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via U.S. Makes Revised Deal Slashing Import Tariffs for U.K. Automakers

Trump cuts U.K. automakers some slack 

The U.S. and the U.K. have confirmed a limited trade deal to reduce tariffs on U.K. vehicle imports from 27.5% to 10%. Discounted levies on auto part imports are not part of the agreement, and the decreased tariffs have a limit of 100,000 cars annually. Jaguar Land Rover, which sends the most vehicles to the U.S. out of any automaker, sold about 95,000 cars last year in the U.S., according to The New York Times. The U.K. as a whole exported around 102,000 total cars to the U.S. in 2024, according to Automotive Logistics. In April, Jaguar Land Rover announced it was pausing shipments to the U.S. because of tariff impacts, but resumed vehicle exports earlier this week. The Trump administration is also cutting U.K. steel and aluminum import tariffs from 25% to 0% with quotas, which have yet to be announced, and will allow Rolls-Royce to export engines and plane parts into the U.S. tariff-free. In return, the U.K. slashed its 19% tariff on imported ethanol from the U.S. to 0%. Since 2021, the U.K.’s standard unleaded fuel, E10 petrol, has contained up to 10% ethanol.

“Big three” U.S. automakers fume over U.K. deal 

When finalized, the tariff reduction deal will be the U.S.’s first of its kind with another nation, and some domestic automakers aren’t happy about it. “The U.S. automotive industry is highly integrated with Canada and Mexico; the same is not true for the U.S. and the U.K. We are disappointed that the administration prioritized the U.K. ahead of our North American partners,” said American Automotive Policy Council President Matt Blunt. The council represents the U.S.’ “big three” automakers; Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors (GM). Current tariff policy states that USMCA-compliant (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) auto parts are temporarily exempt from tariffs, but USMCA-compliant vehicles imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico face tariffs on their non-U.S. content.

Matt Blunt added: “Under this deal, it will now be cheaper to import a U.K. vehicle with very little U.S. content than a USMCA-compliant vehicle from Mexico or Canada that is half American parts.” Cars are the U.K.’s largest export to the U.S., worth around £9 billion ($11.9 billion) in 2024, according to the BBC. “The car industry is vital to the U.K.’s economic prosperity, sustaining 250,000 jobs. We warmly welcome this deal which secures greater certainty for our sector and the communities it supports,” Jaguar Land Rover CEO Adrian Mardell said according to Ars Technica.

Final thoughts

American Automotive Policy Council President Matt Blunt is unsurprisingly dissatisfied with the President’s prioritization of foreign automakers over domestic ones. A portion of Blunt’s release read: “We hope this preferential access for U.K. vehicles over North American ones does not set a precedent for future negotiations with Asian and European competitors.” Still, the U.K.-U.S. deal is more symbolic, as it will likely have a limited impact. Most U.K. automakers, such as Jaguar Land Rover, operate at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, restricting their overall U.S. market presence despite strong sales in the luxury segment.

via Ford Warns of Massive Tariff Profit Loss for 2025

Inside Ford’s tariff damage control

Ford has pulled its annual guidance after reporting its Q1 earnings, noting tariffs will cost the company about $1.5 billion in revenue before interest and taxes. The U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles and parts are predicted to add $2.5 billion to Ford’s overall 2025 costs, but the automaker lowered this figure by around $1 billion through actions like moving vehicles from Mexico to Canada with bond carriers so they don’t face levies, Reuters reports.

Bond carriers are transportation companies authorized by customs to move goods across international borders under a customs bond, allowing shipments to cross into the U.S. without immediately being subject to customs duties or tariffs at the border. Ford also mitigated tariff impacts by halting exports to China, but will continue using the country as an export hub to regions like Australia, South America, and other areas with favorable trade relations, according to the Detroit Free Press.  

The Michigan-based auto manufacturer gave four material reasons for pulling its 2025 guidance. These reasons include an industry-wide supply chain disruption impacting production, additional or increased U.S. tariffs, changes in tariff implementation, the possibility of retaliatory tariffs from other countries or other restrictions, and uncertainty surrounding tax and emission policy, MarketWatch reports. Ford noted that its forecast of a $1.5 billion projected tariff hit during 2025 is subject to ongoing policy developments. The automaker expects to update Wall Street on its 2025 guidance when reporting its Q2 earnings around mid-summer. 

Related: Ford Mustang GTD's Nürburgring Lap Time Is Stunning

Ford Q1 Results

Earnings per share at Ford declined to 14 cents during Q1, down from 49 cents year-over-year, but London Stock Exchange Group analysts expected this figure to be significantly lower at two cents per share. Ford’s net income dropped from $1.3 billion a year earlier to $471 million, and its gross revenue fell 5% to $40.7 billion, which still beat the $36 billion expectation. Ford cited production disruptions with numerous product launches at several plants as negatively impacting Q1 results, but better-than-expected figures for January-March helped ease tariff uncertainty. The automaker made progress throughout Q1 by fulfilling cost reduction and quality improvement goals, which are keeping the company on pace to deliver $1 billion in net cost reductions for 2025, excluding tariff impacts.

Final thoughts

Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, highlighted how automakers with the most significant U.S. footprint will have a big advantage against tariffs, and said that Ford is one of them. However, Ford’s footprint isn’t as large as some may imagine. Aside from its Mustang, Ford doesn’t produce any sedan or compact car models in the U.S., and one of the company’s executives noted how trouble with a few parts could have a highly detrimental impact.

Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, Kumar Galhotra, said during the company’s Q1 earnings call: “The rare earth materials from China, for example, how they are imported, not just for us, but for the entire industry, has become rather complicated over the last few weeks. It would take only a few parts to potentially cause some disruption into our production,” according to Insider Media. General Motors also suspended its 2025 financial guidance after Q1 and is facing steeper losses as high as $5 billion.

Related: Performance Wagons Are Hotter Than Ever: Could Dodge Revive the Magnum R/T to Capitalize?

via Ram Reveals Revamped, Stylish Sub-$50K 1500 Express

It seems like everybody wants a truck these days

From rural pastures to the quiet cul-de-sacs of the suburbs outside America's big cities, pickup trucks are vehicles driven by people from all walks of life. Their size and practical utility are some of the characteristics that keep new and potential truck buyers interested in these machines and set them apart from other segments.

Like many new cars these days, brand-new pickup trucks are more than a pretty penny to get into, which leaves some buyers having to decide between breaking the bank or settling for something else. However, Ram's newest truck for 2026 is aimed at buyers who want more premium features and utility for their dollar.

Return of the Express

Though the Stellantis-owned Ram already brought back the Ram 1500 with a new skin for the 2025 model year, it is now reviving one of its most popular trim levels with an entirely new spin for 2026. The Ram 1500 Express may be the cheapest Ram in the shed, but it's being presented as a feature-packed machine for not much more money than the work-centric 1500 Tradesman.

Available as a crew cab and a quad cab with the choice of rear—or four-wheel drive, the Ram 1500 Express packs a lot of truck for a base price of $44,495, which includes destination fees. Under the hood is a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and for $1,695, buyers can upgrade to the 420 horsepower 3-liter Hurricane SO inline-six. Ram says that rear-wheel drive quad cab Express trucks with the optional engine are tow rated up to 11,550 lbs.

Though it may sound like a tall order to promise so much truck for under $50,000, this Ram packs a laundry list of features for the price. Standard on the Express are 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian emergency braking, and black-bezel LED headlights.

Ram says that the Express version of the 1500 has a "menacing, badge-less monochromatic paint scheme," featuring gloss-black grille surrounds and body-colored front and rear bumpers for the a subdued, stylish, and stealthy look. Though the Express looks like a secret agent's special ride in Diamond Black, Ram is also offering the truck in Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue, and Hydro Blue.

Buyers of four-wheel drive Quad and Crew cab Express models will also have the chance to get the Black Express package, which offers a litany of blacked-out trim pieces and accessories, including black 20-inch wheels, black color badges, a sport hood, side steps, and LED fog lights. The package also includes an upgraded cabin with black cloth bucket seats, a floor console, and a 7-inch gauge cluster.

Ram says that the new 1500 Express will be built at its truck plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It expects to open orders for the 2026 Ram 1500 Express sometime in the third quarter of 2025. Before options, the most expensive variant, the 4WD Crew Cab will start at $51,095. 

Final thoughts

In the official press release, Ram brand CEO Tim Kuniskis noted that the introduction of the 1500 Express is the latest move in revamping the brand's strategy for selling more trucks in the future.

“The Express is the latest drop in Ram’s product offensive,” Kuniskis said. “We started the 2025 model year with a new Ram 1500 and new Ram Heavy Duty lineup. With the platforms refreshed, we begin rolling out trim level enhancements.”

Kuniskis also said that Ram isn't done introducing new products, as it has "25 more product announcements planned within the next 18 months, ranging from mild to wild with something for every truck buyer." The existence of the Express as an "essentials" truck with some of the toys of the higher trims, like the Big Horn and Tungsten, seems like a great package at a time when buyers want a foot-in-the-door into a cool-looking truck they can feel proud of having.

via Rivian Bet Big on Batteries Before Trump’s Tariffs - And It’s Paying Off

Rivian stays ahead of the curve

President Trump’s executive order imposing a 25% tariff on vehicle and part imports sent a shockwave through the auto industry, but some companies appear to have been more prepared than others. A Bloomberg report from people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified says Rivian quietly assembled a reserve of electric vehicle (EV) batteries late last year ahead of Trump’s tariff policy. Rivian is said to have purchased the lithium iron phosphate cells from China’s Gotion High-Tech company and more recently worked with cell supplier Samsung SDI to ship a large amount of battery inventory to the U.S. from South Korea. The measures aim to maintain a supply flow and mitigate negative ripple effects from Trump’s policies in areas like pricing, which the president enacted on April 3 for vehicle imports, whereas part levies will begin on May 3. The number of cells that Rivian purchased from Gotion High-Tech was undisclosed. 

Rivian uses lithium-ion phosphate batteries in its base version, the RS1 SUV and R1T pickup, along with its commercial RCV van. However, the Gotion High-Tech order before Trump’s tariffs was said to be primarily for the RCV. These vehicles are assembled in Normal, Illinois, at Rivian’s plant. The report from Bloomberg states that Rivian paid upfront for the batteries’ shipping costs while Gotion paid and maintained its separate stockpile in the U.S., according to InsideEVs. Rivian is also said to be pursuing similar deals for batteries on raw materials in the future, with a first agreement already signed.

Related: What Tesla and Rivian Can Learn from Saturn and Scion

The automaker’s upcoming 5-seat R2 SUV will use new batteries from LG Energy Solution, which it will initially source from Korea before LG begins production in Arizona. The switch aimed to better accommodate the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) enacted under former President Biden, which requires that a certain percentage of a vehicle’s battery components be manufactured or assembled in North America to qualify for up to $7,500 in federal EV tax credits. Rivian is currently building a second U.S. plant in Georgia.

Final thoughts

Rivian’s stock increased from $13.19 on Monday to $13.83 at the end of Friday trading following reports of its strategic response to impending tariffs. Other automakers, such as General Motors, have projected a $4 billion to $5 billion loss in EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) for 2025 as a result of Trump’s policies, down from the company’s initial EBIT forecast for the year of between $13.7 billion and $15.7 billion. 

Rivian’s move with China Gotion High-Tech could save significant sums, given that U.S. tariffs on Chinese EV components and lithium-ion battery imports have hit a staggering 145%. The EV manufacturer received more good news when Trump signed a new executive order on Tuesday preventing multiple tariffs from being stacked on the same imported product for companies making cars in the U.S. While the timeline for how long Rivian can maintain its supply chain remains to be seen, the company’s big bet on batteries is paying off.

via GM Issues Major Production Shift at Canadian Factory

Tariffs hit GM's production once more

In a move meant to respond to the changing tariff-centric trade environment, General Motors slashed production at its Oshawa Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, to the dismay of labor organizers and local political leaders. The plant, which produces heavy-duty and light-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks, will be cutting production output from three shifts to two, effectively reducing the total number of pickups made there by about 50,000 per year. GM's move comes less than a month after President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on auto imports from Canada and shortly after he signed two proclamations that eased auto tariffs and established a credits program on imported vehicles.

According to data from Automotive News, the Oshawa Assembly Plant built approximately 152,190 heavy-duty and light-duty Chevrolet Silverados in 2024. Oshawa’s output will be moved stateside, as Silverados are also built at factories in Flint, Michigan, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. In a letter to shareholders released this week, GM CEO Mary Barra wrote that the tariff situation would cost GM about $4 to 5 billion, while GM Canada President Kristian Aquilina said in a separate statement that the automaker needs to adapt where it can.

“Shifting trade policies, changing market dynamics, and growing global competition present new realities. We must adapt—and we are.” GM Canada President Kristian Aquilina said. “For GM, this means building more in Canada, for Canada. As part of this strategic realignment, we are adjusting truck production at Oshawa Assembly to better reflect Canadian market demand. These decisions are never easy, but they are necessary to preserve and strengthen Canada’s auto manufacturing base for the long term.”

Production cuts mean job losses, union and political leaders say

Unifor, the Canadian autoworkers union that represents the workers at GM's Oshawa plant, warns that the cuts will impact 700 of the 3,000 workers at the plant, adding that another 1,500 jobs will be lost within the supplier network that feeds the plant. In a statement, the union's National President Lana Payne called the move a "reckless decision that deals a direct blow to our members," and urged GM to reverse its decision, especially as President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are due to meet in Washington to negotiate.

“Trump’s tariffs are designed to crush Canadian production — but GM doesn’t get a free pass to abandon its commitments, and the U.S. doesn’t get to free ride in Canada,” Payne warned. "GM has had strong support from workers, the community, and governments. Canadians invested millions to revive this plant. Cutting jobs now has consequences. The company has six months to fix this."

Similarly, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the announcement “extremely tough” for autoworkers in Oshawa in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), noting that the affected "are hardworking people who have helped build Ontario’s auto industry." He also noted that GM reaffirmed its commitment to the Oshawa plant and that Ontario "remains a global leader in auto manufacturing, attracting billions in new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing investments."

"We are not slowing down. We are building Ontario into the engine of North America’s auto future, and the workers of Oshawa and across the province are a key part of that." Premier Ford said. "In the face of economic uncertainty caused by the chaos of President Trump’s tariffs and tariff threats, we will continue to fight every single day to attract new investment, secure good-paying jobs, and support workers and their families."

Final thoughts

Unfortunately, these moves will happen as the Trump Administration's economic plan comes into fruition, whether it be the parts that are installed into cars or, in this case, the vehicles themselves. Given that automakers like GM, Stellantis, and Honda have significant Canadian investments, I wonder how these tariff talks will go between Trump and Prime Minister Carney at the White House on Tuesday.

via Hyundai IONIQ 5 N vs. the Grueling One Lap Race: Hyundai & Grassroots Motorsports Take on America's Toughest Road Challenge

Hyundai is hunting the checkered flag once more

After announcing its foray into racing with the luxury brand Genesis, Hyundai will make yet another appearance that should excite automotive enthusiasts. In partnership with Grassroots Motorsports magazine, Hyundai will enter a 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N into the Alternative Fuels class of the 2025 Tire Rack One Lap of America race. To make their entry even more special, Hyundai has also been named the Official Automaker of the 41st running of the One Lap of America race.

What is the One Lap Race?

One Lap of America was created by the late legendary automotive journalist Brock Yates, who you might know from Cannonball Run fame. Spanning from May 3 to May 10, teams will compete in a series of racetrack challenges around the U.S. in both stock and heavily modified vehicles of all makes and models. The challenges include timed events at road courses, drag strips, skid pads, and autocross courses. As if that wasn't enough of a test of the cars’ abilities, teams will have to drive the cars thousands of miles across the country to each track. This year’s run will host 86 teams from all over the country with 17 scored events over the course of eight days at Virginia International Raceway and NCM Motorsports Park.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, from showroom to track

The N variant of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes the retro-inspired SUV to new levels both aesthetically and mechanically. Exterior changes include a revised front end with larger air intakes, additional air curtains and air flaps for improved cooling, as well as a rear diffuser. Several new body and motor reinforcements help keep the 601 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque planted as the IONIQ 5 N accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds. Not fast enough for you? N Grin Boost mode will boost power to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque for 10 seconds and drop the 0-62 mph time to 3.4 seconds. The lithium-ion battery is also bigger than the regular IONIQ 5, with a capacity of 84 kWh.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the IONIQ 5 N is its N e-shift transmission, which is designed to emulate the feel of an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission by controlling motor torque to simulate the feeling between shifts. That transmission is also paired with the N Active Sound+ system, which plays three different sound profiles through eight interior and two exterior speakers: a 2.0-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine from other Hyundai N cars, futuristic EV sounds, and twin-engine fighter jet sounds.

At the wheel of the No. 44 stock IONIQ 5 N will be One Lap veterans Andy Hollis and Tom Suddard. The duo are no strangers to high-speed events, as Suddard is the publisher of Grassroots Motorsports while Hollis is the magazine's tire tester and a 13-time SCCA Solo national champion and professional high-performance driving instructor, with ten One Lap class wins under his belt. Although two of those wins were alongside Suddard, neither has driven an EV in the race before.

Is the IONIQ 5 N right for the event?

Not only is the IONIQ 5 N unique and attractive, but it's also a track-ready machine from the factory. With 601 instantly available horses on tap, the stock electric SUV beats out some of the sports cars on the market in terms of power. 

“I was smitten with the massive torque of an EV the first time I drove one. But until now, none have been truly track-capable right off the showroom floor,” said Hollis. “Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N checks all the boxes with excellent cornering, great brakes, and sophisticated battery conditioning that allows all that torque to be used for an entire session. I can't wait to get behind the wheel on some of the country's best tracks.”

Final thoughts

The One Lap of America race will be a tremendous rest of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N's abilities. There's no doubt that it's impressively fast, but track events like this require a precise combination of speed, handling, and braking abilities. If it ends up impressing here too, the event could further cement Hyundai’s image as a true competitor in the motorsports space.

via Porsche Warns of a Rough Year Ahead

Tariffs and EV slowdown drag down profit forecast

Porsche is bracing for one of its most difficult years in recent memory. The German sports car maker warned it now expects profit margins to dip into the single digits — between 6.5% and 8% — a significant drop from its earlier forecast of at least 10%. The company cited multiple headwinds, including sluggish electric vehicle sales, a sharp decline in China demand, and the mounting cost of U.S. tariffs.

Porsche, which imports all its vehicles into the U.S. from Europe, is especially vulnerable to the tariff regime introduced under President Donald Trump. Despite surging U.S. demand for its Macan and Cayenne SUVs, the company has no plans to localize production, arguing that it would be more costly than absorbing the tariffs. Citi analysts estimate those duties could cost Porsche up to $2.3 billion annually if no price increases are implemented.

EV demand fizzles, forcing strategy shift

A broader slowdown in global EV adoption is also hitting Porsche hard. The company had been investing heavily in electric mobility, but it’s now pulling back. On Monday, Porsche said it will no longer independently expand high-performance battery production through its Cellforce subsidiary, a move that adds roughly $1.5 billion in one-off costs this year.

“We have to face the reality that we see from the markets, namely a complete slowdown when it comes to electric mobility,” CFO Jochen Breckner said during a call with reporters.

To compensate, Porsche is pivoting toward expanding its offerings of combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid vehicles, despite previously ambitious EV targets. That shift will cost the company an additional $900 million in 2025.

China sales collapse adds pressure

The picture is equally grim in China. Once Porsche’s second-largest market, the country saw a stunning 42% drop in Porsche deliveries in the first quarter — the brand’s worst performance there since 2013. The company now expects total China deliveries to fall 30% this year to around 40,000 units.

The culprit? Fierce competition from domestic automakers like BYD and a sluggish Chinese economy. Porsche has responded by reshuffling key executives and initiating job cuts in Germany to trim costs.

Final thoughts

First-quarter earnings reflect the pressure that automakers are facing in China and in the EV segment. Porsche’s operating profit dropped 40% year-over-year to $860 million, and it recorded its first-ever single-digit quarterly return on sales at 8.6%. The company also lowered its full-year revenue guidance to as low as $42 billion, down from previous expectations of $44 billion to $45 billion.

While external factors are partly to blame, analysts say Porsche needs to regain control of its narrative. “It has work to do to exhibit greater control of its problems,” wrote Citi’s Harald Hendrikse. For a brand known for precision and performance, 2025 is shaping up to be a bumpy ride.