehicles and threatening the finances of buyers looking for a way to purchase, which are leaving them deeper in debt, new studies show.
After throwing its support behind Pres. Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported autos and auto parts, the United Auto Workers admits is coming up empty handed in the administration’s new deal with Japan, which offers nothing for workers and could lead to lower wages. Headlight.News has more.