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Quick Summary Europe’s new car registrations fell 3.5% in January France and Germany led the decline EV sales rose 14% , plug-in hybrids jumped nearly 30% Chinese brands now account for  ~11% of electrified car sales Overall Market: Growth Streak Ends European new-vehicle registrations dropped to  961,382 units in January , breaking a six-month growth streak, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Biggest drags: Germany  (Europe’s largest car market, ~22% share) France Meanwhile: Sales rose in the  UK and Italy Weak consumer confidence, high car prices and rising unemployment — especially in Germany — are weighing on demand. EVs Remain the Bright Spot Despite the broader decline, electrified vehicles continued gaining traction: Fully electric vehicles (EVs): +14% YoY Plug-in hybrids: +~30% YoY EV sales grew strongly in: Germany Italy Spain France In the UK, hybrid sales surged nearly 50%, though battery-only EVs remained flat. Key takeaway: ...

Key Takeaway U.S. auto sales got a strong boost in August thanks to record electric vehicle (EV) demand, but the momentum looks temporary as federal tax credits worth $7,500 expire at the end of September. Automakers are already bracing for a slowdown with layoffs, production cuts, and shifting strategies. EV Sales Surge in August Overall U.S. new-vehicle sales rose  3.7% YoY  in August to an annualized rate of 16.4 million units. EVs and plug-in hybrids grabbed  11% market share , up from the usual 8%, as buyers rushed to lock in federal credits before they expire Sept. 30. GM hit a record  with 21,000 EVs sold across Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC. Hyundai’s EV sales jumped 72% , led by the Ioniq 5. Honda’s Prologue SUV soared nearly 80% , its best month yet. Ford EV sales rose 19% , with the Mustang Mach-E hitting a record. Tesla slipped 6.7% , facing more competition and consumer pushback tied to Elon Musk’s politics. Automakers Brace for Post-Credit Drop GM  ...

 European stock futures climbed after the US and European Union reached a trade deal that eased investor worries about escalating tariffs. The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will see the EU face  15% tariffs on most exports , including cars. Pharmaceuticals and metals are excluded from the deal. By early Monday in Paris,  Euro Stoxx 50 futures rose 1% , while Germany’s DAX futures also gained about 1%. The euro edged up to  $1.1752 . “This is exactly what markets needed — visibility. The risk of tariff escalation is now off the table,” said John Plassard, head of investment strategy at Cité Gestion. “For investors, that’s not just relief; it’s a green light.” Key Sectors to Watch Automakers:  Stellantis, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and suppliers like Valeo and Pirelli are expected to benefit. Luxury Brands:  LVMH, Kering, and Salvatore Ferragamo may see gains as North America is ...

The clock is ticking for EV buyers in the U.S. If you've been thinking about buying or leasing an electric vehicle (EV),  now’s the time to act . The  US$7,500 federal tax credit —a major incentive that’s been driving EV adoption—is  set to expire on Sept 30, 2025 . And automakers are making sure you know it. Tesla’s homepage is already flashing a banner warning: “US$7,500 Federal Tax Credit Ending. Take Delivery by Sept 30, 2025.” Ford is dangling extra perks too —extending its  free home charger + installation offer  until the end of September to lure buyers in before the credits disappear. Why This Matters Since 2008, the federal tax credit has been a  critical lever  for growing the EV market. But with the latest tax and budget legislation rolling in,  both the US$7,500 new EV and US$4,000 used EV credits will vanish by Q4 . Industry insiders expect a  pre-deadline buying frenzy , followed by a potential cooldown in demand. General Motors...

President Trump’s new 25% import tariffs on foreign cars  are poised to deal a major financial hit to Germany’s top carmakers — with  Porsche AG and Mercedes-Benz Group AG  taking the brunt of the impact. What’s Happening: New tariffs take effect April 3 , potentially slashing around  25% of Porsche and Mercedes’ 2026 projected operating earnings , according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The  estimated hit: €3.4 billion (US$3.7 billion or RM16.2 billion) . Automakers may have to  raise prices or shift more production to the US  to absorb the blow. Market Reaction: Porsche shares fell 5% ,  Mercedes down 5.2% ,  BMW -4.9% ,  Volkswagen -4.3% , and  Aston Martin tumbled 8.9%  in London. The tariffs  threaten Europe’s export-heavy auto industry , particularly  German brands , which ship a large portion of their high-margin vehicles like the  Porsche 911  and  Mercedes S-Class  to the US. Industry Concern...

Asian equities experienced a broad pullback on Thursday as investors reacted to President Donald Trump's latest trade announcement, which included new tariffs on auto imports. This news heightened global trade concerns, especially regarding growth in the world’s largest economy, leading to a risk-off sentiment across the region. Key Points: Tariff Impact on Automakers : Trump’s move to impose a 25% tariff on imported cars has triggered sharp declines in automaker stocks, including major companies like Toyota, General Motors, and Ford. The new tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, are expected to raise car prices by up to $10,000, further denting investor confidence. Market Reactions : The regional equity index dropped as much as 0.6%, with Japan’s Nikkei falling by 1.2%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 down by 0.5%, and China’s Shanghai Composite seeing a slight uptick of 0.7%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong stocks bucked the trend with a 1.6% rise. Volatility and Liquidity : The uncertainty a...

Mexican President   Claudia Sheinbaum   has vowed retaliatory tariffs if US President-elect   Donald Trump   enforces his proposed   25% across-the-board tariff , a move Mexico warns could cost the US   400,000 jobs   and significantly increase consumer prices. Key Points: Tariff Impact: Mexico’s Economy Minister  Marcelo Ebrard  highlighted that the tariffs could harm  US automakers  like  Ford ,  General Motors , and  Stellantis , with pickup truck prices expected to rise by  US$3,000 . Barclays analysts predict the tariffs could "wipe out all profits" for Detroit's automakers. The automotive sector, Mexico’s largest manufacturing industry, accounts for  25% of North American vehicle production . Retaliation: Mexico is preparing its own tariff measures against the US, despite Sheinbaum's preference for  regional cooperation  over conflict. Trump’s Stance: Trump insists the tariffs aim to control...

US stocks surged to   all-time highs   as the   Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire agreement   eased geopolitical tensions. The   S&P 500   climbed   0.6% , marking its   52nd record high   in 2024, while the   Nasdaq 100   and   Dow Jones Industrial Average   rose   0.6%   and   0.3% , respectively. Key Drivers Geopolitical Relief : Investors welcomed news of a  cease-fire  between  Israel  and  Hezbollah , fueling market confidence and extending gains into a  seventh consecutive session . Trump Tariff Plans : Wall Street largely shrugged off  Donald Trump’s tariff proposals  on Canada, Mexico, and China. Analysts view the move as a  negotiating tactic  rather than a significant policy shift. Sector Performance : Tech stocks , led by  Microsoft , outperformed due to lower exposure to tariff risks. Automakers like  General Motors  and  Ford ...