ICYMI: President Trump proposes 25% tariffs on EU auto imports amid ongoing trade tensions. Ford accelerates a secret EV truck project to challenge China with a $30,000 model. Fourteen California Volkswagen dealers push back on Scout’s sales approach. Auto debt rises 37% with dealers face increasing need for flexible financing. Used EV prices surge in April as overall used-vehicle prices cool. Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news. Trump proposes 25% tariffs on EU auto imports amid trade tensions President Donald Trump said he will increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25%, escalating trade tensions and adding uncertainty for automakers and dealers. Trump announced the planned increase in a Truth Social post, stating the move responds to what he described as the European Union’s failure to comply with a previously agreed trade deal. He added that vehicles produced in U.S. plants would not face tariffs. Read More Ford accelerates secret EV truck project to challenge China with $30K model Ford is advancing a closely guarded EV program to reshape its EV strategy and compete with low-cost Chinese rivals. The automaker is targeting a 2027 launch for a midsize electric pickup priced around $30,000, with a projected range of about 300 miles. Read More Group of 14 California Volkswagen dealers pushes back on Scout sales approach According to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), 14 California Volkswagen dealers filed protests at the California New Motor Vehicle Board on May 1. The complaint adds further challenges for VW’s Scout Motors subsidiary in its efforts to sell directly to consumers. Dealers contend that VW is competing with its own franchise network, citing claims that Scout is not independent due to shared ownership