Jeremy Clarkson couldn’t resist sharing a tongue-in-cheek social media post just hours after US President Donald Trump claimed “America is back” in a controversial and action-packed Congressional speech.
Among the notable talking points, Trump touched upon the 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico that took effect yesterday, sending shockwaves through the automotive industry.
Automakers have issued stark warnings that vehicle prices could surge by as much as $12,000 for some models.
Even cars manufactured in the United States are expected to see significant price increases due to the integrated North American supply chain.
Trump had pledged to make tariffs central for his agenda
REUTERS
The tariffs are already creating uncertainty across the automotive sector, with industry leaders predicting immediate impacts.
The price hikes could reach up to $12,000 for some electric vehicles imported from Canada and Mexico, according to industry analysts.
US-made vehicles with parts sourced from neighbouring countries could see price increases of around $3,000.
Patrick Anderson, chief executive of Michigan-based Anderson Economic Group, estimates that North American-made large SUVs could cost about £9,000 more. Pickup trucks are expected to see price increases of around £8,000.
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The North American automotive industry operates with a deeply integrated supply chain that spans borders. Some auto parts cross between countries six or more times before final assembly. However, it’s witnessed a decline in sales overseas in recent years.
The move by Trump has sparked debate among those in the automotive industry and Clarkson replied to one critic on X who’d suggested a possible reason why US cars weren’t successful in European markets.
“An insight from my dad that @POTUS might find helpful: the reason we don’t by US-made cars in Europe is because they’re s**t,” one person penned on the social media site.
Taking a dig at the US car industry and the need for new tariffs, Clarkson concurred as he typed: “He does have a point.”
Ford CEO Jim Farley had previously cautioned that the tariffs would “blow a hole in the US industry that we have never seen.”
“What we’re seeing is a lot of cost, a lot of chaos,” Farley added.
The United Auto Workers union has voiced support for Trump’s tariffs despite industry concerns.
“We are glad to see an American president take aggressive action on ending the free trade disaster that has dropped like a bomb on the working class,” the union said in a statement.
Stellantis warned dealers that the tariffs would add a “cost burden” impacting customers.
The company said its flagship American brands would be at a “competitive disadvantage versus Korean, Japanese and European importers.”
Consumers won’t immediately feel the effects of these tariffs as dealers still have pre-tariff vehicles in stock.
However, as these stocks deplete, dealers will need to replenish with vehicles that cost 25 percent more to import.
He does have a point
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 5, 2025
S&P Global Mobility estimates there’s a 70 percent probability the Canadian and Mexican tariffs will last two weeks or less.
Experts suggest those considering a new car purchase may want to act quickly to avoid the impending price increases.