How tariffs are already impacting auto sales
Plus, how killing federal EV incentives might
Good morning, all. I'm writing this from home, where I'm watching our new pup, Koopa, inhale his breakfast like only puppies can. I'm home now but spent a chunk of the week down in NASCAR country sampling Chevrolet's 2025 Blazer EV SS, the long-awaited, 615-horsepower SUV that'll do zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds... or maybe even a little less.
Sadly, I can't talk about that just yet, but I can share with you a number of other features and pieces of mine that went live this week.
Panic at the dealership
If you know me, you know I try to not get political. I've done that traditionally because I’ve never wanted to alienate any of y'all out there. Lately, though, I figure it's doubly important because you're inundated with political thought coming from every angle these days and don't need any more coming at you from mine.
But sometimes, it's impossible to ignore the impacts of political efforts on the industry, and that's the case now with the currently... dynamic state of our international import tariffs. Even though virtually every car you see sitting on a dealership lot was either imported or assembled domestically well before those new fees were levied, prices are already climbing.
What was a buyer's market until just a few weeks ago has now well and truly swung into the court of the dealers, and that upward trajectory of pricing will only continue. For The Verge, I spoke with dealers, shoppers, and experts on what's happening now and, if you happen to be in the market, what your best course of action is.
How Mercedes-Benz is recharging luxury EVs
You may recall that a few months back, I swung up to the northern wilds of Sweden to test out a few prototype electric and electrified Mercedes-Benzes. I wrote about those impressions for a few outlets, but one thing I didn't cover then was another prototype I drove up there, one that was every bit as impressive as the electric sedan and SUV I drove. This one was a bit bigger, but if anything, it surprised me even more. It's Mercedes' next-generation electric van, one that the company promises will not only drive better than any other van on the road today but actually be more desirable, too. Is that possible, a genuinely covetable luxury van? After getting a little time behind the wheel of an extremely early prototype, I'm bullish.
On losing our federal EV incentives
Yes, sorry, a second piece this week dealing with the ramifications of political decisions. Love it or hate it, again, the Trump administration's pledge to end the federal rebate on alternate-fueled vehicles is already having an impact. Nothing has been enacted yet, but the threats have been pointed, and the industry is already thinking about what to do. For MotorTrend, I spoke with some experts, read some studies, and reached out to every major manufacturer of EVs sold in the United States to ask a simple question: What happens if that $7,500 credit goes away?
That's all for me this week. The pup is done with his kibble and starting to terrorize his toys. It'll be the furniture next if I don't give him some attention soon. But, before I sign off, I wanted to send a special thanks to those of you who have already signed on for premium subscriptions. It's greatly appreciated.
This week, I'm on the home front again, chasing down some more research-related features that'll be appearing soon, plus a big profile on a stealthy startup that will open some eyes and give all the cynics out there a new target for their scorn. I hope to change some of their minds, but more on that next week. Until then, be well, and thanks as ever for reading.
Great roundup, Tim! I still wonder if any legislation will be able to pass considering how many red states are firmly invested in EV and/or battery plants these days. If those reps advocate for their constituencies, it’s hard to see a bill gaining traction. Thoughts?