Donald Trump tariffs: JLR says it will be 'resilient' as UK automotive sector braces for impact

The luxury car giant behind Jaguar and Range Rover says it is confident its business will be “resilient” despite Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on automobiles.

The US president has imposed a 10% tariff on US imports of UK goods, rising to 25% for cars. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), called the news “deeply disappointing and potentially damaging”.

The USA is a key market for JLR, formerly Jaguar Land Rover. Last year JLR chose Miami Art Week to launch its Type 00 Jaguar concept vehicle. The car was designed with a theme of “Exuberant Modernism” and the company says it is “a concept with bold forms and exuberant proportions to inspire future Jaguars”.

JLR’s North American business is based in Mahwah, New Jersey, and its LinkedIn page says the company “is represented by more than 330 retail outlets”.

Analysis this week from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) showed more than 25,000 direct jobs in the UK car manufacturing industry could be at risk under the new tariff regime as exports fall. And the IPPR said employees at Jaguar Land Rover and Mini were set to be among the most exposed.

In a statement, JLR said: “Our luxury brands have global appeal and our business is resilient, accustomed to changing market conditions. Our priorities now are delivering for our clients around the world and addressing these new US trading terms.”

In January, JLR posted a pre-tax profit of £523m for the final three months of 2024, down from the £627m reported during the same period in 2023, as reported by City AM. But its pre-tax profit for the 12 months to date stood at £1.6bn, a 7% year-on-year increase.

Also in January, JLR said it was investing millions of pounds in new paint facilities at its Castle Bromwich site to help it meet demand for personalised luxury vehicle, where customers pick from hundreds of bespoke paint options across its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models

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