Momentum Slips for Auto Import Tariffs
President Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on car imports is facing increasing headwinds amid congressional opposition, legal challenges, and the prospect of consumer opposition, reports The Wall Street Journal. Three weeks after the Commerce Department submitted a report on possible auto tariffs, the administration has yet to address the issue publicly—an uncharacteristically quiet approach that has trade experts concluding the White House isn’t eager to launch another grueling trade battle that could rattle markets as the 2020 election campaign gets under way. “The price of vehicles would go up for middle-income American families who drive,” said Rep. Jackie Walorski (R., Ind.), who has co-sponsored new legislation that would give Congress the ability to veto such tariffs. Dealers can make their voices heard in Washington on the tariff issue by attending AIADA’s Tariff Fly-In on April 9-10 in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the event, including its lineup of speakers featuring the Honorable Newt Gingrich, at AIADA.org. Read the latest on the tariff issue in Washington by clicking here.
Nissan Names 2nd New N. America Chairman in 14 Months
According to Automotive News, Nissan has appointed Jose Valls its new chairman for North America just three months after promoting him to vice chairman, as the company battles slumping U.S. sales amid a changing strategy. He replaces Denis Le Vot, who will return to alliance partner Renault after just 14 months in the U.S. Valls' appointment, effective April, was announced Wednesday as part of a wider management shuffle at Nissan Motor Co. Valls will hand his Latin America chairmanship duties to Guy Rodriguez, who is currently divisional vice president of Latin America marketing and sales. Valls, 51, was named vice chairman in December and started that role Jan. 2. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa said last month he is promoting Valls to spearhead a turnaround in North America, where the Japanese carmaker's profitability and sales have suffered. Read more here.
These 10 Cities Have the Most Aggressive Drivers in the Nation
It's a fact of life: Nobody ever says the drivers in their hometown are talented and responsible. No. They're erratic and irresponsible. But who's got it the worst? A new study by fuel-savings app GasBuddy settles the debate over which city has the most aggressive drivers in America. USA Today reports that GasBuddy analyzed data from an optional feature that helps users keep track of their driving habits and gives them suggestions on how to preserve fuel. The analysts assessed the frequency of speeding, hard braking and swift acceleration to gauge aggressiveness. The study, which examined the 30 largest metropolitan areas by population, concluded ten cities – headlined by Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Sacramento, Calif. – have the most aggressive drivers. Read more here.
Mazda Shuffles North American Leadership Roles
Mazda Motor Corp. is sending its top executive from its European operations to North America as part of a flurry of organizational moves announced Tuesday. According to Automotive News, Jeff Guyton, currently CEO of Mazda Motor Europe, has been named president of Mazda North American Operations. He had been in the European role since 2009. Yasuhiro Aoyama will replace Guyton in Europe. Mazda said Masahiro Moro, currently president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, will now be chairman and CEO. The new appointment means he'll now additionally oversee operations in Canada and Mexico. David Klan was named president and CEO of Mazda's Canada operations. Klan will succeed Masaharu Kondo, who has been promoted to general manager of global sales and marketing for Mazda and will be based in Japan. In his new role, Klan will report to Moro. The changes are effective April 1, Mazda said. Read more here.
Cars Americans Don't Want to Buy
It’s an interesting time for the U.S. auto industry. With more American consumers preferring to drive larger SUVs and crossovers, sedan sales are dropping, a shift that some manufacturers failed to anticipate. Not all cars take the same amount of time to sell — some of the most in-demand models may find a buyer in just a few weeks, while other vehicles will sit on dealership lots for months before they are sold. Days to turn also can be a useful metric in determining which car segments and models are fading in popularity. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the average number of days each car model sat on a dealer’s lot before being sold, or days to turn, in the U.S. market in 2018, based on data provided by Kelley Blue Book. These are the 26 cars that sold in more than 130 days in 2018. Read more here.
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Around the Web
Porsche Restores the First 917 to Its Original Glory [MotorAuthority]
These Concept Tires Could Help Cars Fly [CNN Business]
Give Your Canine Easier Access to Your SUV [Autoblog]
Costs Temper Hype on Road to Autonomous Vehicles [The Detroit News]
