Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup March 30-April 5, 2025
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Here are Larry's top story picks from this past week's important to you, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions and insider back stories presented as expertly crafted easy-to-understand automotive news nuggets.
Nutson's Auto News Wrapup, Week Of March 30 – April 5, 2025
Q1 auto sales. Strong US auto sales last month helped many automakers see first-quarter sales growth as buyers rushed to beat price hikes expected from President Donald Trump's proposed auto industry tariffs. General Motors saw a 17% sales increase in Q1, driven by crossover SUVs, with American Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan Motor and Toyota Motor reporting positive Q1 sales. Ford Motor saw a 1.3% decline and Stellantis was down approximately 12%. Electric vehicle sales were strong for nearly all automakers. HERE
Tariff sales bump. Some consumers have accelerated their purchase decisions in recent weeks to avoid higher prices that could stem from tariffs, analysts and dealers say. Research firm J.D. Power said that tariff concerns were behind a forecast 13% surge in new vehicle sales by individual buyers during March. However, most analysts expect the sales bump to be short-lived if tariffs take effect and remain in place. More here. HERE
Liberation Day. Tariffs on imported vehicles took effect Thursday, a policy that President Trump said would spur investments and jobs in the United States but that analysts say will raise new car prices by thousands of dollars. The 25 percent duty applies to all vehicles assembled outside the United States. Starting May 3, the tariff will also apply to imported auto parts, which will add to the cost of vehicles assembled domestically as well as auto repairs. Tariff news will be a daily topic. Here's one take. HERE
Goodbye low-priced cars. Our friends at Headlight.news cover the very real possibility that low priced vehicles that offer little to no profit to automakers may be removed from the US market due to the new "Liberation Day" tariffs. Get the full story HERE
A hit to the working class. Working-class car buyers will be the hardest hit by U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on imported vehicles because almost all low-cost new cars sold in the United States are built elsewhere. A Reuters review of data from two auto research firms found just 16 models with an average sticker price less than $30,000 and only one that is assembled in the United States. All others are made in Mexico, South Korea, or Japan. HERE
Over $100K for a Harley! A retaliatory tariff proposed by the EU could lift Harley-Davidson's motorcycle prices in Europe to six figures. Harley said its products are afflicted by unfair trade policies in other markets, too. The company wants its overseas rivals to face reciprocal duties when they export bikes into the U.S. HERE
Meanwhile. In a last-minute announcement that drew a sigh of relief from the collector car hobby, details on the new auto tariffs were released. Imported passenger cars 25 years and older are exempt from the additional tariffs and will continue to be charged only a 2.5% duty upon entering the United States. HERE
Concern brings change. A new survey conducted by noted automotive market research and consulting firm AutoPacific, finds that consumers are in fact concerned about the effect of implemented tariffs on the cost of living and the economy, and many intend to make some changes to their future big purchase plans. 75% of respondents who plan to purchase a vehicle within the next year will change those plans in some way if vehicle prices rise. Full report HERE
Seoul auto show. The 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, the premier automotive exhibition in South Korea, commenced this week at the KINTEX convention center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Media previews were held on April 2 followed by an official opening ceremony on April 3. The show has attracted approximately 460 companies from across the globe. Among the highlights are debuts from Hyundai Motor Company and China's burgeoning electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, both unveiling new models for the Korean market. The show runs through April 13.
Ford recall. Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall numbers. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. The recall affects 4,247 vehicles.
Ford recall. Ford Motor Company is also recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
RIP. Roy Sjoberg, the Executive Engineer of the original Dodge Viper and the man widely regarded as the “Father of the Viper,” passed away. Sjoberg was responsible for assembling “Team Viper,” a group of 85 Chrysler employees that would undertake the monumental task of turning the concept car, which stunned the world at the 1989 North American International Auto Show, into a production-ready model in just 36 months. Sjoberg’s accolades extend far beyond the Viper, as well. Prior to joining Chrysler in 1985, he was the right-hand man to Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette’s godfather, for many years.
Stay safe. Be Well.
- Stay safe. Be Well.
Kind regards,
Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy