Trump Floats Tariffs on Imported Vehicles, Parts
President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation to determine whether to impose new tariffs on imported light-duty vehicles and parts following a tweet promising "big news" for the auto industry.

President Donald Trump is considering imposing tariffs on imported light-duty vehicles and parts.
Photo via Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia. Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation to determine whether to impose new tariffs on imported light-duty vehicles and parts following a tweet promising "big news" for the auto industry.
The order came after a meeting between Trump and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on May 23 in which the two discussed "the current state of our automobile industry," according to a White House statement. Ross initiated the investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into imports of vehicles, including light trucks, SUVs, vans, and automotive parts to determine their impact on national security.
"Core industries such as automobiles and automotive parts are critical to our strength as a nation," according to the statement.
The move would likely impact non-Detroit automakers who don't operate a U.S. assembly plant.
"There is evidence suggesting that, for decades, imports from abroad have eroded our domestic auto industry," Ross said in a statement. "The Department of Commerce will conduct a thorough, fair, and transparent investigation into whether such imports are weakening our internal economy and may impair the national security."
In the past 20 years, imports of passenger vehilces have grown to 48% from 32% of the cars sold in the U.S.
More Vehicle Research

Can AEB Really Prevent Intersection Crashes? | AF News Recap
This week we covered the latest AEB test from AAA, a new scholarship opportunity, and Holman's huge leadership change.
Read More →
Holman Announces Fleet Leadership Changes as Bob White Retires
Nick Caller will become president of Fleet, while Mark Bryan will take on the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer of Fleet, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Read More →
Toyota Fleet Briefs Fleet Leaders on Rapidly Growing Fleet Service Program, Successes of Hybrids, and Supply
During the annual Toyota Fleet Executive Meeting, fleet leaders learned about Toyota’s legacy of driving fuel efficiency with hybrids, its investments in U.S. production, the early success of Toyota Fleet Service Advantage, and much more.
Read More →
NAFA Launches CAFM Scholarship Program for Fleet Professionals
The new program will award up to four scholarships annually to help eligible fleet professionals cover the cost of Certified Automotive Fleet Manager certification.
Read More →
Your Fleet Experience Deserves a Vote in the 2027 Fleet Awards
Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and upfits. Help choose the 2027 fleet award winners and unlock early-access resources for voters. Ballots close December 31.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Rebound 16.9% Through October
October's stronger results lifted commercial fleet sales growth to 6.7% through the first 10 months of 2026.
Read More →
Which Vehicles Earn Your Fleet’s Vote? Voting Opens for 2027 Fleet Vehicle of the Year
Which vehicles earn your fleet’s vote? Cast your ballot to unlock early access to our analysis of ownership costs across 55 vehicle nameplates.
Read More →
Crash Tests, Catalytic Converter Theft & Fleet Safety | AF News Recap
A stolen catalytic converter can cost a fleet far more than the replacement part. This week, we're exploring how to reduce theft-related risk, what fleet managers learned from live IIHS crash testing, the 2027 Jeep Compass's new safety features, and why supporting original industry reporting matters.
Read More →
2027 Jeep Compass Adds Standard Driver-Assistance Features, Starts at $31,985
The 2027 Jeep Compass adds standard adaptive cruise control across the lineup, along with additional technology and equipment options on select trims.
Read More →
2027 Subaru Outback Adds Base Trim, Lowers Pricing Across Lineup
The 2027 Outback starts at $32,995, with price reductions on several trims and expanded availability of hands-free driver-assistance technology.
Read More →