Vanessa Yurkevich explains what Trump’s auto tariffs could mean for consumers
Vanessa Yurkevich explains what Trump’s auto tariffs could mean for consumers
President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on all cars shipped to the United States set to take effect on April 3, marking a significant escalation in a global trade war. CNN’s Vanessa Yurkevich reports. #CNN #News
To: Elon Musk, President Donald J. Trump, and the Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy.
Subject: A Proposal for Modular Standardization in Automotive Design to Spark Innovation, Lower Costs, and Empower American Consumers
Dear Mr. Musk, President Trump, and the Secretary of Transportation,
I’m writing to propose a bold but practical shift in how we approach vehicle manufacturing and consumer freedom in the automotive industry—an idea that aligns with American innovation, economic efficiency, and the spirit of competition.
Imagine a future where vehicle components—engines, transmissions, battery systems, infotainment consoles—are engineered to be interchangeable across brands and models. Think of a 2028 Honda Pilot that can accept not just its OEM transmission, but a more economical alternative or a performance upgrade from a completely different manufacturer, all with a standard fit. The consumer chooses what goes into their vehicle, based on performance, price, or philosophy.
This isn’t a fantasy. It’s a logical evolution of manufacturing—akin to how the PC industry flourished when hardware became modular and interoperable. The result? Explosive innovation, reduced costs, and empowered users.
If we standardized core components and connection systems across the industry—while still allowing brands to differentiate on design, software, performance, and experience—we could: • Lower repair and upgrade costs for consumers • Streamline manufacturing and reduce waste • Foster true competition on quality, not brand lock-in • Reinvigorate the aftermarket and small auto businesses • Reduce foreign dependency by boosting domestic parts innovation • Create jobs by supporting a modular repair and upgrade economy
This kind of systemic shift could be accelerated through either industry-led cooperation (Tesla has a huge opportunity here) or federal policy guidance that promotes modular design through incentives and standards.
Mr. Musk, you already understand the power of open systems and engineering elegance. President Trump, this is a pro-consumer, pro-business, America-first innovation that could reduce costs for working families while creating jobs. And to the Department of Transportation: you have the regulatory influence to help drive this forward with safety, standardization, and economic opportunity in mind.
Let’s stop designing vehicles like walled gardens—and start building them like ecosystems. The future should give people more control over what they own, and more freedom to innovate from the ground up. ** REFERENCE the FIASCO is was when every mobile phone manufacturer wanted their own charger? Ridiculousness –
He's only doing this to help Elon Musk; putting these tariffs on will only benefit Musk; that's the real reason why he's doing this; he's probably getting a kickback.
Consumer Taxes placed on every car, every truck in the US including EVERY vehicle built in the US. Not a single vehicle uses ONLY US parts and thus American consumers will PAY dearly. I hope Americans love taxes, higher prices, dramatically higher prices, inflation and a standard of living DRAMATICALLY declining. I hope they enjoy it.
its up to the THE BIG 3 auto makers now TO SAVE US. (STAY,STRONG USMCA LEAD) US WAS a great country, now its heading backwards. world autocracy run by a guy who specializes in declaring bankruptcy. I hope maga can support the entire auto industry because I will be buying foreign from here on out. buy Chinese (EVs), Next US Farmers close for the season, no Employees left. farmers helped put this lunatic! Just Look at his, Personal Record = bankruptcy.
27 Comments
THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PULL BACK ON TARIFFS FOR CAR PARTS!
Make in America is the vision. More manufacturing jobs for Americans
No viza from Romania. ❤ Elena.
Current administration don't know what we're doo dooing today trumps diaper is full of sheeeeeeeee-it as he sits on it
To: Elon Musk, President Donald J. Trump, and the Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy.
Subject: A Proposal for Modular Standardization in Automotive Design to Spark Innovation, Lower Costs, and Empower American Consumers
Dear Mr. Musk, President Trump, and the Secretary of Transportation,
I’m writing to propose a bold but practical shift in how we approach vehicle manufacturing and consumer freedom in the automotive industry—an idea that aligns with American innovation, economic efficiency, and the spirit of competition.
Imagine a future where vehicle components—engines, transmissions, battery systems, infotainment consoles—are engineered to be interchangeable across brands and models. Think of a 2028 Honda Pilot that can accept not just its OEM transmission, but a more economical alternative or a performance upgrade from a completely different manufacturer, all with a standard fit. The consumer chooses what goes into their vehicle, based on performance, price, or philosophy.
This isn’t a fantasy. It’s a logical evolution of manufacturing—akin to how the PC industry flourished when hardware became modular and interoperable. The result? Explosive innovation, reduced costs, and empowered users.
If we standardized core components and connection systems across the industry—while still allowing brands to differentiate on design, software, performance, and experience—we could:
• Lower repair and upgrade costs for consumers
• Streamline manufacturing and reduce waste
• Foster true competition on quality, not brand lock-in
• Reinvigorate the aftermarket and small auto businesses
• Reduce foreign dependency by boosting domestic parts innovation
• Create jobs by supporting a modular repair and upgrade economy
This kind of systemic shift could be accelerated through either industry-led cooperation (Tesla has a huge opportunity here) or federal policy guidance that promotes modular design through incentives and standards.
Mr. Musk, you already understand the power of open systems and engineering elegance. President Trump, this is a pro-consumer, pro-business, America-first innovation that could reduce costs for working families while creating jobs. And to the Department of Transportation: you have the regulatory influence to help drive this forward with safety, standardization, and economic opportunity in mind.
Let’s stop designing vehicles like walled gardens—and start building them like ecosystems. The future should give people more control over what they own, and more freedom to innovate from the ground up.
** REFERENCE the FIASCO is was when every mobile phone manufacturer wanted their own charger? Ridiculousness –
Sincerely,
All of us –
He's only doing this to help Elon Musk; putting these tariffs on will only benefit Musk; that's the real reason why he's doing this; he's probably getting a kickback.
Is there reason why democrats have the lowest approval rating in 50 years
Consumer Taxes placed on every car, every truck in the US including EVERY vehicle built in the US. Not a single vehicle uses ONLY US parts and thus American consumers will PAY dearly. I hope Americans love taxes, higher prices, dramatically higher prices, inflation and a standard of living DRAMATICALLY declining. I hope they enjoy it.
Bla Bla Bla he will back down again, waste of time. Look at me!!
This on top of other tariffs on other goods
Why the F are they cheering? 🤔okay stupid question America 🇺🇸 voted for this 💩
The END of US dollar.
Old Man Trump 😡
❤ i want Visa We
Stellantis needs to go out of business.
He WILL be out-of-off only to reemphasize, there by whereunto where Musk will be is a haunting experience to think about.
Sure, but how American are "American" cars anymore? Car prices are going to just go up no matter what one buys. Brilliant, Trump…
President Trump acknowledged that American-made cars are inferior in quality and are losing out in sales.
Buying new cars it is a scam anyways. Just buy a used car with low millage.
He's creating jobs yay!!! Cars will also be more expensive 😅 enjoy being broke
What do you mean might be out of office? No more terms
its up to the THE BIG 3 auto makers now TO SAVE US. (STAY,STRONG USMCA LEAD) US WAS a great country, now its heading backwards. world autocracy run by a guy who specializes in declaring bankruptcy. I hope maga can support the entire auto industry because I will be buying foreign from here on out. buy Chinese (EVs), Next US Farmers close for the season, no Employees left. farmers helped put this lunatic! Just Look at his, Personal Record = bankruptcy.
We ❤️ Tariffs 🇺🇸
More money from the 99% to the 1%, hurray!!!
Idiocracy at its finest thanks to Fascist Trumpism. Back to the 40's
We don't need Foreign cars or parts!
Higher prices are ok for good American jobs!
Bring Back American Jobs
Trump FOREVER
No need for elections in USA
Trump Democracy is best