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Happy Wednesday! Today, we’re looking at President Trump’s proposed 25% auto tariffs and the effects it could have. Plus, we’re covering how Hyundai and Kia are ramping up US battery and EV production, making those models eligible for the $7500 tax credit. Then, we’ll cover how Chinese customers are not happy with BYD. 

Show Notes with links:

• President Donald Trump has announced that 25% auto tariffs are coming soon—with more details expected April 2. The move aims to reshape global trade, but it could drive up vehicle prices and shake the industry.
  • His cabinet is set to deliver reports on trade options by April 1, outlining tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.
  • Europe currently charges a 10% tariff on U.S. vehicle imports, while the U.S. only charges 2.5% on foreign cars—except for pickups, which already face a 25% duty.
  • Trump also set a March 12 start date for 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which could raise costs for automakers.
  • He has previously announced and delayed tariffs on Mexican and non-energy Canadian imports, keeping trade relationships tense.
  • From a Steve Greenfield LinkedIn Post: “[These tariffs] puts a $240 billion trade route in the crosshairs, with some of the biggest brands in Germany and South Korea most exposed.”

• After months of uncertainty, Hyundai and Kia EVs are back on track to qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. With a new U.S.-based battery supply chain, the automakers are positioning themselves for a big year in 2025 as they ramp up production of new models like the 2025 IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9.
  • Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant will start mass-producing the 2025 IONIQ 5 next month.
  • SK Battery America (SKBA) will supply batteries made in the U.S., meeting the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements.
  • The new Bartow County battery plant will produce enough batteries for 200,000 EVs annually and cut shipping times to the EV plant.
  • Until full tax credit eligibility is restored, Hyundai is still passing the $7,500 credit through leasing, making the 2025 IONIQ 5 cheaper than a Toyota RAV4.

• Chinese automaker BYD is facing a wave of consumer complaints after offering free smart driving features across most of its lineup. Many existing customers feel cheated, believing they overpaid for their vehicles before the upgrades.
  • Over 4,700 complaints were filed on 12365auto.com between Feb. 11-17, up from 150 the week before and 500 in January.
  • BYD’s Ocean and Dynasty series dominated the platform’s top 10 most complained-about cars.
  • Some buyers claim salesp

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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