Absolutely Nothing’s Changed

Chaos still reigns on tariffs as industry clamors for clarity.

March 21, 2025

Sebastian Blanco

A chaotic wrecking ball continues to smash not just the world’s political stability but the very idea of a rules-based society. If only we could find a way to figure out what the automotive industry is truly interested in when it comes to long-term survival and planning. If only…

“Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller has called on the UK government for stability after years of changing targets on the ban of cars and vans with internal combustion engines.”

The Independent. January 2025

“The ACEA will now focus on improving regulatory conditions, working towards decarbonization and championing free, fair and rule-based international trade, [Mercedes-Benz chairman Ola] Källenius said in the statement.”

Reuters. December 2024.

“Stability is key for investment.”

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation. December 2024

“The 2035 target gives a clear direction that will allow us businesses, alongside all other stakeholders, to focus on delivering the transformation required. …. It also provides the much-needed investment certainty on the future of the automotive industry in Europe.”

Automotive executives via industryfor2035.org. September 2024.

The industry can be pushed "really far in one direction, potentially, and then be told, scratch that, go in a very different direction. That may average out at the 50-yard line, but it's a very inefficient way to get there.”

Tom Stricker, Toyota Motor North America group vice president of sustainability and regulatory affairs. August 2024.

“Opinion: U.S. car makers need stable standards”

The Detroit News. July 2019.

“DOT will intensify its efforts to develop well-designed and globally-consistent regulations for [Automated Driving Systems].”

Understanding NHTSA’s Regulatory Tools. October 2017.

“[We must] eliminate uncertainty.”

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. March 2013

"Our engineers sometimes feel as if they are forced to play European soccer on an American baseball diamond by Japanese sumo wrestling rules. We're not fighting against environmental regulations. Our ultimate goal is emission-free driving. It's just that this 'patchwork quilt' of regulations doesn't necessarily support us in getting there.”

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche. Automotive News. May 2008