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Frantic Automakers Search for Trump Tariff Strategies

Frantic Automakers Search for Trump Tariff Strategies

Tariffs continue to dominate the auto industry, manufacturers around the world struggling to figure out formulas that will minimize the impact on consumers – and U.S. sales – while avoiding budget-busting new costs that could send their balance sheets deep into the red. Here are some of the latest developments.

New Car Sales Jump in March But Tariffs May Cause 1.8M Drop in 2025 Sales

New Car Sales Jump in March But Tariffs May Cause 1.8M Drop in 2025 Sales

Automakers got to celebrate a bit in March as new vehicle sales jumped 10.7% compared to year-ago numbers. However, that celebration is likely to be short-lived, if the assertions in a new report prove true. The tome authored by Telemetry’s Sam Abuelsamid predicts sales will fall 1.8 million units in 2025 and the next several years don’t look much better, reports Headlight.News.

Jaguar Land Rover Will “Pause” U.S. Exports to Develop Tariff Plan

Jaguar Land Rover Will “Pause” U.S. Exports to Develop Tariff Plan

Britain’s Jaguar Land Rover will “pause” vehicle shipments to the U.S. in the wake of Pres. Donald Trump’s broad tariff plans on imported autos and auto parts. The automaker said it is working out a plan “to address the new trading terms.” JLR’s announcement follows moves by brands including Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen to adjust U.S. market strategies as the industry faces a substantial increase in vehicle prices. Headlight.News has the latest.

Hyundai Will Swallow Tariff Hit — For Now

Hyundai Will Swallow Tariff Hit — For Now

Hyundai said it will temporarily refrain from passing on to consumers any additional tariff costs as part of a new “Customer Assurance” program. That could add up to thousands of dollars on a new vehicle as a result of the new tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump this week. But the program runs only through the beginning of June. Other automakers are weighing their own plans which, for VW means making it clear to buyers why they’ll soon pay more for their vehicles. Headlight.News has more.

Mexican Auto Plants Keep Humming Despite Trump Tariffs

Mexican Auto Plants Keep Humming Despite Trump Tariffs

In a surprise twist, Trump’s tariff war has so far left Mexican auto plants humming despite promises to blue-collar workers in the U.S. For now, at least, the USMCA trade agreement remains in force along the Southern border. But the tariffs have already had a negative impact on autoworkers Stellantis announcing layoffs at several of its plants.

Ford, VW First to Reveal Plans Dealing with Auto Tariffs on New Car Prices

Ford, VW First to Reveal Plans Dealing with Auto Tariffs on New Car Prices

President Donald Trump’s press conference laying out the remainder of his tariff policy revealed automakers would not be facing any additional tariffs beyond the 25% on vehicles and parts crossing into the U.S. Volkswagen is adding an “import fee” to vehicles hit by the tariffs while Ford is offering discounts to try to improve affordability. Headlight.News tracks down how other carmakers are dealing with the problem.

Trump Tariffs Could Force Chevy, Honda, Kia, Mazda, even Mercedes to Pull Entry Products from U.S. Market

Trump Tariffs Could Force Chevy, Honda, Kia, Mazda, even Mercedes to Pull Entry Products from U.S. Market

April 2, says Pres. Donald Trump, is “Liberation Day,” claiming his new tariffs will free the U.S. from its reliance on foreign-made goods. But U.S. car buyers may see things in a very different light. Virtually all vehicles, even those assembled in the States, will see price hikes. And a number of automakers, from mainstream brands like Chevrolet, to high-line marques such as Mercedes-Benz, are weighing the prospects of pulling entry models off of the American market. More from Headlight.News.

IRS Offering Second Chance After Rejecting Tax Returns of EV Buyers

IRS Offering Second Chance After Rejecting Tax Returns of EV Buyers

The Biden administration’s effort to make new electric vehicles more appealing to the American public with $7,500 tax credits is becoming a big hassle for some buyers. The Internal Revenue Service has been rejecting the tax returns of some EV owners claiming the credit. However, they are also looking to help. Find out more at Headlight.News.

Q&A: Ineos CEO Lynn Calder Sees Big Opportunities – But Tariffs Could Get in the Way

Q&A: Ineos CEO Lynn Calder Sees Big Opportunities – But Tariffs Could Get in the Way

Odds are you’ve never heard of Ineos Automotive – at least not until recently. It’s a start-up brand backed, of all things, by one of the world’s largest chemical companies. The British carmaker last year brought its first model, the rugged Grenadier SUV, to the U.S. market and is in the midst of launching its second product line, the Quartermaster pickup. Headlight.News caught up with Ineos CEO Lynn Calder during a recent driving event in Aspen and asked her about Ineos’ product plans, growth opportunities – and the impact of the new Trump auto import tariffs.