Donald Trump has alarmed a number of German vehicle manufacturers after warning that imported models could face heavy tariffs during his presidency.
The US election results are in and Republican Donald Trump will once again become President following one of the most competitive elections in American history.
Speaking previously at a campaign rally in Michigan, the hub for vehicle manufacturing in the USA, Mr Trump highlighted his plans to encourage more foreign car companies to begin producing models in America, stating he will offer a number of incentives.
He explained: “I want German car companies to become American car companies. I want them to build their plants here.
“Here is the deal that I will be offering to every major company and manufacturer on Earth: I will give you the lowest taxes, the lowest energy costs, the lowest regulatory burden and free access to the best and biggest market on the planet.”
The pledge comes at a time when the number of vehicles produced in neighbouring Mexico increases, with the country’s output rising from 425,431 in 2016 to 715,886.
Whilst a growing number of manufacturers are using Mexico to make cars for the North American market due to their lower labour costs, a growing number of Americans are urging for more action to maintain their own vehicle industry.
However, Democrat supporters have stated that little action is needed to save the industry, with US vehicle giant General Motors set to receive record earnings during 2024 and Ford pledging to move production of the Mustang Mach-E from Poland to Michigan in 2025.
Donald Trump warned companies who import models from foreign countries that they could be hit with heavy tariffs during his presidency.
He added: “[The deal] all goes away if you don’t make your product here.
“And fire American workers for the job. If you don’t make your product here, then you will have to pay a tariff, a very substantial tariff.”
Speaking to the German newspaper Die Welt, a member of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) highlighted the importance of preventing tariffs on cars made in nearby countries, with Mexico in particular being an important location for Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
He continued: “Mexico is a very important location for the German automotive industry.
“German manufacturers have their own plants there, where a new production record was achieved with 716,000 passenger cars last year.”
