Bob Slebonick, who has been with Asheville Ford and Lincoln as both a general manager and partner for many years, expresses enthusiasm over President Trump’s tariff plan. He believes this move will be beneficial for U.S.-based businesses in the future.
I believe at present we're witnessing the unease among customers, managers, and manufacturers," stated Slebonnick. "I feel we should allow things to unfold naturally.
Slebonick mentioned that Ford Motor Company has launched a new discount pricing initiative titled "From America, For America." This program permits dealerships to offer vehicles at or beneath specific employee prices, with the company compensating them for each transaction.
"In our situation, Ford got a head start on this and managed to bring many vehicles into the country before the tariff was officially announced," Slebonnick explained.
"I ENDORSE HIS STRATEGY": NORTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL MEMBER CHUCK EDWARDS STATES THAT HE APPROVES OF TRUMP'S TARIFF INITIATIVES
According to Slebonick, Ford dealers hold inventory from these deliveries as they roll out the new branding initiative.
In a press statement, Ford declared, "When it comes to assembling American-made vehicles and employing U.S.-based hourly auto workers, Ford surpasses all other automotive companies."
The appealing brand and sales tactics drew Bobby Taylor to visit the Ford dealership, where he decided to make a down payment for a vehicle.
ASHEVILLE CAR REPAIR BUSINESSES STAY OPTIMISTIC DESPITE 25% TARIFS ON FOREIGN CARS AND COMPONENTS
"If the price goes down, I prefer products made in America," stated Taylor.
Taylor mentioned that both his father and grandfather were devoted to Ford, and he aims to uphold this legacy.
Slebonick, however, mentioned that he has noticed several customers who have placed orders for imported vehicles visiting Ford showrooms to compare prices. This occurs out of concern that the costs of their pre-ordered vehicles from other dealerships might increase soon.
His car dealership, which operates as part of a bigger ownership group, deals with Kia vehicles. Slebonnick understands that the automaker has stopped shipping cars to the U.S. from South Korea, their place of manufacture, until they develop a strategy for addressing the tariff problem.
"Any vehicles entering the country will face tariffs based on the cost of the unit," Slebonick stated.
Regarding an approximate duty rate, Slebonick suggested it might be around $3,000. He forecasted that it may take several months before we observe the effect of these duties on vehicle pricing.
Later on Thursday, Trump indicated he was willing to discuss tariff negotiations with various nations, despite his staff previously claiming that the President would refuse to do so.
HOW MIGHT NEW TARIFS AFFECT LEATHER GARMENT STORES? STORE MANAGER SHARES THEIR THOUGHTS
Slebonick, who grew up in Pittsburgh, expressed his hope that tariffs might help restore what he recalls from his childhood in Pittsburgh when families enjoyed well-paid positions at automobile factories.
"I’m pleased to observe that we're making efforts to revive industries within our nation. It reminds me of how all my friends and their parents used to have excellent positions in factories manufacturing cars," remarked Slebonick.