Cars Will Get Heavier Thanks to Higher Tariffs

One silver lining I can think of is Section 179 for businesses. In order for tax write off, the gross weight of the vehicle has to be over 6000lbs. So if the manufacturer decide to cut spending on light weight materials, could this mean some vehicles can be written off in the future?

TLDR:

• Analysts say newly increased tariffs on imported cars and parts will raise automakers’ costs across the board.

• To offset these costs, manufacturers are likely to cut spending on lightweight materials and efficiency-focused engineering—resulting in heavier vehicles.

• Concurrent deregulation/loosening of fuel economy and emissions penalties removes a key deterrent to adding weight.

• Heavier cars typically deliver worse fuel efficiency; with fewer penalties, OEMs face less pressure to pursue weight-saving measures.

• Cost pressures will push carmakers toward cheaper components and simpler designs over advanced light weighting.

• Net effect: vehicles trend heavier and potentially more expensive, with impacts felt across many brands and segments.

Source: https://www.thedrive.com/news/cars-will-get-heavier-thanks-to-higher-tariffs-deregulation-analysts