Economy heading toward ‘significant slowdown,’ Conference Board says

“Maybe we should start thinking about cutting the policy rate at the next meeting, because we don’t want to wait until the job market tanks,” a Federal Reserve official said.

By Jim Tyson • June 25, 2025

Ford recalls over 300K Explorer, Aviator SUVs for binding second-row seat switches

The automaker is sending out interim notification letters beginning June 23 to alert customers of the safety risk. It will mail a second letter once replacement parts are available.

By Eric Walz • June 25, 2025

Targeted investment, tech can sustain critical infrastructure

To help communities bounce back after disaster, jurisdictions must identify gaps in lifeline systems and cost-effective ways to mend them, panelists at the Building Innovation 2025 conference said.

By Julie Strupp • June 24, 2025

GM recalls over 41K Cadillac Lyriq EVs for blank instrument displays while driving

The recall covers 2023-2024 models produced from March 2022 through September 2024.

By Eric Walz • June 24, 2025

Flexibility key in tariff turmoil: Toyota, Rivian execs

Executives from the two companies suggest that with fluctuating trade policies, the short-term priority for OEMs should be staying the course.

By Larry Avila • June 23, 2025

Stellantis’ Europe Recall of Citroën Cars After Airbag Death

Automaker rolls out “stop drive” warning as 82,000 aging models still using disgraced Takata airbags ordered to be immediately removed from the roads by French transport ministry.

By Paul Myles • June 20, 2025

Canada threatens further tariffs on US steel, aluminum

The exact new rate will depend on progress made towards a tariff deal with the Trump administration as of July 21.

By Phil Neuffer • June 20, 2025

‘Car culture’ still dominates in the US, survey finds

A Department of Transportation-funded survey finds nine out of 10 U.S. residents own vehicles, and most believe they’re essential to daily life. 

By Benton Graham • June 18, 2025

NHTSA revises exemption process for vehicles without driver controls

The updated application process allows manufacturers to build up to 2,500 vehicles a year without steering wheels, pedals or mirrors.

By Eric Walz • June 17, 2025

Trump signs resolutions killing California’s zero-emissions mandates

President Donald Trump called for ending electric vehicle targets, signing off on a trio of congressional joint resolutions.

By Alejandra Carranza , Larry Avila • June 13, 2025

Seattle outlines 7 priorities for autonomous vehicle adoption

Robotaxi policies should factor in equity, workforce training, safety and environmental concerns, diverse city residents said.

By Dan Zukowski • June 12, 2025

Automakers must cope with tariff-fueled business climate in the short-term: analyst

S&P Global forecasts that the global trade environment may have more clarity by the end of the year. 

By Larry Avila • June 10, 2025

Ford recalls 492K SUVs for exterior door trim that can detach

The company is currently working on a remedy and will notify customers when it's available.

By Eric Walz • June 10, 2025

WardsAuto Podcast: Casualties of Trump Tariffs with S&P Global’s “Mr. Tariff” Michael Robinet

Trump Admin. tariffs have created chaos in financial markets, and in the auto industry as manufacturing and supply chain strategies are being upended with no real notice, and companies are seeing their tax bills soar.

By David Kiley • June 9, 2025

White House extends exclusions for Section 301 China tariffs

Exemptions to the duties installed during previous administrations will remain until Aug. 31, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced last week.

By Phil Neuffer • June 5, 2025

Toyota recalls 443K Tundra pickups for reverse light failures

The truck’s light assemblies are susceptible to moisture intrusion caused by adhesive separation on a vent patch.

By Eric Walz • June 3, 2025

Trump to increase steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%

The president announced the tariff hikes, which are set to begin Wednesday, while touting Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel during a rally in Pittsburgh.

By Sara Samora • Updated June 2, 2025

Ford recalls over 1M vehicles for defective backup camera software

The automaker also recalled 160K vehicles in April to address rearview camera faults caused by a loose circuit board connector.

By Eric Walz • June 2, 2025

Congress votes to rescind California vehicle emissions waiver

Clean vehicle advocates say air quality and public health will suffer; auto and petroleum industry lobbyists supported the move to end California’s authority under the Clean Air Act.

By Dan Zukowski • May 30, 2025

US court blocks Trump’s sweeping tariffs

Despite the ruling, tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, steel and aluminum products will remain in place.

By Edwin Lopez • Updated May 29, 2025

Have Stop-Start Systems Been Worth It? Trump EPA Says No

Automakers have widely adopted stop-start systems in order to meet emissions regulations. With the Trump Admin. trying to roll back emissions regulations and targets, the new EPA administrator is targeting these systems for disincentives as part of a broader targeting of energy-saving technologies.

By David Kiley • May 27, 2025

Commerce asks automakers for supply chain data for tariff evaluations

The federal agency will require submissions of information such as declared customs value of imports and country of final assembly for carmakers to qualify for reduced duty rates.

By Kelly Stroh • May 21, 2025

Toyota: Not Raising Prices to Offset Tariffs Not Sustainable

Toyota Motor Sales tells the White House that holding the line on prices can’t last long, and that the policy will make new-vehicle affordability much harder for consumers.

By David Kiley • May 20, 2025

Congress could soon revoke California’s vehicle emissions standards

State and local authority over air quality will be jeopardized if Congress revokes California’s auto emissions limits, experts say.

By Dan Zukowski • May 15, 2025

U.K.-U.S. Trade Pact Eases Nerves in Export-Focused British Luxury Auto Sector

American manufacturers are unhappy that a trade deal was struck with a country with whom the U.S. industry has far weaker links than with Canada or Mexico.

By Laura Syrett • May 14, 2025