Jan. 17, 2019
Trump 'Inclined' to Impose New U.S. Auto Tariffs, Key Senator Says
President Donald Trump is likely to move ahead with tariffs on imported vehicles, a move that could prompt the European Union to agree to a new trade deal, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley said on Wednesday. "I think the president's inclined to do it," the Republican senator told reporters. "Europe (is) very very concerned about those tariffs ... It may be the instrument that gets Europe to negotiate." According to Reuters, Commerce Department recommendations into whether Trump should impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on imported cars and parts on national security grounds are due by mid-February. Grassley, who has had regular talks with Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on trade issues, said he did not like new tariffs but "they are a fact of life when Trump is in the White House." Automakers say imposing 25 percent tariffs would raise cumulative prices for U.S. vehicles by $83 billion annually and cost hundreds of thousands of jobs. They argue there is no evidence auto imports pose a national security risk. For more, including how much tariffs would raise car prices, click here.
15 Best Sports Cars Under $40K
Every new vehicle in U.S. News & World Report’s mainstream sports car rankings has a starting price under $40,000. In fact, you can choose many models in an upper trim level and still stay within the budget. While this is not true when it comes to luxury sports cars, there are many fantastic used models that are equally affordable. The two-seat 2019 Nissan 370Z made the list thanks to its strong acceleration and respectable driving dynamics. It also offers intuitive infotainment features. The 370Z features a 3.7-liter V6 engine that cranks out 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, though a seven-speed automatic is available. You might also want to consider the 2019 Toyota 86, which provides athletic handling, supportive front seats, and easy-to-use tech features. It also returns better gas mileage than many rivals and comes from a generation of vehicles with above-average ratings for predicted reliability. Standard features in the 86 include Bluetooth, HD Radio, a USB port, voice recognition, a 7-inch touch screen, and hill-start assist. For the complete slideshow of bargain sports cars, click here.
VW Signs Marketing Agreement with U.S. Soccer
What started as an organic effort among Volkswagen dealers to support local youth soccer programs has grown into a new nationwide integrated marketing sponsorship of the sport in the United States. Automotive News reports that VW has signed an agreement with U.S. Soccer to be its presenting automotive partner through 2022. Volkswagen's initial contribution to the program — which it's calling One Goal — will be a funding effort to train and encourage more female soccer coaches. Under the agreement, Volkswagen's logo and vehicles are to be prominently displayed in soccer stadiums and in soccer advertising over the next four years, including both the men's and women's U.S. National Soccer teams as they compete in the World Cup. John Luciano, chairman of the Volkswagen National Dealer Advisory Council, said the tie-in with soccer grew organically after Volkswagen introduced the Atlas three-row crossover in 2017 and dealers sought to help their local soccer programs. He called the association "a natural fit" between the German brand and the sport, as it tries to grow in the United States. For the full story, click here.
U.S. Automakers Push for Deal on Fuel Efficiency Rules
Executives at the major U.S. automakers are pressing the Trump administration and California to agree on standards for fuel efficiency and carbon emissions through 2025, as risks increase that a deadline for setting national standards will pass without a deal. Reuters reports that automakers are already entering the time frame when decisions should be made about what engines and fuel-saving technology, such as hybrids or fully electric cars, will be in use in 2021 and beyond. In August, the Trump administration proposed freezing fuel efficiency requirements at 2020 levels through 2025 and stripping California of the ability to impose stricter rules. The administration may also eliminate compliance credits that automakers get for making electric vehicles. Most automakers oppose freezing the requirements, but also want relief from Obama-era standards that called for a roughly 5 percent annual reduction in carbon emissions. “Pick the middle. Pick 2.5 percent and get on with life,” Jim Lentz, chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Corp’s (7203.T) North America subsidiary, told Reuters at the Detroit auto show this week. For the full story on where automakers stand, click here.
Mini 60 Years Edition Celebrates Six Decades Since the Original Hit the Streets
The original Mini launched in 1959, making this year the car's 60th anniversary. To celebrate, Mini is offering a special Mini 60 Years Edition car for the 2019 model year. Mini did a pretty awesome photo shoot for this limited-edition car, showing us how big the Mini is now compared to what it used to be in 1959. That might not have been the point, but man is it interesting to see the two chugging along next to each other. Click here to see it. According to AutoBlog, you can order the 60 Years Edition with either the three-door or five-door Mini — the larger Clubman and Countryman will not be getting this treatment. As for the changes from Mini, it's mostly aesthetic. The standard color is a British racing green, but you could choose among four other non-green colors, too. Mini will paint the roof either white or black, and the same goes for the exterior mirror caps. For more on this special edition, click here.
Around the Web
Huge Highway Sign Falls And Crushes Hyundai Santa Fe [Car Scoops]
Chevrolet Pulls 'Most Reliable' Ad After Being Challenged By Toyota [Jalopnik]
Video: Florida Man 'Went Crazy' After Finding Boa Constrictor on his Car Engine [Fox News]
Everything You Thought You Knew About Driving on Snow Was Wrong [NYT]
