Every Sunday, Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy and Auto Channel Executive Producer, and senior Detroit editor Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compile The Auto Channel’s “take” on this past week’s automotive news, condensed into easy-to-digest news nuggets. For those interested in a more in-depth look at the stories, hundreds of thousands of pages of relevant news, information, and opinions are stored in a million-page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 30 years.

Tariff Responses

• Automakers have responded in various ways to the 25 percent tariff on vehicles made outside of the US, including layoffs and production cuts.
• Ford and Stellantis are offering employee pricing to all customers on vehicles in inventory now at dealers.
• Hyundai is guaranteeing pricing with no tariff charge for a couple of months.
• Audi and Mitsubishi are holding newly imported vehicles at the US port.
• VW is adding a line item on the Monroney label price sticker to show the import tariff fee.
• Jaguar-Land Rover are pausing exports from the UK.
• Mercedes-Benz said it will not increase sticker prices on 2025 models, despite the Trump administration tariff.

While some automakers are adapting to the tariffs by offering discounts and promotions, others are taking a more cautious approach, such as Audi and Mitsubishi, which are holding newly imported vehicles at the US port.

Trump Retreats

It took a week for the plunge in the stock and bond markets, along with a sustained campaign by executives, lawmakers, lobbyists, and foreign leaders, to prompt Trump to roll back a major element of his sweeping tariff plan. However, auto tariffs remain.

Analysts say that tariffs on cars and auto parts in particular will push up the cost of insurance and repairs, making them a significant concern.

UAW Fain Flip-Flop

• After backing Democratic Kamala Harris’s candidacy in 2024, Shawn Fain shocked many observers by strongly supporting President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
• However, the head of the United Auto Workers Union is now backing down, calling Trump’s broader trade war “reckless.”
• While he still backs tariffs targeting the auto industry, Fain’s reversal highlights the complexities of the trade debate.

What’s Affordable

A Cars.com survey found that 71% of Americans have changed their spending habits in the last year, with 76% reporting that they spend less.

Cars.com’s new Affordability Report identifies cars with the best value, offering the most features for the money, while also keeping ownership costs down with low annual fuel costs.

Wait to Fill to Full

Gas Buddy reports that as many as 44 states saw gas prices with weekly increases, but now, with oil plummeting, 31 states are seeing weekly declines.

As oil prices continue to drop, more states are likely to experience gas price decreases.

Weather Effect on EV Range

A weather & EV range report from Vaisala Xweather shows how altitude affects EVs, how snow and rain impact battery output, and even how using in-car climate control drops range in the summer.

The report also reveals that California, the state with the highest EV adoption in the US, does not actually have the best conditions for long-range driving.

Traffic Deaths Decline

US traffic deaths fell 3.8 percent in 2024 to 39,345, the lowest number since 2020.

The 2024 early estimates show trends in line with 2023, with Americans driving more miles while fatality rates continued to decrease.

Low-Cost Electric Pickup

Michigan-based startup Slate Auto is working to develop a two-seat electric pickup priced around $25,000.

Aiming for affordability in a market typically focused on high-end models, Slate Auto is reportedly planning to produce the vehicle outside of Indianapolis, Ind.

Consumers Value Auto Shows

A new consumer survey from the Automotive Experience Alliance demonstrates the significant impact auto shows continue to have on consumer engagement and buying behavior.

Survey results show that 78% of consumers say auto shows influenced their purchase decision, while 25% say they have more influence than any other medium.

Car Design Meet-up

Global automotive design executives will meet with auto journalists from around the world to discuss current and future design trends at the third annual Car Design Event (CDE).

More than 15 automotive brands will be showcased during the exclusive three-day conference, including BMW, Cadillac, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lamborghini, Pagani, and VW.

Invest in a Classic Car

Classic cars are increasingly recognized as lucrative investment assets, offering both emotional and financial returns.

Amid global economic fluctuations, many investors view vintage automobiles as tangible assets with potential for long-term value appreciation.

Jeep Moab Concepts

The Jeep brand is making its annual trek to the 59th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, with seven new concept vehicles.

These vehicles will be available for customers and off-roading enthusiasts to experience and interact with in new, memorable ways.

Ad Age Reports

In the wake of the Trump administration implementing new 25 percent tariffs on foreign-made autos, Stellantis began running patriotic ads for Jeep, Ram, and Dodge.

However, the automaker is now altering the campaign in response to scrutiny from an ad watchdog that alleges Stellantis engaged in deceptive marketing.

The ad watchdog claims that some of the parts used in the vehicles are imported, making the “Made in America” claim misleading.

Idaho Bill Update

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed into law House Bill 270, which updates the state’s indecent exposure law.

The bill takes effect immediately and allows people to call police over dangling faux scrotums hung on truck hitches, commonly referred to as truck nuts.

Ford Recall

Ford Motor Co.