Trump says he may soon increase car tariffs to push more US production
US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned he may soon hike car tariffs, arguing that could prod carmakers to speed US investments.
"I might go up with that tariff in the not too distant future," Trump said at a White House event.
"The higher you go, the more likely it is they build a plant here."
Carmakers have been pressing the White House to reduce the 25% tariffs Trump imposed on cars. The Detroit Three carmakers have criticised a deal that would cut tariffs on British car imports but not on Canada or Mexico production.
Trump cited recent investment announcements, including GM saying this week it plans to invest $4bn (R71,882,393,200) in three US plants and move some SUV production from Mexico. He also noted a $21bn (R377,382,600,000) Hyundai investment announced in March, including a new US steel plant.
"They wouldn't have invested 10c if we didn't have tariffs, including for manufacturing American steel, which is doing great," Trump said.
Mexico said last month cars assembled in Mexico and exported to the US will face an average tariff of 15%, not 25%, because Washington is giving carmakers reductions for the value of US content.
Carmakers are facing increasing cost pressures stemming from tariffs. In recent weeks, Ford Motor and Subaru of America have hiked prices on some models due to higher costs from Trump's tariffs. In May, Ford estimated tariffs would cost it about $1.5bn (R26,939,413,200) in adjusted earnings.
GM said last month it had a tariff exposure of between $4bn (R71,882,393,200) and $5bn, including about $2bn (R35,942,920,000) on the more affordable vehicles GM imports from South Korea, where it makes entry-level Chevrolet and Buick models.
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IOL News
21 minutes ago
- IOL News
US military strikes on Iran: Trump declares success in obliterating nuclear sites
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The intervention by a US president who had vowed to avoid another "forever war" in the region threatens to dramatically widen the conflict, with Iran having said it would retaliate if Washington got involved. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success," said Trump, adding that they targeted the crucial underground nuclear enrichment plant of Fordo along with facilities at Natanz and Isfahan. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran the bully of the Middle East must now make peace," said Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the strikes, saying that "with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history." Condemning the US attacks as "lawless and criminal," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty. 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Iran denies seeking an atomic bomb, and on Saturday Pezeshkian said its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program "cannot be taken away... by threats or war." Iran's Revolutionary Guard meanwhile announced early Sunday that "suicide drones" had been launched against "strategic targets" across Israel. The US military strikes on Iran also threaten to cause political tensions at home for Trump. The issue has opened a split in Trump's "MAGA" movement, with many key Republican supporters calling on Trump to avoid embroiling the United States in another foreign war. Trump's first 2016 election victory in particular came on the back of his promises to get America out of its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats have also assailed him. Leading US Democrat Hakeem Jeffries said Trump risked US "entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East," while others have accused him of bypassing Congress to launch a new war. AFP
Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites ‘obliterated' by US airstrikes
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'If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.' The U.S. reached out to Iran diplomatically on Saturday to say the strikes are all the U.S. plans and it does not aim for regime change, CBS News reported. Trump said U.S. forces struck Iran's three principal nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. He told Fox News' Sean Hannity show that six bunker-buster bombs were dropped on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired against other nuclear sites. U.S. B-2 bombers were involved in the strikes, a U.S. official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,' Trump posted on Truth Social. 'Fordow is gone.' Reuters had reported earlier on Saturday the movement of the B-2 bombers, which can be equipped to carry massive bombs that experts say would be needed to strike Fordow, which is buried beneath a mountain south of Tehran. 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The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Tough MUDDER trucker: 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara tested
The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is so much more than a highly capable 4×4. The backstory of the company behind it is worth a seven-part Netflix documentary alone. We're talking ill-fated mergers, overzealous venture capitalists, multi-billion dollar buy-outs, job losses and false dawns. Daimler Chrysler, the once-crippled, teetering-on-the-edge conglomerate was revived as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) a decade ago. And when you drive the Jeep Wrangler Sahara, the mechanics of this unlikely American-Italian pairing don't go unnoticed … You can't mistake the signature seven-slat grille for anything else (Rubicon pictured). Image: FCA/Jeep Firstly, if you're not a Jeep-o-phile, you probably want to know what's the difference between a Sahara and Rubicon? Both are Wranglers, however, the Rubicon (pictured) is built for extreme off-roading. Essentially, it wears more hardcore (and noisy) tyres and comes with extra features like disconnecting sway bar and stronger axles. Stuff a regular Joe is unlikely to use very often but will buy because it looks cool. Then you get the Jeep Wrangler Sahara we've driven. It is more tailored for a balance of on-road comfort but still with 80% of the off-roading gumption. Truthfully, in two decades of motoring journalism, we've never actually tested a Sahara. The hardcore Rubicon is always the one the brand thinks will impress people. Boy, have we all been missing out – the Jeep Wrangler Sahara nails the brief … At R1.25 million, the new 2025 Jeep is keenly priced for its level of capability. Image: FCA/Jeep Therefore, as you climb aboard, you're hit by this sort of these-here-folks, 'Murican pragmatism only a Detroit carmaker can muster. But it's infused with plenty of fizzy Italian fun. It may be big and brash but it's quick, comfortable and brilliantly appointed, too. There are loads of clever little touches that only passionate Jeep engineers would've come up with. Like the open-air freedom of the (optional) Sky Roof. It was the height of winter, but we had it open whenever it wasn't raining. Granted, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara is more for 'urban Jeepers,' as the CEO calls it. But it's still more off-road capable than almost every other SUV built. The Rock-Trac 4×4 driveline, a 4:1 low-range gearbox and semi-floating Dana 44 axles. However, it's on a smooth paved road that the Jeep Wrangler Sahara proves to be the most refined of its breed. On the bitumen, the whole structure feels supple. There's very little rear-end bobbing synonymous with old live-rear-axle Jeeps. Plus, the old cars' weak link – its outdated V6 petrol drivetrain – is no more. On road is where the latest Jeep proves to be the most refined yet. Image: FCA/Jeep Propulsion wise, there's a new-for-South Africa 2.0-litre turbo petrol making 200 kW and 400 Nm. This is essentially the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio motor. It's brilliant in those Italian cars, and brilliant in the Jeep Wrangler Sahara, too. Principally, because it's mated to an excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox. There's a thrummy exhaust note to boot, and no lack of low-down torque when you want to overtake. Fuel economy is fair for a turbo petrol in a large SUV, we settled on an acceptable average of 12 l/100 km. Moreover, one cannot deny this 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara still comes from pure Jeep stock. Even non-Jeep diehards will pick up the authenticity immediately. Exterior clip corners on the doors, and trapezoidal face with signature seven-slat grille. That large separate front bumper is so you can sit on it and admire the view. At the rear, there's a split tailgate with the exposed spare tyre. Those macho square wheel arches are not just for show, they're designed to allow adequate wheel travel. There you go, form following function from its military heritage. Check out the lates 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen. This is offset by suitably chunky buttons and toggles. Image: FCA/Jeep Meanwhile, inside, the cabin is a vast improvement over the previous one. The horizontal dash accents and wide use of space are broken up by chunky grab handles and oversized toggles/buttons. The leather steering wheel has a Y-spoke motif in honour of the original Willy's Jeep. Advanced technology comes in the form of the latest Uconnect system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a top-spec 12.3-inch touchscreen. And don't forget blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic detection, reverse camera, you name it. The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is smart and tough. With an approach angle of 36.4 degrees and departure angle of 30.8 degrees, there's nowhere this baby can't go. Down a mountain, up a mountain, no worries. You can take it water-fording or through a mud bath at depths of 760 mm and it will thank you for it. And this four-door version we've been testing is simply massive inside with space for surfboards, bicycles, you name it, with the rear seats folded flat. Perfect for outdoors-loving South Africans. We love the rugged essence of the Jeep Wrangler, with all its clever, removable panels and parts. Image: FCA/Jeep The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, with its born-in-the-USA character, screams rugged and authentic. And due to Italian FCA influence, it's now a vastly more complete product than the older Jeeps it replaces. That much is plainly evident from driving it on road. It doesn't need to tackle a muddy track in the Rockies to be judged a success. Consider its mission statement achived: Off-road capability with new-world refinement and improved on-road competence. And all at a fraction of the cost, R1.25 million, of other specialist 4×4 SUVs. 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Engine: 1 998 cc, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol 1 998 cc, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol Power: 200 kW and 400 Nm 200 kW and 400 Nm Performance: 0-100km/h 8.5 sec, top speed 180 km/h 0-100km/h 8.5 sec, top speed 180 km/h Economy: 12 l/100 km (tested) 12 l/100 km (tested) Transmission: 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic Price: R1 249 900 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
