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Automakers Brace as Trump Promises New Tariffs on April 2

Automakers Brace as Trump Promises New Tariffs on April 2

Automakers and auto buyers could face new import tariffs, based on comments made by Pres. Donald Trump. Such a move would drive up costs not only for foreign-made vehicles but likely also will impact many of those assembled in the U.S. as most of those rely on imported parts and components. With the average transaction price for new vehicles already near record levels, analysts warn, many buyers could be priced out of the market. And, with some trade partners already warning they would strike back with new tariffs of their own, U.S. auto exports may also take a big hit.

Losses Worsening, Nissan Cutting U.S. Production, Shutting 3 Global Assembly Plants, Trimming More Jobs

Losses Worsening, Nissan Cutting U.S. Production, Shutting 3 Global Assembly Plants, Trimming More Jobs

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida announced a desperate new bid to reverse the company’s mounting losses after a planned merger with Honda collapsed. The second-largest Japanese automaker now plans to close three plants, reduce U.S. production and eliminate thousands of jobs. The announcement came as Uchida revealed still more losses for Nissan’s latest fiscal quarter.

Dogged by Conflict of Interest Concerns, State Dept. Appears to Back Off Purchase of $400 Million Worth of Armored Tesla Cybertrucks

Dogged by Conflict of Interest Concerns, State Dept. Appears to Back Off Purchase of $400 Million Worth of Armored Tesla Cybertrucks

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday appeared to back down on plans to purchase $400 million in armored Tesla Cybertrucks amids mounting questions about a conflict of interest considering the automaker’s CEO Elon Musk plays a major role in the new Trump administration. But it’s unclear from an updated procurement forecast whether authorities will switch to other vehicles or have simply obscured their purchase plans.

Republican FAIR Act Fails to Treat EV Owners Same as ICE-Vehicle Owners

Republican FAIR Act Fails to Treat EV Owners Same as ICE-Vehicle Owners

A group of U.S. Senate Republicans proposed new legislation that would charge anyone who buys a new electric vehicle a $1,000 fee at the time of purchase. The stated goal is to off-set the lost federal gas tax revenue used to help maintain America’s roads and bridges. However, is it fair or one more attack by the party on EVs. Get details at Headlight.News.

EV Sales Could Flatten This Year as Trump, GOP Raise New Obstacles

EV Sales Could Flatten This Year as Trump, GOP Raise New Obstacles

EV sales appear likely to stagnate in 2025 in 2025, largely due to new roadblocks the Trump administration and Congress are ready to throw in the way, according to a new J.D. Power forecast. That could cause major headaches for automakers investing billions to bring more of the vehicles to market. But the research firm still sees demand rebounding later in the decade to the point where electric vehicles will account for more than a quarter of new vehicle sales.

Forget Tax Breaks, Republicans Want $1,000 Tax on Electric Vehicles

Forget Tax Breaks, Republicans Want $1,000 Tax on Electric Vehicles

With the arrival of Donald Trump in the White House, many expect it’s simply a matter of time before the $7,500 tax credits for buying qualifying electric vehicles are history. However, some Republicans are moving in the opposite direction, calling for a one-time, $1,000 tax on new EVs. Find out why they may not be out of line at Headlight.News.

Automakers Make Major Strides in Preventing or Reducing Severity of Frontal Crashes

Automakers Make Major Strides in Preventing or Reducing Severity of Frontal Crashes

Automakers are using new forward-collision avoidance technology to great effect, a new study reveals, with 22 of 30 vehicles tested earning kudos from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But a number of products from Detroit manufacturers fell short, reports Headlight.News.

Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum Imports Will Impact Automakers

Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum Imports Will Impact Automakers

Despite efforts by automakers to improve their relationships with President Donald Trump prior to and immediately after he took office last month, they can’t seem to escape the impact of his trade policies, the latest being a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. Find out what’s happening at Headlight.News.

Trump Moves to Halt Public EV Charger Rollout – But Tesla Could Be Among Those Impacted

Trump Moves to Halt Public EV Charger Rollout – But Tesla Could Be Among Those Impacted

Pres. Donald Trump’s administration ordered a halt to a Biden-era program meant to provide $5 billion in funding for a nationwide network of EV charging stations. It’s the latest step by the White House to curtail EV adoption. But this program could hurt one of the most powerful men in Trump’s inner circle, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who also runs the new Department of Government Efficiency.

New Study Says Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better in a Crash

New Study Says Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better in a Crash

Results from a new study from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety temper the belief that many vehicle owners hold: Bigger is better. Not exactly, the group claims, after the new study shows that the occupants in the larger vehicle aren’t as safe from harm as they used to be. Find out more at Headlight.News.

Trump Tariffs Threaten Auto Industry’s Vast Manufacturing System and Could Mean a Big Hit for Buyers

Trump Tariffs Threaten Auto Industry’s Vast Manufacturing System and Could Mean a Big Hit for Buyers

Pres. Donald Trump has warned he may announce tariffs of up to 25% against two major trade partners, Canada and Mexico, as early as Saturday, February 1. Additional tariffs targeting China may also be announced. The potential impact could be felt far and wide — especially in the auto industry, with manufacturers facing a threat to profits and consumers facing the risk of higher prices. Some familiar vehicles could also disappear from the market, especially entry-level models.

EV Growth Predicted to Continue in 2025 While Korean Makers Expand Gains in U.S.

EV Growth Predicted to Continue in 2025 While Korean Makers Expand Gains in U.S.

In the time after U.S. voters chose a new president last November, what will happen to the U.S. auto industry has been the subject of conjecture with some going on instinct and others, like the Dave Cantin Group and Kaiser Associates, taking a more data-oriented approach. EVs grow, Korean makers gain, truck sales flatten are just some of what they suggest will happen this year. Get details at Headlight.News.