Tag

Automakers

All articles tagged with #automakers

GM, Ford Eye Potential Pivot to Weapons Production as Pentagon Seeks Munitions Backstop
politics1 month ago

GM, Ford Eye Potential Pivot to Weapons Production as Pentagon Seeks Munitions Backstop

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Trump administration asked Ford and General Motors to explore producing weapons and other military supplies, with CEO discussions to assess the automakers' capacity to rapidly shift from civilian to defense production to backstop traditional defense contractors amid munitions shortages. The talks, led by Mary Barra and Jim Farley, examined barriers to bidding and contract requirements, and come as the Pentagon urges expanding the defense industrial base and pursues a large munition and drone budget. It's unclear whether such manufacturing shifts would take place or when.

Tariffs Ripple Through Auto Industry as Costs Mount
business2 months ago

Tariffs Ripple Through Auto Industry as Costs Mount

Trump tariffs on autos have cost automakers about $35.4 billion so far, with Toyota hit hardest; many absorb costs but rising tariffs are driving price hikes and reshaping production and EV strategy, as VinFast resumes a North Carolina plant, far-right groups gain small influence at VW/Audi works councils in Germany, Toyota recalls 550,007 Highlanders for a rear-seat latch issue, and oil-driven gas prices climb amid regional conflict.

EU and China Explore Lifting EV Tariffs Through Self-Imposed Import Caps
world4 months ago

EU and China Explore Lifting EV Tariffs Through Self-Imposed Import Caps

The European Commission issued guidance creating a process for automakers to voluntarily cap their EV shipments from China and set price floors, potentially exempting these imports from anti-subsidy tariffs up to 35%. The framework follows VW's Cupra Tavascan case and requires separate approvals from the EU and member states, while raising concerns about price fixing and whether offers should be coordinated bloc-wide or from individual brands.

Apple CarPlay Ultra: The Future of In-Car Technology
technology4 months ago

Apple CarPlay Ultra: The Future of In-Car Technology

Apple's CarPlay Ultra, the next-gen version of CarPlay, has begun rolling out to Aston Martin and is supported by several automakers including Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and others, but many brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, and Renault have dropped support plans. The rollout timeline remains uncertain, with Hyundai's upcoming IONIQ 3 EV expected to support CarPlay Ultra in early 2026, while Ford has expressed mixed feelings about the platform. Overall, support for CarPlay Ultra is expanding but still limited, with no comprehensive list from Apple yet.

Trump proposes rollback of Biden-era fuel efficiency standards to favor gas vehicles
business5 months ago

Trump proposes rollback of Biden-era fuel efficiency standards to favor gas vehicles

President Trump proposed rolling back fuel economy standards for 2022-2031 vehicles to make gas-powered cars more affordable and easier to sell, reversing Biden's stricter rules that aimed to promote electric vehicle adoption. The new proposal would lower costs for automakers but increase fuel consumption, emissions, and consumer fuel costs, while eliminating credit trading and potentially benefiting traditional automakers over EV manufacturers. Critics argue this move will lead to higher environmental and economic costs.

Trump Announces Major Reset of Fuel Economy Standards and Policies
politics5 months ago

Trump Announces Major Reset of Fuel Economy Standards and Policies

President Trump announced a reset of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, reversing the Biden Administration's stricter targets, which were seen as unrealistic and costly. This move aims to save American families $109 billion over five years, reduce vehicle costs, and prevent unnecessary shifts to electric vehicles, while also protecting the auto industry from fines and ensuring feasible standards for automakers.

Automakers Face Tariffs but Maintain Strong Earnings
business6 months ago

Automakers Face Tariffs but Maintain Strong Earnings

Despite facing $30 billion in tariffs, semiconductor shortages, and supply chain issues, automakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis report strong quarterly earnings, aided by policy changes reducing tariffs, rising car prices, and a shift in environmental regulations favoring traditional vehicles over electric ones. However, the transition to electric vehicles faces setbacks, with some companies scaling back EV investments amid policy uncertainties and increased competition from Chinese automakers.

End of $7,500 EV Tax Credit Sparks Rush to Buy Electric Vehicles
business8 months ago

End of $7,500 EV Tax Credit Sparks Rush to Buy Electric Vehicles

The expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on October 1 is expected to lead to a decline in EV sales and potentially higher prices, although automakers may respond with discounts and incentives to maintain demand. The end of the credit could also result in reduced production and availability of EVs, but many consumers remain committed to purchasing EVs due to factors like performance and environmental concerns. The impact will vary across different vehicle models, especially luxury and larger vehicles that are not eligible for the credit.

Automakers Pass Tariff Costs to Consumers Amid Supply Chain Struggles
business8 months ago

Automakers Pass Tariff Costs to Consumers Amid Supply Chain Struggles

Automakers are finding subtle ways to pass the increased costs of tariffs onto consumers, such as raising vehicle prices gradually and increasing destination charges, with Volkswagen leading the way in quick price hikes. Despite tariffs, automakers are hesitant to raise prices openly due to economic concerns and political pressures, but industry practices like inflating destination fees are becoming more common. Meanwhile, the NHTSA has a new leader, signaling potential changes in vehicle safety oversight.