Stellantis’ decision came amid escalating tariffs from the U.S., prompting fears of retaliatory measures. The automaker’s announcement last October that it would move Compass production southward has now triggered a major backlash, with Canadian officials arguing this violates agreements meant to protect local jobs and investments.

The situation highlights the volatile nature of cross-border manufacturing in North America. For decades, automotive giants have navigated similar challenges as trade policies fluctuated between protectionism and free market ideologies. Today’s shift resembles earlier episodes where carmakers adjusted production lines based on political winds.

At stake is not just job security but also billions in federal investment aimed at modernizing the auto sector with electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing techniques. The dispute over Stellantis’ actions underscores a broader debate about how to balance global competitiveness with domestic economic interests.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable landscape automakers face in North America, where political decisions can quickly reshape industry dynamics.

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Mitsubishi Motors President and CEO Takao Kato announced that the company is examining options for joint manufacturing with Nissan Motor and Honda Motor to address tariff-related risks. The Japanese automaker currently imports all its vehicles from Japan, leaving it vulnerable to rising import costs.

While Mitsubishi’s US sales hit 113,000 units in fiscal year 2024, that’s only a tenth of the volume handled by Nissan and Honda individually. Kato noted that building an independent manufacturing base in the U.S. would be financially challenging given current economic conditions.

Nissan operates two assembly plants in Mississippi and Tennessee but has been facing softening demand for its vehicles. Mitsubishi’s smaller scale makes it hard to justify standalone production facilities, especially with high labor and material costs.

Joint manufacturing could help Mitsubishi reduce costs while leveraging existing infrastructure from Nissan and Honda. However, the company hasn’t disclosed specific models or U.S. plants that might be involved in any joint venture plans.

As tariffs continue to impact imported vehicles, Mitsubishi’s potential joint venture with Nissan and Honda could be crucial for its future in North America.

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The latest figures paint a sobering picture for UK car manufacturing. In October alone, production dropped significantly from previous years, with almost half of all cars produced being battery electric or hybrid models, highlighting the ongoing transition towards greener vehicles. Despite this positive trend in cleaner technology adoption, the overall decline is concerning.

According to the SMMT, UK passenger car output for 2025 is forecasted at around 700,000 units, down from an annual production of 1.5 million units as recently as 2018. This stark drop underscores the challenges faced by the industry in recent years.

However, there are signs of hope with the government’s announcement of new measures to support the sector. These include £1.5 billion in automotive transformation funding and regulatory changes aimed at reducing energy costs for manufacturers. The Chancellor’s Budget Statement also deferred regulation that could have negatively impacted critical employee car ownership schemes.

While these steps are welcomed, the industry is still grappling with significant challenges. For instance, while production volumes for battery electric and hybrid cars increased by 10.4%, overall output for export markets fell sharply, impacting global sales. The top five export destinations remain the EU, US, Türkiye, China, and Japan.

In conclusion, while there are efforts underway to bolster the UK car manufacturing sector, the recent figures highlight ongoing challenges and the need for sustained support from both government and industry stakeholders to restore production levels.

The post UK Car Output Falls Sharply in October, JLR Recovery Underway appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

GWM’s decision to consider these locations is not just about immediate cost savings but also future-proofing against potential shifts in European Union industrial policies. The company aims to balance the initial reliance on imported critical components with a long-term vision of local supply chain integration, mirroring strategies employed by older automotive giants like Volkswagen and Ford during their expansion phases.

Shi’s statement comes as GWM faces declining sales for its EV brand Ora in Europe, where only 3,706 new vehicles were registered last year—a stark contrast to the company’s global overseas deliveries of 453,141 units. This strategic move is part of a broader goal set by the company to achieve one million annual overseas sales by 2030, reflecting GWM’s commitment to becoming a major player in international markets.

The planned European plant will feature a diverse range of powertrains, from traditional internal combustion engines to hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. This approach aims to cater to the varied demands of European consumers, who have historically shown preference for different types of propulsion systems over time, much like how diesel engines gained popularity in Europe during the early 2000s.

GWM’s expansion plans are closely tied to its response to BYD’s growing presence in Europe. BYD is reportedly planning a third European plant, with Spain as a potential location, adding to existing operations in Hungary and Turkey. This competitive landscape underscores GWM’s need for strategic positioning and product differentiation, such as launching the compact SUV under the ORA brand scheduled for mid-2026.

As GWM navigates this new territory, it is drawing lessons from the successes and challenges faced by established automakers like Toyota and Honda during their European expansions. The company’s approach to balancing local market demands with global manufacturing efficiencies could set a precedent for future Chinese automotive giants looking to establish themselves in Western Europe.

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