Car news, 10 April ’25: Audi halting cars at US dock, new Volkswagen Transporter will be offered as a BEV

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Thanks for joining us this Thursday April 10th 2025. Notably in car news today: Audi halts importing cars into the US in the face of tariffs, new Volkswagen Transporter announced as dedicated EV

Browse this issue:

• Audi halts importing cars into the US in the face of tariffs
• New Volkswagen Transporter range includes full EV variant
• New exclusive Mercedes-AMG variant sold in limited numbers
• Nissan’s AI-powered ‘autonomous driving’ software is teased

• Reviewed: 2025 RAM 1500

Audi halts importing cars into the US in the face of tariffs

• Audi is holding stock bound for North American dealerships in US docks as Volkswagen’s wholly imported brand negotiates the Trump Administration’s 25 percent tariff.
  

• According to Reuters, Audi had already stockpiled 37,000 vehicles – examples not affected by the latest tariffs – into its US inventory, or enough stock to supply two months of usual North American sales, prior to halting imports at docks on April 2nd. 

• Audi’s biggest-selling model in the US is the Q5 mid-size SUV, which is manufactured in Mexico. Unlike rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, no Audi vehicle is made or assembled in the USA.
  

• Both Audi and Volkswagen vehicles affected by tariffs now sold in the US will wear itemised stickers advising buyers of how much added import fees have been applied by the US federal government.   

New Volkswagen Transporter range includes full EV variant

• For the first time in the company’s history, Volkswagen will be offering the Transporter commercial van as a dedicated electric vehicle. The EV Transporter will be sold alongside a more conventional diesel Transporter, and later in 2026, a plug-in hybrid variant is expected to join the range. 

• The new generation of Volkswagen Transporter is expected to go on sale in Q3 2025, with the PHEV Transporter expected to release in Q2 2026. The Transporter will be available in short- or long-wheelbase configurations, with two or three seats and an optional high roof.

• Volkswagen promises that the Transporter will continue to be commercial focused, with all variants capable of carrying over a one-tonne payload, and large loading space to aid commercial drivers with convenient loading and unloading.

• Also coming to the Volkswagen commercial world, both the Caddy and Crafter vans will be receiving a major update, which includes a 10-inch infotainment screen, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, and tyre pressure monitoring all as standard equipment.

WATCH: A walkaround preview of VW’s Kia Carnival rival set for Australia

New exclusive Mercedes-AMG variant sold in limited numbers

• Mercedes-AMG has announced a new Edition R variant to the GLC 43 4MATIC SUV and Coupé, which promises exclusive exterior styling, trick dynamic engine mounts, and ‘RACE’ driving mode. 

• Other exclusive enhancements found on the GLC 43 AMG Edition R include “aerodynamically optimised” 21-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and blacked-out exterior features, including the grille.

• Inside the Edition R, drivers are met by bucket-style seats accompanied by red seatbelts, nappa leather steering wheel, and an exclusive centre console with metallic accents.  

• Currently, the GLC 43 4MATIC Edition R is priced at $128,900 for the SUV variant, and $141,600 for the Coupe. Both prices shown are before on-road costs.

Nissan’s AI-powered ‘autonomous driving’ software is coming

• Nissan Australia has provided a snapshot into its 2027 plans for a new generation of ‘ProPILOT’ – the in-house Nissan ‘autonomous driving’ system. ProPILOT will utilise lidar technology and “Wayve”, an AI powered driver software, to improve collision detection.

• Nissan claims its partnership with Wayve, a global AI company, will improve ProPILOT to better handle complicated on-road complications in a “human-like manner”. The AI technology uses a continuous learning model, which will better its capability based on huge amounts of real world data. 

• Nissan’s ProPILOT driver assistance software uses a combination of radar, lidar, and conventional cameras in conjunction with an evolving AI neural network to map and simulate an interpretation of an on-road complication, and then respond accordingly, to avoid collisions. 

• While claiming that “the future era of automated driving [can] avoid highly complex accidents,” Nissan has not specified the level of autonomy – semi- or full – the new advancements will help facilitate, and to what time frame. 

2025 RAM 1500 reviewed

• Chasing Cars production specialist Tom Place’s evaluation of the 2025 Ram 1500 was published, including a thorough assessment of the Hurricane straight-six engine, and accolades of the Ram’s 4500kg braked towing capacity. 

• The Ram 1500 was commended for its excellent ride quality, particularly when aided by optional air-bag suspension. The all-new straight six engine also received praise for excellent power delivery and overall refinement.

• Place fairly assessed the Ram 1500’s interior, which was slightly burdened by Stellantis-related quality problems. He pointed out the removal of a true base model vehicle to the Ram 1500 lineup, resulting in a now entry price of $141,950 before on-road costs for the Ram 1500 Laramie. 

• Sales figures from previous years show the Ram 1500 sees a large percentage of sales in regional Australia. The Ram 1500 is a fair consideration for large families who regularly tow heavy braked loads, or property owners looking for a large, versatile ute. 

READ: Ram 1500 2025 review

WATCH: Everything you need to know about the facelifted Ram 1500

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 11th April at 4.30pm Sydney time.