Forbes.com contributor Ed Garsten talks Canada trade turmoil, EV sales, Chinese cars

Trade turmoil with Canada and new consumer sentiment data are pulling the industry in two directions. On today’s edition of CBT Live, Ed Garsten, Senior Contributor at Forbes.com, broke down what each one means for automakers and dealers. While two conflicts unfold north of the border, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are working to finalize a new trade agreement, all while a dollar-for-dollar trade war persists. This deadlock has halted investments, with automakers and suppliers delaying new factories until clarity emerges. According to Garsten, labor negotiations are intensifying the pressure, and as a result, consumers might ultimately face higher prices. On the EV side, more than half of U.S. drivers told a new survey they are more open to buying one than they were a year ago. That pattern shows up every time gas prices climb, Garsten said, but it rarely survives the trip to the dealership. Charging and affordability still hold buyers back, even as the price premium over gas vehicles narrows. CBT News is Dealers' #1 Resource for Auto Industry News, Content, Coaching & Analysis. CBT News is a multimedia broadcast platform serving automotive professionals. With interviews featuring the biggest names in the industry, daily newscasts following top stories, up-to-date market data, 13 shows with industry experts, and exclusive articles covering the latest industry trends, CBT is the leading voice of the retail automotive industry. Subscribe to CBT News on YouTube:    / @carbiztoday   Visit CBT News Website: https://www.cbtnews.com/ Follow Us On Social Media! INSTAGRAM |   / carbiztoday   FACEBOOK |   / carbiztoday   LINKEDIN |   / cbt-news   TIKTOK |   / carbiztoday   X | https://x.com/CarBizToday