OEM Group Protests Auto Tariffs
Alliance for Automotive Innovation says 25% duties would cut U.S. sales, raise vehicle prices.

The trade group says auto manufacturing is “America’s largest manufacturing sector” already.
Pexels/Tom Fisk
An automaker trade group says new U.S. trade tariffs on vehicles will but a damper on sales here and drive up prices for American consumers.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation released a statement by President and CEO John Bozzella pointing out automakers’ current contributions to the U.S. economy and how the group believes new tariffs will actually weaken that impact.
“Additional tariffs will increase costs on American consumers, lower the total number of vehicles sold inside the U.S. and reduce U.S. auto exports – all before any new manufacturing or jobs are created in this country,” Bozzella said.
President Donald Trump has said the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on imported autos starting April 3 and on auto parts starting May 3, with the stated goal of strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base and national security.
But Bozzella pointed out that the complex supply and manufacturing web that automakers rely on “can’t be relocated or redirected overnight.”
The trade group called auto manufacturing “America’s largest manufacturing sector” already.
“Automakers, battery makers and parts suppliers have invested billions in American manufacturing and directly support communities and American workers in Michigan, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Texas, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Georgia, New York and more,” Bozzella said.
Auto industry analysts say the promised tariffs would increase the already inflated price of new vehicles by thousands of dollars at a time that many consumers are struggling to afford today’s prices.
“Automotive facilities and global supply chains create American jobs, provide Americans with vehicle choice and the big one – support auto affordability in America,” Bozzella said.
LEARN MORE: Tariff Tangle Could Be Bad News for Sales
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →
Pump Price Jump Calculated
ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.
Read More →
Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop
Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.
Read More →
Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending
The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Rise
With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.
Read More →
EU Auto Association Urges Action
Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.
Read More →
Driving into the Super CFC Era
Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.
Read More →