Earlier this week: The U.S. and China slashed tariffs in a surprise trade truce. Trump, Starmer strike potential U.S.-UK trade deal with cuts to car, steel tariffs. U.S. regulators investigate Tesla’s robotaxi launch amid FSD technology concerns. Congressional bill targets EV tax credit, threatening major price hikes by 2026. Nissan deepens cuts with 11,000 more job losses amid mounting losses. JLR reassesses profit goals amid U.S. tariff pressure. Auto credit tightened slightly in April.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. U.S. and China slash tariffs in surprise trade truce
In a move few expected, the United States and China agreed on Monday to a sweeping rollback of the tariffs that had fueled fears of a global trade war and battered economic confidence. The agreement slashes most reciprocal tariffs down to 10% for the next 90 days, giving the world’s two largest economies time to negotiate a broader trade pact. Read More
2. Trump, Starmer strike potential U.S.-UK trade deal with cuts to car, steel tariffs
On May 6, President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a limited bilateral trade agreement that cuts U.S. tariffs on British cars and steel, expands agricultural market access for both countries, and maintains a 10% base tariff on most British exports. Read More
3. U.S. regulators investigate Tesla’s robotaxi launch amid FSD technology concerns
U.S. auto regulators are pressing Tesla for detailed answers surrounding its plans to launch a paid robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in June. In a letter made public on Monday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested that Tesla outline its deployment plans and provide key safety details. Read More
4. Congressional bill targets EV tax credit, threatening major price hikes by 2026
A new Republican-led proposal in Congress could eliminate key electric vehicle tax incentives by the end of 2026, potentially raising EV prices by thousands of dollars and reshaping U.S. adoption of battery-powered cars. Read More
5. Nissan deepens cuts with 11,000 more job losses amid mounting losses
Nissan announced Tuesday it will cut an additional 11,000 jobs and shut down seven factories globally, as the struggling Japanese automaker attempts to rebound from one of its worst financial years in over a decade. Read More
6. JLR reassesses profit goals amid U.S. tariff pressure
Tata Motors, parent company of U.K.-based Jaguar Land Rover, is reassessing its profit forecast due to the uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs. The company made the announcement on Tuesday, joining a growing list of automakers pulling back amid shifting U.S. trade policies. Read More
7. Auto credit tightens slightly in April
Auto credit access declined slightly in April 2025, according to the latest Dealertrack Credit Availability Index. The All-Loans Index dipped to 95.7 from 96.3 in March, marking a 0.7% month-over-month decrease. While this indicates some tightening, credit availability remains 0.7% higher than the same time last year. Read More
8. Dealer roundtable: Dealers brace for uncertainty as tariff talk echo COVID-era disruptions
As the auto industry waits to see how proposed tariffs from Washington will play out, Toyota dealers Jim Henne and Joseph Robinson say they’ve seen this type of disruption before—and they’re ready. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, they explain how their dealerships are applying COVID-era strategies, staying lean on inventory, and leveraging Toyota’s U.S. manufacturing footprint to navigate market uncertainty. Watch the full segment here.
9. Sean Gardner shares the top habit that boosts car sales instantly
Success in automotive sales often comes down to mindset, strategy, and daily habits. In today’s episode of CBT Now, Sean Gardner, instructor and sales trainer at the Joe Verde Group, highlights the most immediate and impactful action car sales professionals can take to increase sales and income: get out of the huddle and go to work with a plan. Watch the full segment here.
10. Ford Dealer John Roberts shares secrets to longevity, leadership, and continuous growth
In the latest episode of Training Camp with Adam Marburger, CEO at Ascent Dealer Services, he sits down with John Roberts, dealer principal of Roberts Ford, for a candid conversation about legacy, leadership, and leveling up. With over 75 years of family business under his belt and a deep commitment to his local community, Roberts reveals what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive automotive landscape—and why even veteran operators can’t stop training. Watch the full segment here.
