Hosted by Upstart’s Keishawn Batts and Danielle Mills Walden, this episode of Leadership in the Dealership takes a deep dive into the newly implemented 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts, effective April 3rd, 2025. With this significant policy shift, dealerships are facing new challenges—and opportunities—to adapt to the evolving automotive landscape.
Today, we explore the immediate impact on car prices, inventory, and customer confidence, as well as the varied responses from OEMs like Infiniti and BMW. We also discuss how dealerships saw record-breaking sales in March in anticipation of the tariff and speculate on shifts toward the used car market.
Key discussion points:- How the 25% tariff will affect dealership pricing, inventory, and customer confidence
- OEM reactions: production halts vs. cost absorption strategies
- How dealerships can stay agile and resilient in the face of new challenges
- Advice for consumers: what to research before making significant purchases
