Automakers seek 'opportunity in the chaos' of Trump's tariffs

DETROIT — As President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles were set to take effect, executives at Ford Motor scrambled to figure out how to respond to the new levies.

DETROIT — As President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles were set to take effect, executives at Ford Motor scrambled to figure out how to respond to the new levies.

While they and their industry counterparts are still trying to navigate the impacts, Ford decided to move quickly in one area by offering an employee pricing program — called “From America, For America” — for U.S. consumers.

Such programs have historically been controversial, as they sell vehicles close to or lower than invoice prices for dealers and eat away at already tight profit margins for the retailers. But Ford decided the time was right to launch the program to promote its U.S. operations — the largest among automakers — and assist sales amid consumer concerns and economic uncertainty due to Trump’s tariffs.

“We understand that these are uncertain times for many Americans. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of a changing economy or simply needing a reliable vehicle for your family, we want to help,” Ford said in a statement Thursday morning announcing the program. “We have the retail inventory to do this and a lot of choice for customers that need a vehicle.”

It’s an example of how some automakers are attempting to find “opportunity in the chaos” or trying to “capitalize on the moment” amid the tariffs, as several industry analysts told CNBC.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/automakers-seek-opportunity-trump-tariffs-rcna199837

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