MichAuto’s Glenn Stevens Jr. and Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s John Bozzella discuss the industry’s preparations for an incoming Trump Administration.
Key Takeaways:
- The automotive industry is accustomed to collaborating across political divides, and the new administration understands the importance of a competitive and healthy auto industry for the economy and national security
- There is no single view on tariffs; they are an economic tool for managing international commerce and foreign policy. Differentiating between tariffs is essential to maintaining a fundamental vehicle platform
- Industry leaders can better communicate the benefits of working in the industry by highlighting the dynamic technology and opportunities available.
MichAuto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. and Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s John Bozzella kicked off the 2025 Detroit Auto Show Industry Days with a discussion on the challenges and opportunities the automotive and mobility industry will face under the new Trump administration.
On Industry Collaboration and Competitiveness Under the New Administration
Stevens started the conversation by asking for Bozzella’s general perspective on the forthcoming administration. Bozzella emphasized that, though sometimes not easy, the industry is accustomed to collaborating and providing insight across political divides no matter who is in the Oval Office.
“I think the incoming [Trump] administration and Congress understand that a competitive and healthy auto industry is critical to our economy and national security,” Bozzella said. “If policy discussions are about our competitiveness and being able to compete with China and [other countries], then we’re going to be in a good place.”
Bozzella added that he had already begun his personal collaboration by penning a letter to President-elect Trump, reminding him to make the U.S. the global place for automotive investment while not having too much regulation against consumers because “they’re ultimately in charge.”
Stevens and Bozzella also discussed Bozzella’s recent trips to Eastern Europe and China. Bozzella praised the extraordinary technology and seamless digital experience for customers, which surpasses that of the U.S. market. He also highlighted the Chinese industry’s swift market development and vertical development for OEMs – concerns for U.S. competitiveness and development.
“We need to have an honest and open discussion within the industry and then with policymakers,” he said. “We need to have a greater sense of urgency for competitiveness globally.”
On Navigating Economic Tools and Industry Appeal
Stevens and Bozzella also discussed the President-elect’s tariff plans for China, Mexico, and Canada. While Bozzella said implementing some tariff on China to avoid product dumping is reasonable, he believes imposing a similar measure on Mexico would be “counterproductive” towards already successful strategies for U.S. production, like the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement.
“There’s no such thing as one view on tariffs—they’re an economic tool on how we manage our international commence, and I’d argue, our foreign policy,” Bozzella said. “It is essential to maintain this as a fundamental vehicle platform. Therefore, I would differentiate between the tariffs.”
Stevens and Bozzella’s discussion concluded with a focus on how automotive industry leaders can better communicate the benefits of working in the industry. Bozzella emphasized talking about the “cool” aspects of the industry, such as working with dynamic technology, to attract high-quality talent and inspire them to join.
“We can do a better job telling the story of ‘this is cutting edge technology,’” Bozzella said. “This is a great time to be in this industry—there’s a lot at stake, but there’s so much opportunity and upside as we continue this path of merging mobility and technology.”