The tariffs, announced by the Trump administration, are anticipated to raise new car costs by up to $12,000, prompting more consumers to consider used vehicles. This shift is expected to benefit companies dealing in secondhand cars, such as CarMax Inc., which saw a 2.5% increase in its stock. Meanwhile, major U.S. automakers like General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. faced stock declines due to their vulnerability to the tariffs, while Tesla Inc. experienced a slight increase.
Key takeaways:
- Hertz and Avis stocks surged over 20% due to expected increased demand for used cars following new auto tariffs.
- The Trump administration announced 25% tariffs on fully assembled vehicles, potentially raising new car prices by up to $12,000.
- Used-car prices may rise by around 3% this year, making secondhand car companies like CarMax potential winners.
- U.S. automakers like General Motors and Ford saw shares fall, while Tesla's stock rose slightly after the tariff announcement.