By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-04-05 19:56:29 | Updated at 2025-04-06 12:47:00
17 hours ago
Volkswagen is going to let its customers know just how much President Donald Trump's tariffs will cost Americans.
The German automotive manufacturing giant is reportedly adding a new line item to its vehicle stickers.
Volkswagen will print an 'import fee' on each new car's buying label. Customers will see the exact cost next to the vehicle's added features prices, fuel efficiency estimations, and crash test ratings.
The official sticker — required by law for pricing transparency and found on every new vehicle — will clearly spelling out just how much of the price hike is a direct result of Trump’s tariffs.
'We communicate to our dealer body about all aspects of the business, and we want to be very transparent about navigating through this time of uncertainty,' Volkswagen sources told DailyMail.com.
'The messaging can change daily, based on circumstances. We have our dealers and customers best interest at heart, and once we have quantified the impact on the business we will share our strategy with our dealers.'
VW has not announced how much each consumer will pay on their cars because of the tariffs.
However, vehicle pricing experts and consumer advocates speaking to DailyMail.com have warned that vehicles will cost between $3,000 and $12,000 more because of the tariffs.
Vehicle prices are going to rise after President Trump launched a new tariff policy
The auto giant is in a particularly sticky situation with Trump's tariff policies.
Volkswagen imports a majority of it best selling cars and vehicle parts for American production from its gigantic base plants in Germany.
VW operates a plant in Mexico that produces the popular Taos SUV and Jetta sedan.
Recently-built models of both cars are being held south of the American border, after VW paused train shipments as it reassesses its American dealer strategy.
The company also operates a plant in Tennessee, where it builds the electric ID. 4 and mid-size Atlas SUV.
But VW is warning about incoming production delays as it wrangles with import tariffs on vehicle parts.
Nearly every major automotive manufacturer is struggling to find the proper response to the tariffs.
On average, it takes a manufacturer five years to build a factory, find employees, train the workers, and get production running.
Volkswagen is aiming to be 'transparent' with its response to the Trump tariffs
The brand's popular Jetta sedan, built in Mexico, is one of the most impacted vehicles
Volkswagen relies on parts manufacturing that comes out of its iconic German plants
President Trump initially told automakers he would launch tariffs in February before delaying the rules twice. Then, he gave automakers one week to respond to the policy.
So far, Stellantis has paused production of some cars and laid off workers, Ford announced massive price cuts, and GM is ramping up production of its expensive, American-made trucks.
Other companies — like Mazda, who relies on foreign production for nearly every car in its lineup — is one of the most impacted manufacturers.
Over 80 percent of the brand's 2024 sales were built in other countries.
President Trump — who often referenced high inflation rates during his 2024 campaign — has seem non-plussed about rapidly rising vehicle prices, saying that he 'couldn’t care less' if automakers raise prices in an interview on NBC News.
Trump’s hefty import duties on foreign-made cars and parts covers more than $460 billion in annual trade.
A majority of cars sold in the US last year were made in foreign countries. Vehicles produced in the US rely on international parts supplies.
Volkswagen declined to comment on this article.
