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Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump tariffs don't spare his fans in EU
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban promised that the return of his "dear friend" Donald Trump as US president would usher in a new "golden age". But trade unionist Zoltan Laszlo says Hungary's auto industry has seen the opposite as the United States announced new tariffs, with order cancellations and workflow disruptions marking employees' day-to-day experience. With tariff rates rising from 2.5 percent before Trump's return to around 25 percent and finally to 15 percent, the "American tariff slalom" has caused nothing but chaos in the car industry, said Laszlo, who represents workers at Mexican automotive parts manufacturer Nemak's Hungarian plant. In recent years, Hungary and neighbouring Slovakia have become European manufacturing hubs for global car brands seeking lower labour costs, including British Jaguar Land Rover, German Mercedes and Japanese Suzuki. But due to the export-oriented nature of their automotive sectors, catering in part to the US market, they are among those EU nations hardest-hit by the latest tariffs slated to kick in on August 7. Despite hailing Trump's comeback and visiting him twice at his Mar-a-Lago luxury estate last year, Orban -- his closest EU ally -- was not spared the pain. - Distress calls - Neither were more favourable conditions extended to Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose country is the world's largest automobile manufacturer per capita. According to analyst Matej Hornak, the incoming tariffs won't bode well. He warns of a drop in exports amounting to "several hundred million euros" and the loss of "10,000-12,000" jobs in the sector. After the announcement of the EU-US trade deal, Orban was quick to apportion blame to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, saying Trump "ate" her "for breakfast". But in April, the mayor of the Hungarian city of Gyor, whose strong economic growth is closely linked to its car manufacturing plants, had already warned of possible cutbacks and layoffs. For the city, which is home to various global brands and more than a dozen different parts and component suppliers including Nemak, the fresh tariffs are a disaster. As one of the biggest employers in Hungary, German carmaker Volkswagen alone provides jobs for more than 12,000 people. Its main engine factory in Gyor produces some Audi-branded vehicles directly for the US market. The Hungarian government has said that it is still assessing the impact of the tariff rates, vowing that upcoming business deals with Washington could mitigate the negative effects of Trump's "America first" policy. - Difficult compromise - But more headwinds are ahead for Hungary and Slovakia, said Brussels-based geopolitical analyst Botond Feledy. "When it comes to European dealmaking, Trump now prioritises more geopolitically influential figures -- the main option for smaller nations such as Slovakia and Hungary is to join forces with others," he told AFP. But the "aggressive posturing" in the same vein of Trump's protectionist policies both countries adopted in recent months have isolated them among fellow EU countries, making compromises difficult, the expert added. Moreover, the stakes are high for Orban, whose 15-year rule has recently been challenged by former government insider-turned-rival Peter Magyar ahead of elections scheduled for next spring. "Dissatisfaction with the standard of living has made voters more critical, which is also reflected in the popularity ratings of the governing parties," said economist Zoltan Pogatsa, adding that "Hungary has been in a state of near stagnation for many years now". This year's economic "flying start" touted by Orban did not materialise, with the government further lowering the country's growth goal from the initial 3.4 to one percent. "So far, Trump's second presidency has only impacted the Hungarian economy through his tariff policy, which has been negative," Pogatsa added. At the Nemak plant, a recent warning strike has led to management promising to sort out the unpredictable work schedules caused by the tariff changes, which were "unhealthy and physically unbearable" and made "family and private life become incompatible with work", said Laszlo. pv-ros/kym/rl/tc
Car and Driver
2 hours ago
- Car and Driver
Ercole Spada, Designer of the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, Has Died at 88
Ercole Spada has died, age 88. His designs cover everything from Astons and Alfa Romeos to more accessible cars including from Mazda and Nissan. A prolific designer, he helped shape some of the best-known designs from Zagato during his tenure there. Improving on the design of an Aston Martin DB4 GT is a nearly impossible task. While the later DB5 would become the icon, thanks to the Bond franchise, the GT version of the DB4 is a stunning machine, and not to be messed with. This did not stop a young Lombardian named Ercole Spada from taking up his pen, and if he felt the weight of the task at hand, he didn't show it. He styled the DB4 Zagato, even prettier and more delicate, and a car worth millions today. Spada died last week at 88. The portfolio of his life's work extended from near-priceless collectibles to special little cars practically anyone can own. He is not as well known a designer as a Giugiaro or Gandini or Pininfarina, but his legacy stands shoulder to shoulder with Italy's best. In particular, his work for Zagato is some of that company's best. The DB4 Zagato is probably the most famous Spada design, but he also styled the Lancia Fulvia Zagato, of which some 7000 were built. Far more rare is the Alfa Romeo TZ (for Tubolare Zagato), a lightweight high-performer that's like a pint-sized, four-cylinder Ferrari 250 GTO. Spada worked for Zagato until 1970, after which he joined BMW as Munich's chief stylist. Here, he was responsible for perhaps his best-known creations, the E32 7-series and the E34 5-series. The E34 in particular is a near-timeless example of design, especially for a modern car. This generation of M5 is just a stunning machine. BMW 1988 BMW M5 (E34). Spada helped design Fords and Volvos and Lancias and even a Nissan, everyday fare as well as sporting specials. One of his more accessible designs is the Mazda MX-3, a car which is possibly due for a little more respect as an accessible collectible. With its tiny optional V-6, this little hatchback offers something of the spirit of the Alfa TZ for about what you'd pay for a used Ford Escort. Many a student of automotive design has seen and been influenced by Spada's work. His cars can fetch $10 million at auction and be displayed at Pebble Beach, or cost just barely into four figures and show up at a Radwood-style event. You have to think any car designer would be proud of such a broad and lasting career. He dared to improve on an Aston Martin, and that daring never left him. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ercole Spada, Designer of the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, Has Died at 88
Ercole Spada has died, age 88. His designs cover everything from Astons and Alfa Romeos to more accessible cars including from Mazda and Nissan. A prolific designer, he helped shape some of the best-known designs from Zagato during his tenure there. Improving on the design of an Aston Martin DB4 GT is a nearly impossible task. While the later DB5 would become the icon, thanks to the Bond franchise, the GT version of the DB4 is a stunning machine, and not to be messed with. This did not stop a young Lombardian named Ercole Spada from taking up his pen, and if he felt the weight of the task at hand, he didn't show it. He styled the DB4 Zagato, even prettier and more delicate, and a car worth millions today. Spada died last week at 88. The portfolio of his life's work extended from near-priceless collectibles to special little cars practically anyone can own. He is not as well known a designer as a Giugiaro or Gandini or Pininfarina, but his legacy stands shoulder to shoulder with Italy's best. In particular, his work for Zagato is some of that company's best. The DB4 Zagato is probably the most famous Spada design, but he also styled the Lancia Fulvia Zagato, of which some 7000 were built. Far more rare is the Alfa Romeo TZ (for Tubolare Zagato), a lightweight high-performer that's like a pint-sized, four-cylinder Ferrari 250 GTO. Spada worked for Zagato until 1970, after which he joined BMW as Munich's chief stylist. Here, he was responsible for perhaps his best-known creations, the E32 7-series and the E34 5-series. The E34 in particular is a near-timeless example of design, especially for a modern car. This generation of M5 is just a stunning machine. Spada helped design Fords and Volvos and Lancias and even a Nissan, everyday fare as well as sporting specials. One of his more accessible designs is the Mazda MX-3, a car which is possibly due for a little more respect as an accessible collectible. With its tiny optional V-6, this little hatchback offers something of the spirit of the Alfa TZ for about what you'd pay for a used Ford Escort. Many a student of automotive design has seen and been influenced by Spada's work. His cars can fetch $10 million at auction and be displayed at Pebble Beach, or cost just barely into four figures and show up at a Radwood-style event. You have to think any car designer would be proud of such a broad and lasting career. He dared to improve on an Aston Martin, and that daring never left him. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
