TMI Show Ep 111: “Car-azy: Tariffs, Ford Price Cuts and Tesla Attacks”

Ted Rall and Manila Chan welcome auto industry expert Lauren Fix to dissect the impact of President Trump’s new 25% tariffs on foreign cars. The discussion explores how these tariffs, effective immediately, are shaking up the automotive landscape. Ford and GM, with 20-30% of their U.S. sales tied to imports, face pressure, prompting Ford to announce price cuts to offset rising costs. The episode delves into projections of auto prices climbing $5,000-$15,000, as even American-made vehicles rely on foreign components, leaving consumers squeezed amid persistent inflation.

The conversation also covers Tesla’s position, fully U.S.-produced and thus insulated from the tariffs, though its stock has dipped 5% after hours due to unrelated backlash. Broader market effects take center stage, with the tariffs triggering volatility—Ford’s stock rises 2%, GM’s falls 1.5%, and global trade tensions loom. Potential retaliation from Canada and Mexico, key players in the $460 billion auto trade network, adds fuel to the fire, unsettling investors further. Lauren Fix provides data-driven insights, while the hosts keep the pace brisk and engaging, blending economic analysis with real-world implications. The episode captures a pivotal moment as policy shifts ripple through wallets, assembly lines, and Wall Street, delivering the raw, unfiltered breakdown TMI fans expect.