Trump Tariffs Are ‘Big News’ for Auto Dealers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation to determine whether to impose new tariffs on imported light-duty vehicles and parts following a tweet promising “big news” for the auto industry.
The order came after a meeting between Trump and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on May 23 in which the two discussed “the current state of our automobile industry,” according to a White House statement. Ross initiated the investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into imports of vehicles, including light trucks, SUVs, vans, and auto parts to determine their impact on national security.
“Core industries such as automobiles and automotive parts are critical to our strength as a nation,” the statement read, in part.
In the past 20 years, imports of passenger vehicles have grown to 48% from 32% of the cars sold in the U.S. Tariffs would likely have an immediate impact on retailers representing non-Detroit automakers that don’t operate a U.S. assembly plant.
“There is evidence suggesting that, for decades, imports from abroad have eroded our domestic auto industry,” Ross said in a statement. “The Department of Commerce will conduct a thorough, fair, and transparent investigation into whether such imports are weakening our internal economy and may impair the national security.”
More Industry

New Mexico Stores Change Hands
Three dealerships owned by three brothers are renamed for a new partnership bridging the founders’ family and a new auto retail leader.
Read More →
International Automakers Overpower Domestic Output
As the current U.S. administration pushes for domestic automotive production, a new report sheds light on the prevalence of international automakers here.
Read More →
World EV Adoption Set to Grow
A new report says the segment, despite recent setbacks in some regions, is poised for acceleration as many countries look to reduce pollution.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale automotive auction business stayed steady last week as bidders encountered lower prices, analysts observed.
Read More →
Pricing Transparency Drives Purchase Consideration
An annual study by JD Power found that clear pricing matters to consumers on automaker websites, so much so that it increases their purchase consideration.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Used-vehicle market depreciation was the prevailing story in the wholesale market last week.
Read More →
Smaller Is Looking Better
A growing number of Americans in the market for a new vehicle are opting for more affordable options, not waiting for market stability to bite the bullet.
Read More →
U.S. EV Market Slowly Stabilizes
U.S. electric-vehicle interest is slowly stabilizing since a major dip in sales after last year's end of the federal EV tax credit, and hybrids remain the leading electrified power train.
Read More →
Global EV Market Entering New Phase
Automakers are making investments to lower battery costs and optimize production to meet changing consumer needs.
Read More →
Black Book Weekly Market Update
The holiday weekend, not surprisingly, put a drag on wholesale automotive activity last week, analysts observed.
Read More →