Earlier this week: Trump’s 25% auto tariffs set to impact $460 billion in imports, parts tariff begins May 3. GM and Ford report diverging Q1 sales results amid tariff concerns. Ford slashes prices with ‘From America for America’ discount plan amid tariff impact. Tesla experiences a 13% decline in Q1 2025 vehicle deliveries. Mercedes-Benz faces a $1.7B loss as tariffs threaten U.S. operations. Toyota struggles to meet surging hybrid demand amid supply constraints. Hyundai warns U.S. dealers of potential price hikes.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Trump’s 25% auto tariffs set to impact $460 billion in imports, parts tariff begins May 3
President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on vehicle and auto parts imports will impact more than $460 billion in annual trade, according to a Reuters analysis of newly released federal tariff codes. Starting May 3, nearly 150 categories of auto parts will be subject to tariffs. This follows the activation of 25% tariffs on vehicle imports, which will take effect at midnight tonight. Read More
2. GM, Ford report diverging Q1 sales results amid tariff concerns
General Motors and Ford Motor Co. released their first-quarter 2025 U.S. sales results, revealing contrasting performances as the auto industry faces rising tariffs and ongoing affordability concerns. Read More
3. Ford slashes prices with ‘From America for America’ discount plan amid tariff impact
Ford Motor Company is set to roll out sweeping discounts across multiple models starting today, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The automaker will extend its employee pricing—generally reserved for workers—to all customers under a new initiative called the “From America for America” plan. Read More
4. Tesla experiences 13% decline in Q1 2025 vehicle deliveries
Tesla delivered 336,681 vehicles in Q1 2025, a 13% decrease from the previous year, amid production changes and evolving market conditions. The announcement came just days after Tesla’s stock wrapped up its worst quarter since 2022, sinking 36% and wiping out $460 billion in market value. Investors had anticipated deliveries between 360,000 and 370,000 vehicles, but Tesla fell significantly short. Read More
5. Mercedes-Benz faces $1.7B loss as tariffs threaten U.S. operations
Mercedes-Benz has worked to strengthen its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. over the years, including producing some of its vehicles at a Tuscaloosa, Alabama, facility. The company has experienced explosive growth in the American market by continuously investing in its U.S. manufacturing efforts. However, despite this dedication, the company remains in a difficult position with the incoming tariffs, as many of its components are sourced outside the United States. Read More
6. Toyota struggles to meet surging hybrid demand amid supply constraints
High consumer demand, a shortage of critical components, and supplier bottlenecks have led to extended wait times for Toyota’s gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. As more buyers seek fuel-efficient options, supply chain constraints are making it increasingly difficult for the automaker to keep pace. Read More
7. Hyundai warns U.S. dealers of potential price hikes
Hyundai is evaluating its pricing strategy as it braces for the tariffs on imported vehicles and parts announced by President Donald Trump. The automaker has warned U.S. dealers that vehicle prices may not remain stable, with potential increases for units wholesaled after April 2, according to Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. Read More
8. Ernie Boch Jr. on building a legacy that goes beyond the dealership
When it comes to the automotive industry, few names carry the same weight as Ernie Boch Jr. A visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and music enthusiast, Boch Jr. has built on his family’s storied legacy to create one of the most successful automotive operations in the country. As the CEO of Subaru New England, one of only four auto distributors in the U.S., his influence extends beyond the business world, shaping both the industry and the communities he serves. In today’s episode of Executive Profile, host Jim Fitzpatrick travels to Norwood, Massachusetts, to spend the day with Ernie Boch Jr. Watch the full segment here.
9. NADA’s Mike Stanton weighs in on Trump’s auto tariffs
In today’s special edition of Inside Automotive, Mike Stanton, CEO and President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), joins us to break down what this new tariff means for the auto industry. We’ll explore how these tariffs could impact jobs, affect used car prices and trade-in values, and what dealers and automakers can do right now to stay ahead of the situation. Watch the full segment here.
10. The buy-in blueprint: Five leadership traits that inspire loyalty
In today’s episode of Lessons in Leadership, leadership expert and president of LearnToLead and author of Elevate Your Excellence, Dave Anderson, breaks down the concept of “buy-in” and why it’s crucial for effective leadership. Watch the full segment here.
11. AIADA’s Cody Lusk on the new 25% tariffs on imported autos
The recently implemented 25% tariff on all imported automobiles and auto parts has sparked widespread concern in the automotive industry. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Cody Lusk, President and CEO of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA), shared his thoughts with us on this dramatic shift. Watch the full segment here.
