From swinging tariff policies to supply-chain uncertainties, U.S. motor vehicle companies absorbed loads of change in 2025. The year was marked by slowed growth, lagging sales and realignment of strategy and expectations.

Global vehicle production rose 4%, but Asia was the epicenter of growth, while Europe was stagnant and U.S. sales declined.

Years of investments by auto suppliers in electric vehicle technology were sidelined in the U.S. market as a new presidential administration removed consumer incentives for purchasing BEVs and in overall policy favored a return to gas-powered vehicles.

Companies that fared better in 2025 tended to have a diverse product portfolio in electric, hybrid and gas-powered vehicles and global manufacturing flexibility. They also had the organizational agility to shift strategy to mitigate tariffs and meet differing market demand and government requirements in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

Upstart automakers especially in China, got a big boost from technology advancements, more flexible workforces and the lack of excess capacity in aging facilities. But there was opportunity for legacy companies in adjusting strategy and tapping into their deep wells of resources and expertise.

Here are some news highlights from 2025 IW 500 related to our top ten motor vehicle companies, along with industry trends.

January 2025

Former GM executive Warren Browne predicts increased tariffs, emission rollbacks and eliminating incentives will bring turmoil and instability.

February 2025

Automakers roundly condemn Trump’s new tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

March 2025

S&P analysts change the probability of a quick resolution of automotive tariffs from 70% to 30%.

April 2025

Tesla CEO Elon Musk warns that “bumps and potholes” in the economy, including tariffs, could hurt demand.

May 2025

General Motors announces an $888 million investment in ICE engines at its Tonawanda, N.Y., propulsion plant.

June 2025

Rivian says it’s “laser-focused” on building a domestic supply chain strategy.

July 2025

Nissan supplier Marelli, which heavily invested in EV technology, files for bankruptcy as its customers cut back their orders.

August 2025

Consumers rush to buy EVs as tax credit expires; GM CFO talks about shift in strategy.

Sept. 2025

Foxconn sells its EV plant in Lordstown, Ohio, to a partner with plans to build data centers.

October 2025

U.S. automakers experienced an average 18% tariff, the highest since 1934 and up from 2.4% at the beginning of the year.

November 2025

Shifting focus to producing parts domestically, Rivian gains confidence that it will be able to decrease costs and turn a profit by the end of 2026.

December 2025

With the labor market lagging and inflation still elevated, a divided U.S. Federal Reserve makes its third rate cut in a year.