Detroit 'Big Three' Optimistic About Auto Industry Under Trump
President Donald Trump met with the CEOs of General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler on Tuesday to discuss the relationship between the automakers and his administration going forward.
President Donald Trump met with the CEOs of General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler on Tuesday to discuss the relationship between the automakers and his administration going forward.
During the meeting, Trump called for an increase in U.S.-based manufacturing, a reduction of taxes imposed on businesses, and a reduction of “unnecessary regulations,” according to NBC News.
“We’re going to make a very short process. We’re going to either give you your permits or we’re not going to give you your permits, but you’re going to know very quickly. And generally speaking, we’re going to be giving you your permits,” Trump said during the meeting.
After the meeting, GM CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Mark Fields, and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne held a short press conference where they expressed their shared optimism in the future of the automotive sector under the Trump administration.
“As an automotive industry, we employ many people across America good paying jobs. From the people who work in our factory to manufacturers that support our plants with parts, to our wonderful dealers who are literally in every community across America who help sell and service our vehicles. We’re very encouraged in the president and the economic policies he is forwarding,” said Fields during the press conference.
Fields also praised Trump for his decision to withdraw from the Trans Pacific Partnership, adding that the industry has been very vocal in its opposition to the partnership.
Both Barra and Marchionne were in agreement with what he had to say, however, Barra added that, “there’s a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government [to] improve the environment, improve safety, improve the jobs creation and the competitive manufacturing and we’re looking forward to the elements that Mark talked about to be able to do that.”
While Marchionne was mostly silent during the short press conference, he did release a statement afterward. “I appreciate the president’s focus on making the U.S. a great place to do business. We look forward to working with President Trump and members of Congress to strengthen American manufacturing,” he said.
More Operations

Top 50 Executive Fleets
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!
Read More →
Gary Van Orden Retires After Nearly Four Decades in Commercial Fleet
From answering customer calls at Ford Motor Company to leading fleet sales across multiple OEMs and a fleet management company, Gary Van Orden's career reflects nearly four decades of leadership in commercial fleet.
Read More →
How Stellantis Plans to Get Ahead of Fleet Downtime
Vehicle acquisition may grab the headlines, but fleet uptime increasingly determines operating success. Darren Bradshaw of Mopar North America gives the details.
Read More →
Hyundai Releases 2027 Commercial Program Incentives
The 2027 Model Year "Fleet Street Incentives" are available to commercial and government fleets.
Read More →
It's All Downhill from Here! Fleet Industry Raises $22,000 for Skilled Trades Scholarships
Work Truck’s Lauren Fletcher and Automotive Fleet’s Chris Brown turned a friendly racing rivalry into $22,000 for automotive technology and skilled trades scholarships.
Read More →The Top 300 Commercial Fleets
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List
Read More →
Your Local Dealer Knows More Than You Think
Your local dealer can provide an information advantage that extends well beyond courtesy deliveries.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Austin Schutte
Here are some industry insights, personal touches, and words of advice from the CEO and Founder of Anew Solutions.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: What’s Powering Team Brown
The car is coming together, the students are solving real build problems, and the fleet industry is helping push Team Brown toward the starting line.
Read More →
