Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday, 28th March 2025. Notably in car news today: Trump holds ground on 25% new vehicle and parts tariff, Skyworth BE11 confirmed – with three other vehicles also on the way, and Audi Q2 e-tron to launch in Australia as their cheapest EV.
Trump holds ground on 25% new vehicle and parts tariff
Donald Trump has refused to back down on his controversial additional 25% tariff, which will affect all new vehicles and automotive parts imported into America, including from Canada and Mexico.
This huge 25% tariff is also the minimum figure, meaning further costs could be imposed from the start date which has been confirmed as the 2nd of April 2025.
Trump has said the tariff imposed on overseas auto manufacturers will beef up local USA manufacturing, by essentially forcing global manufacturers to set up shop in America rather than foot the bill.
The flow-on effect from such a move is set to result in massive lay-offs throughout the international automotive sector. These are clearly nervous times, as stocks have fallen on the main US car manufacturers following the announcement that Trump’s tariff is a very real thing.
Skyworth BE11 confirmed – with three other vehicles also on the way
Another Chinese manufacturer is expected to land locally in the coming months, with the announcement that Skyworth will be selling their BE11 eclectic vehicle in Australia.
The BE11 is an electric SUV that is sized similarly to the Toyota RAV4, with initial range claims of 489km between charges. Powering the BE11 is an 86kWh battery, with an electric motor producing a claimed 150kW and 320Nm.
Pricing is set to start from $48,990 before on-road costs for the Comfort spec, with top spec Luxury costing $52,990 before on-road costs. Deliveries are expected to arrive in the coming months.
Going off the Skyworth website, there appears to be other models on the horizon. These include the Skyworth Q Hatch, Skyworth Y, and Next Generation Van. We will continue to update you as information comes to hand.
Audi Q2 e-tron to launch in Australia as brand’s cheapest EV
Arriving ahead of schedule, production has been confirmed for the 2026 Audi Q2 e-tron electric vehicle.
The Audi Q2 e-tron will be the cheapest electric vehicle in the Audi stable, with pricing rumoured to sit below rivals such as the BMW iX1’s pricing of sub $80,000.
Originally slated for arrival in 2027, Audi is keen to push forward with the Q2 e-tron. They have also expressed interest in offering an electric vehicle in each vehicle category.
While you’d expect the most affordable EVAudi in the line-up to be based on a city-friendly hatch, Audi CEO, Gernot Dollner, is saying the Q2 e-tron as an SUV first and foremost.
Volvo EX90 electric SUV now on sale in local dealerships
The EX90 has launched in Australia, with the $124,990 (plus on-roads) electric SUV now available locally in Australian showrooms.
Volvo has said the key brief when designing the EX90, was to build the safest Volvo ever made. As such it incorporates Volvo’s Safe Space technology which utilises camera, radar and LICAR systems giving the EX90 a real-time 360 degree camera.
Powering the 2025 Volvo EX90 is a choice of Twin Motor powertrain with 300kW of power and 770Nm, or Twin Motor Performance producing a claimed 380kW and 910Nm.
The EX90 is the first Volvo designed purely from scratch to be a 100% battery EV. In keeping with the ‘green theme’ it has been manufactured using 15% recycled steel, 25% recycled alloy, and up to 48kg of recycled plastics.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 31st March at 4.30pm Sydney time.
