Part 5/9:
Michael Dawn's analysis of tariffs sheds light on the broader challenges impacting the automotive industry. Reminiscent of China's earlier protectionist policies that forced foreign automakers to invest locally, Dawn highlights how President Trump's tariffs may push reforms within the American auto market. China’s automotive industry, having emerged from such strategies, now manufactures and exports more vehicles than any nation globally.
This dynamic raises questions about the ability of American automakers, including Ford and Volkswagen, to compete effectively on a global scale while facing such structural pressures. With limited imports in China attributed to domestic tariffs and partnerships, American companies must consider how to adapt to similar conditions.