Ford Motor(F) ZACKS·2025-03-06 15:50Core Viewpoint - The one-month exemption from tariffs for U.S. automakers provides temporary relief but does not address the underlying issues and uncertainties that the tariffs will create once the exemption period ends [1][12]. Group 1: Immediate Market Reaction - The announcement of the one-month exemption led to a recovery in auto stocks, with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis seeing stock price increases of approximately 6%, 7%, and 9% respectively [2]. - Tesla also experienced a 2.6% gain following the news, recovering from a previous drop of 4.4% [2]. Group 2: Impact on Vehicle Prices - Tariffs are projected to increase vehicle prices by as much as 49,000 expected to rise by at least 10,000 [4]. Group 3: Inventory and Consumer Options - Current new car inventory is up 12% compared to last year, providing consumers a limited opportunity to purchase vehicles at pre-tariff prices [5]. - Used cars remain exempt from tariffs, but their availability is decreasing, with the supply of used cars declining from 49.5 days in January to 45.2 days in February [6]. Group 4: Long-Term Industry Consequences - The Big 3 automakers face varying exposure to tariffs, with GM and Stellantis particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on Mexican manufacturing [7]. - The complex supply chain means that no automaker is fully insulated from tariff impacts, and the one-month exemption only delays the inevitable cost increases [8][9]. Group 5: Predictions and Future Outlook - Prolonged tariffs could lead to production slowdowns or shutdowns, with S&P Global Mobility warning of a potential "Tariff Winter" scenario, predicting a 10% decline in North American light-vehicle sales over several years if tariffs persist beyond eight weeks [10]. - The market's short-term boost does not resolve the long-term challenges posed by tariffs, and companies are strategizing on how to manage increased costs [12].