Why undermining fuel efficiency standards would harm the US auto industry

The U.S. auto industry has rebounded well from its near collapse during the financial crisis. Auto suppliers in particular have done well, increasing employment more than 50 percent since 2008. The U.S. auto supply chain, after all, employs some 1.5 million people: four times as many people as do U.S. auto manufacturers. The U.S. auto supply chain, after all, employs some 1.5 million people: four times as many people as do U.S. auto manufacturers. The failure of GM and Chrysler during the Great Recession would have decimated U.S. auto suppliers and in turn the U.S. auto sector.

Volkswagen reports record sales, warns of trade threats to auto industry

Volkswagen reports record sales, warns of trade threats to auto industryA worker checks the Volkswagen sign on a Golf car in Zwickau, eastern Germany, Sept. 6, 2015. (AP / Jens Meyer)FRANKFURT -- Volkswagen said its earnings rose in the second quarter on record sales and fatter profit margins, but warned that "growing protectionism" is a threat to the globally connected car industry. Revenues rose 3.4 per cent to 61.14 billion euros and the operating profit margin rose to 9.1 per cent from 7.7 per cent. Since then, the company has had to set aside 27.4 billion euros to cover fines, penalties and other costs. Volkswagen reported record sales volumes for the first six months of the year of 5.5 million vehicles, an increase of 7.1 per cent.

Rebates protect Canada's auto industry from retaliatory tariffs

As it stated in ADVERTISEMENT"That provision in the notice is overwhelmingly directed at the auto industry," said Jesse Goldman, a trade lawyer at Borden Ladner Gervais. Some 85 percent of vehicles built in Canada in 2016 were exported, meaning duty relief programs could refund roughly 85 percent of retaliatory tariffs paid by automakers. The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association needs to do more analysis before commenting on whether drawbacks could protect his industry, President Mark Nantais said. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, said some companies that make stainless steel parts or hardened steel tools in Canada could benefit. Volpe said just over half of Canadian-made auto parts are exported.

collected by :Catlin Logan