AutoInformed

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars 2026 held 15-16 June had a so called roundtable series that convened automotive experts from the U.S. and Canada to discuss one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: how tariffs are redefining manufacturing, supply chains, and the future of North American competitiveness. Participants included automakers, suppliers, researchers, and representatives from Canada and the United States for a dialogue on the trade and operational strains facing the auto industry resulting from tariffs.

King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal  North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] The CAR analysis bared a critical point for the North American automotive industry. Key issues centered around the consequences of tariffs on automakers and the increasing strain on the supply base. AutoInformed’s conclusions is that the King has no clothes. Read more AutoInformed coverage on related topics below – AutoCrat.* Continue reading →