American Auto Industry Faces Major Challenges Amid Deregulation
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Regulatory Changes: The Trump administration's termination of the Obama-era 'endangerment finding' is projected to eliminate over $1.3 trillion in regulatory costs, potentially leading to significantly lower car prices, although it raises concerns about environmental standards.
- Financial Crisis: Since late 2025, General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis have taken a combined $53 billion in write-offs related to their EV strategies, resulting in restructurings and layoffs, highlighting the severe financial pressures facing the industry.
- Increased Competition: American automakers are not only contending with fierce competition from China but also facing chip shortages and supply chain uncertainties due to trade tensions, complicating the industry's outlook.
- Future Development Dilemma: While EVs have made significant inroads globally, states like California continue to battle the federal government for stricter environmental regulations, placing automakers in a challenging position between adapting to market changes and regulatory compliance.
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Analyst Views on GM
Wall Street analysts forecast GM stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
16 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 79.930
Low
48.00
Averages
82.06
High
100.00
Current: 79.930
Low
48.00
Averages
82.06
High
100.00
About GM
General Motors Company designs, builds and sells trucks, crossovers, cars and automobile parts and provides software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The Company's segments include GMNA, GMI, Cruise and GM Financial. Its GM North America (GMNA) and GM International (GMI) develop, manufacture and/or markets vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. The Company provides automotive financing services through its General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial) segment. Its Cruise segment is engaged in the development and commercialization of autonomous vehicle technology. Its software-enabled services and subscriptions, including OnStar, its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and its end-to-end software platform. The Company is also focused on investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and AVs, software-enabled services and subscriptions and new business opportunities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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See More
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- Intensifying Market Competition: Global EV sales reached 20.7 million units in 2023, a 21% increase, with Tesla losing market share to competitors like BYD and Volkswagen, undermining its position in a rapidly growing market.
- Investor Confidence Shaken: Despite Musk's continued optimism about the future, analysts have set a target price of only $422.09 for Tesla stock, reflecting concerns about the outlook for its EV business, leading investors to adopt a cautious stance regarding the company's diversification strategy.
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- Profitability Volatility: Although Ford returned to profitability through restructuring in late 2020, its subsequent quarterly performance has been unstable, compounded by the cancellation of popular models like the Fiesta and Focus, increasing labor and energy costs.
- Three-Pronged Strategy: Ford's plan to tackle European challenges includes focusing on its higher-margin Ford Pro commercial vehicle division, refreshing its passenger vehicle lineup, and improving operational efficiencies, which are crucial for its business turnaround.
- Partnership Potential with Geely: Ford's potential collaboration with China's Geely, leveraging its excess production capacity to manufacture vehicles for Geely, could help avoid high tariffs and enhance Ford's competitiveness through shared technology, positioning it better in the EV market.
See More
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- Strategic Transformation Plan: Ford aims to tackle market challenges through a three-pronged strategy focusing on its high-margin Ford Pro commercial vehicle division, refreshing its passenger vehicle lineup, and improving operational efficiencies, which is intended to strengthen its foothold in the competitive European market.
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- Intensifying Industry Competition: With the rapid rise of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, Ford faces pressure from these competitors and must learn new production and design techniques to maintain its market competitiveness, especially in innovation and cost control within the electric vehicle sector.
See More
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- EV Strategy Adjustment: Despite incurring a $1.1 billion restructuring charge, GM plans to lower production costs by focusing on high-end models and NEVs, particularly through its Buick and Cadillac brands, enhancing its competitive position.
- Future Product Planning: In 2026, all new GM products in China will include NEV options, with increased local production, which is crucial for maintaining price competitiveness and demonstrates the company's long-term commitment to the EV sector.
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See More
