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Your Next Car Could Cost $10,000 More due to Trump's Automaker Tariffs

Your Next Car Could Cost $10,000 More due to Trump's Automaker Tariffs

Globe and Mail03-04-2025
President Trump's new 25% tariffs on cars and car parts are about to make your next new car significantly more expensive. Experts warn that these tariffs could raise prices by as much as $10,000, putting a hefty dent in your wallet if you're planning to buy a vehicle anytime soon.
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Automakers Respond to Tariffs with Higher Costs
Volkswagen (VWAGY) is already feeling the heat, adding an 'import fee' to its vehicles sold in the U.S., according to The Wall Street Journal. The company's memo to dealers explains that this will force them to either raise car prices or risk losing money. This move marks the beginning of a broader trend, as car manufacturers adjust to the new tariff landscape.
Import fees and fewer dealer incentives are expected to push the cost of a new car higher. Bank of America Securities analyst John Murphy predicts that the industry could lose 3 million car sales annually as higher prices deter consumers. The average price of a new car in the U.S. is already approaching $50,000, and these tariff-induced price hikes will make the cost of ownership even steeper.
Tariffs Impact Both Imports and Domestic Manufacturers
While imported cars will bear the brunt of the tariff increases, domestic manufacturers aren't immune. Car parts from overseas will now be more expensive, making vehicles produced in the U.S. more costly as well. Companies like General Motors (GM) may need to raise prices on their Mexican-made models to stay competitive, potentially leading to an across-the-board price bump.
Tariffs Drive Higher Car Prices and Shrink Dealer Incentives
For now, car buyers will likely see little immediate change, as manufacturers and dealers work through their existing inventory. However, experts predict that these price hikes will unfold gradually over the next 6 to 12 months. Fewer incentives and higher base prices will push the cost of a new car even further out of reach for many Americans.
The auto industry is bracing for a shift, and with it, potential changes in consumer demand. Whether higher prices will slow down car sales or if the industry can adjust to the new normal is still uncertain.
Investors can track how auto stocks react to these developments by comparing them on the TipRanks Stocks Comparison tool. Click on the image below to find out more.
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