Trump Extends Tariff Relief for U.S. Auto Industry as New Tariffs Target Heavy Vehicles

## Overview Ford Motor Company is a global automotive industry leader, recognized as the second-largest automaker in the United States (after General Motors) and the sixth-largest worldwide[1]. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford designs, manufactures, markets, and services a full line of vehicles—including cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles, and luxury vehicles under the Lincoln brand[1]. The company operates in every major automotive market and is renowned for its innovation, manufacturing scale, and iconic brands. ## History and Key Achievements Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, the company revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of the Model T in 1908, making cars affordable for the masses through assembly line production. This innovation not only transformed Ford but also set a new standard for industrial manufacturing worldwide. Over more than a century, Ford has introduced several landmark vehicles, such as the F-Series trucks—America’s best-selling vehicle for over four decades—and the Mustang, an enduring symbol of American automotive culture[1]. ## Current Status As of 2025, Ford continues to demonstrate strong financial performance, with revenues of $185 billion and net profits of $5.9 billion in 2024[1]. The company is led by CEO Jim Farley, who has prioritized both electrification and quality improvements since taking the helm in 2020[1]. Ford’s vehicle lineup remains robust, with the F-Series leading U.S. truck sales and electrified vehicles accounting for nearly 16% of its U.S. sales in the third quarter of 2025[3]. The company is aggressively investing in electric vehicles (EVs), committing $5 billion to develop a family of affordable, adaptable EVs and building a new battery plant in Michigan[2]. ## Notable Aspects and Challenges Ford is currently at a pivotal moment in its history. It is reinventing its manufacturing system to produce next-generation EVs, aiming to secure American jobs

General Motors (GM) is a leading American multinational corporation that has been a driving force in the automotive industry for over a century. Founded in 1908 by William C. Durant, GM began as a holding company for Buick and quickly expanded to include other prominent brands like Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Chevrolet[1][3]. Durant's vision was instrumental in transforming GM into a global powerhouse, though he faced challenges, including being forced out in 1920 and later returning to co-found Chevrolet in 1911[2][3]. Under the leadership of Alfred P. Sloan, GM reorganized into a decentralized management structure, pioneering annual style changes and consumer financing innovations[1]. The company's impact on the automotive sector has been profound, introducing the electric starter and being a model for large-scale industrial enterprises[1][3]. GM's legacy includes a vast array of brands, though some like Oldsmobile and Pontiac have been discontinued[4]. In recent decades, GM faced significant challenges, including bankruptcy in 2009, but it has since recovered and is now focused on electric and autonomous vehicles[5]. Under CEO Mary Barra, GM has committed to a future of sustainable transportation, aiming for zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion[6]. Today, GM operates globally, manufacturing vehicles in 35 countries and employing thousands worldwide[4]. Notable aspects of GM include its commitment to innovation and its role in shaping American industrial history. The company continues to evolve, investing heavily in electric vehicles and self-driving technology. As a leader in the automotive industry, GM remains a significant player in both business and technology, shaping the future of transportation with its pioneering spirit and technological advancements.

The **White House Office** is a central organizational component within the Executive Office of the President of the United States (EOP), tasked with supporting the President in managing day-to-day operations, policy formulation, and political affairs. It is headed by the White House Chief of Staff and staffed by senior aides who report directly to the President, including those with titles such as Assistant to the President and Deputy Assistant to the President. These staff members are mostly political appointees without the need for Senate confirmation, allowing the President considerable discretion in shaping the office to suit each administration's priorities[1]. Historically, the White House Office was established in 1939 through Reorganization Plan 1 and Executive Order 8248 to provide immediate assistance to the President. It functions as the nerve center for presidential staff, physically located primarily in the West Wing, and plays a pivotal role in managing the President’s policy agenda, communications, and political strategy. Its flexible organization allows each President to tailor the staff composition and roles according to their governance style and objectives[1]. In the current context of 2025, the White House Office operates under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, who returned to office after the 2024 election. His administration emphasizes rejecting prior policies deemed extremist and focuses on enhancing quality of life, economic growth, and American energy dominance. The administration includes Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump, among others, with a Cabinet advising on various governmental functions[4][6]. Recent initiatives linked to the White House’s operational sphere include the establishment of a new **Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)** aimed at modernizing federal technology and software to boost government productivity. The DOGE agenda is implemented through the renamed United States DOGE Service within the Executive Office, reflecting a concerted push to leverage technology for administrative modernization[5]. Notably, the White House Office also coordinates national security and homeland security functions through the National Security Council staff, underscoring its central role