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BumRushDaShow

(150,177 posts)
Sat Apr 5, 2025, 06:20 PM Saturday

Automakers seek 'opportunity in the chaos' of Trump's tariffs

Source: NBC News/CNBC

April 5, 2025, 12:06 PM EDT / Source: CNBC


DETROIT — As President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles were set to take effect, executives at Ford Motor scrambled to figure out how to respond to the new levies. While they and their industry counterparts are still trying to navigate the impacts, Ford decided to move quickly in one area by offering an employee pricing program — called “From America, For America” — for U.S. consumers.

Such programs have historically been controversial, as they sell vehicles close to or lower than invoice prices for dealers and eat away at already tight profit margins for the retailers. But Ford decided the time was right to launch the program to promote its U.S. operations — the largest among automakers — and assist sales amid consumer concerns and economic uncertainty due to Trump’s tariffs.

“We understand that these are uncertain times for many Americans. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of a changing economy or simply needing a reliable vehicle for your family, we want to help,” Ford said in a statement Thursday morning announcing the program. “We have the retail inventory to do this and a lot of choice for customers that need a vehicle.”

It’s an example of how some automakers are attempting to find “opportunity in the chaos” or trying to “capitalize on the moment” amid the tariffs, as several industry analysts told CNBC.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/automakers-seek-opportunity-trump-tariffs-rcna199837

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Automakers seek 'opportunity in the chaos' of Trump's tariffs (Original Post) BumRushDaShow Saturday OP
Locking in price must be a dealerships nightmare. underpants Saturday #1
I'm sure used cars are going to be a lot more popular now IronLionZion Saturday #2
I couldn't afford this price before the tRUMP Depression wolfie001 Saturday #3
If you want a cheap new car IronLionZion Saturday #4
Another option are Kia Souls as it's what we have and they are very comfortable. cstanleytech Yesterday #5
10 year warranty for Kia and Hyundai can sweeten the deal IronLionZion Yesterday #6

underpants

(189,777 posts)
1. Locking in price must be a dealerships nightmare.
Sat Apr 5, 2025, 06:56 PM
Saturday

What, am I working at _____g CARMAX here?

Tesla won a lawsuit here in Virginia and elsewhere. Manufacturers couldn’t sell straight to the public. Dealership groups had that locked in stone for a long time.

IronLionZion

(48,330 posts)
2. I'm sure used cars are going to be a lot more popular now
Sat Apr 5, 2025, 07:20 PM
Saturday

especially once we are officially in recession and people can't afford to buy new.

wolfie001

(4,459 posts)
3. I couldn't afford this price before the tRUMP Depression
Sat Apr 5, 2025, 10:13 PM
Saturday

My Condo loan in Jan. 2011 was 48,000. That's from an area in Maryland where you could commute to NW DC if you wanted a cheap place to live and own.

IronLionZion

(48,330 posts)
4. If you want a cheap new car
Sat Apr 5, 2025, 10:31 PM
Saturday

The 2025 Nissan Versa is currently the cheapest new car in the US, with a starting price of $18,330, followed by the 2025 Hyundai Venue at $21,550 and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax at $21,795.

Those are all imported.

I am way below average apparently.

cstanleytech

(27,507 posts)
5. Another option are Kia Souls as it's what we have and they are very comfortable.
Sun Apr 6, 2025, 12:38 AM
Yesterday

A hell of a lot better than the Ford Focus we used to have which sucked when it came to comfort.

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