What Trump’s executive orders mean for automakers
A wave of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on Monday is unlikely to slow adoption of electric vehicles but could keep gas and diesel-powered vehicles on U.S. roads longer, analysts say. Trump’s actions will ease emissions rules and pause disbursement of federal funding for charging infrastructure. The administration also repealed targets established by former President Joe Biden that 50% of new vehicles sold be zero-emission by 2030 and could end EV tax credits for consumers. Trump also ordered a review of U.S. trade policy, ahead of planned tariff hikes, which would have wide ranging impacts on imported vehicles and automotive parts, many of which are sourced from Mexico. Trump’s actions carry significant implications for the automotive industry — here are four of the top takeaways shared by experts interviewed by Automotive Dive.
Carvana expects another 'strong' year after topping fourth-quarter expectations
Carvana topped Wall Street’s top- and bottom-line expectations for the fourth quarter while guiding for another “strong” year in 2025. Carvana, as it has in the past, gave a broad guidance outlook for this year that includes growth in both retail units sold and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, including sequential increases in both during the first quarter.
GM, Vianode announce synthetic graphite supply deal for EV batteries
Battery materials maker Vianode will supply General Motors Co. with synthetic anode materials for electric vehicle batteries, the Norway-based company announced last week. The long-term supply deal, which has a “multi-billion dollar value,” aims to help GM strengthen its North American battery and EV supply chain. The synthetic graphite will be shipped from a large-scale plant that Vianode is building in North America. It will be supplied to Ultium Cells, GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution, and be used to produce next-generation EV batteries and drive units. Production at the new facility is slated to start in 2027.
Why 2025 is set to be a crucial year for Amazon's Zoox robotaxi unit
LAS VEGAS — This year is expected to be a crucial one for Amazon’s autonomous vehicle unit Zoox, as the company plans to grow its operations and commercialize its robotaxi business. Zoox is aiming to begin offering rides to the public “quite soon,” expand its operating regions and “significantly” grow its self-driving vehicle fleet from the couple dozen it currently operates in 2025, according to co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jesse Levinson.
Transportation nominee Duffy: ‘We will usher in a golden age of travel.’
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, sailed through a convivial Senate nomination hearing Wednesday, promising to work with members on both sides of the aisle. Members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation questioned Duffy on issues including autonomous and electric vehicles, Amtrak and passenger rail projects, traffic safety, new transportation technologies and streamlining environmental reviews. In Duffy’s opening remarks, he said the U.S. Department of Transportation is a top priority for the incoming president. “He asked me to focus on big, durable projects that connect our country and people,” Duffy said. “If confirmed, I will work to reduce the red tape that slows critical infrastructure projects, ensuring funds are spent efficiently.”
5 automotive topics to watch when Trump takes office
Automotive industry stakeholders are facing regulatory uncertainty as they prepare for policies to change significantly after President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. The incoming administration aims to tackle a wide agenda relevant to automakers, experts told Automotive Dive, including changes to policy surrounding global trade, emissions and vehicle standards. However, experts also noted the incoming president will face several obstacles.
How auto suppliers can prepare for tariffs against Canada and Mexico
Automotive suppliers must plan for multiple scenarios as President-elect Donald Trump takes office with plans to implement tariffs against Canada and Mexico that will affect their supply chains, experts say. “Nothing would have more impact than tariffs on Canada and Mexico,” said Elaine Buckberg, senior fellow at Harvard University’s Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, former chief economist at General Motors and a former senior U.S. Treasury official.
Biden’s EV tax credits, leasing loophole ‘most vulnerable,’ experts say
President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans will likely cut federal tax credits for electric vehicles in 2025, experts said. The 30D new clean vehicle credit and 45W commercial clean vehicle credit, commonly known as the leasing loophole, are “most vulnerable,” said David Stewart, co-chair of the global public policy practice group at Squire Patton Boggs.
EV, hybrid sales reached a record 20% of U.S. vehicle sales in 2024
DETROIT — Sales of all-electric vehicles and hybrid models reached 20% of new car and truck sales in the U.S. for the first time last year — marking a landmark year for “green” vehicles but coming at a slower pace than many had previously anticipated. Auto data firm Motor Intelligence reports more than 3.2 million “electrified” vehicles were sold last year, or 1.9 million hybrid vehicles, including plug-in models, and 1.3 million all-electric models.
Hyundai Motor America names COO
Claudia Márquez was named COO of Hyundai Motor America, the automaker announced Jan. 14. Márquez will lead the company’s U.S. business operations and growth strategies, including sales, distribution, product line management and aftersales activities, the company said in the release. She also will have shared responsibility for dealer network development for Hyundai vehicles in the U.S.