OWN THE ROAD WITH AUTOTRADER, EPISODE 75: TARIFF TALK

EV Channels Review

In this episode of AutoTrader's 'Own the Road,' hosts Jodi Lai and Dan Ilika delve into the complex and dynamic issue of automotive tariffs and their potential impact on Canadian car buyers. The discussion highlights the deep economic integration between Canada and the US, making it difficult to isolate the effects of tariffs. They explain that consumers will ultimately bear the cost, with estimates suggesting an average increase of $6,000 per new vehicle if a 25% tariff is imposed, and potentially much higher for trucks. The hosts also explore the challenges of identifying 'Canadian-made' vehicles due to intricate supply chains. While acknowledging the desire to support local manufacturing, they question the viability of this if tariffs make these vehicles prohibitively expensive. The episode touches on the broader implications for the automotive industry, including potential job losses and the disruption to 'just-in-time' manufacturing, suggesting this situation could be more damaging than the pandemic's impact. A brief overview of vehicles currently assembled in Canada is provided, including Toyota RAV4s (non-hybrid), Lexus NX and RX (non-hybrid), Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger Daytona EV, Honda Civic and CR-V (non-hybrid), and the Chevrolet Silverado and BrightDrop EV. The episode concludes with a call for a return to stable trade relations, emphasizing that economic chaos benefits no one.