The Future of Automotive Retail Inside M&A
In the latest episode of Inside M&A, DCG President Brian Gordon joins Jim Fitzpatrick of CBT News to interview Andrew Gier, Research Analyst at Capstone. The discussion focuses on evolving U.S. trade policy, tariff threats, and their impact on automotive retail.
Watch the full Inside M&A Episode
Tariffs, Deadlines, and Disruption
With a critical July 9 deadline approaching, the U.S. is pushing for tariff reciprocity in global trade talks. A temporary 10% tariff is in place, but without finalized deals, rates could rise sharply. The automotive industry—heavily dependent on foreign parts—is especially vulnerable.
Section 232 and Auto Industry Prioritization
Gier explains how the administration invoked Section 232, typically reserved for national security, to justify tariffs on auto imports. This signals the industry’s elevated role in U.S. trade policy. As Gier notes, “Autos are one of those rare industries that actually get a little bit of priority.”
Fragile Talks, High Stakes
Trade negotiations are under intense pressure, with a small U.S. Trade Representative staff coordinating with over 150 countries. U.S.-EU talks remain fragile. Delays or failed agreements could trigger sharp tariff hikes, affecting costs across the supply chain.
What Dealers Need to Know
Higher tariffs could raise vehicle and parts costs, disrupt supply chains, and squeeze margins. Dealers and suppliers should prepare for uncertainty as trade decisions unfold.
About Dave Cantin Group
Dave Cantin Group is a leading automotive M&A advisory firm specializing in acquisitions, divestitures, platform management, business evaluations, and other corporate development services. The new retail reality requires automotive dealers to seek DCG’s collective best thinking, deep experience and extensive industry relationships to effectively leverage M&A as a core business strategy.
Clients choose DCG because we are a trusted advisor focusing on long-term relationships, investing in data and research, and engaging our entire team on every client project. Clients benefit from our industry-leading market intelligence – our Market Outlook Report – and JumpIQ, our proprietary AI-enabled platform delivering unprecedented visibility into automotive retail.
Our nonprofit initiative, DCG Giving, funds child and adolescent cancer research and treatment across the United States and supports other charitable causes important to the automotive retail community. To learn more, visit davecantingroup.com.
