European Union officials reaffirm 2035 ban on new gasoline cars while also making revisions to help automakers reach these targets easier as the market continues to shift.
Regulatory
Is the State Dept. Trying to Cover Up the Truth About the $400M Cybertruck Purchase?
Did the U.S. State Department craft a $400 million windfall deal for Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk as payback for the executive’s leading role in the Trump administration? And is it now trying to cover up the truth behind the proposed purchase of armored versions of the Tesla Cybertruck? That’s a question one ranking member of the Senate is trying to find out.
Trump Tariff’s Sticker Shock Could Cripple Auto Industry
President Donald Trump, as expected, launched new tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico while also increasing prior tariffs on China. All three countries responded with their own trade sanctions. The tariff war will increase prices on everything from avocados to semiconductors but economists warn few consumer goods will feel the heat more than automobiles – some models set to see price hikes of $12,000 or more. At a time when sticker shock is already impacting sales, analysts fear the U.S. auto industry could see sales and profits tumble – while job cuts also could be in the offing.
Next Move: Trump Shutting Down All 8,000 Chargers at Federal Buildings; Selling Off Government EVs
Since his inauguration five weeks ago, Donald Trump has taken numerous steps to cripple the emerging U.S. EV market. His latest move: shutting down about 8,000 charger ports currently operating at federal government buildings. He also has ordered the GSA to get rid of the EVs it recently acquired for its fleet. More from Headlight.News.
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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.