**Trump's Policies Favor Tesla, as GM Lays Off 1,000 Workers and Tariff Concerns Loom**

President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to facilitate the integration of self-driving cars onto American roads, a significant move that could immensely benefit Tesla and its visionary CEO, Elon Musk. Trump’s transition team has indicated that implementing a federal framework for autonomous vehicles will be a priority for the Department of Transportation. Current regulations hinder the mass deployment of self-driving cars without traditional controls such as pedals or steering wheels, which Tesla plans to introduce with its upcoming Cybercabs.

In an October announcement, Elon Musk highlighted his plan to release thousands of driverless Tesla Cybercabs by 2026, despite existing regulatory challenges. A federal legislative push could pave the way for this innovative leap. Among potential candidates being considered for the Transportation Secretary role are Emil Michael, a former executive at Uber, and Republican Representatives Sam Graves of Missouri and Garret Graves of Louisiana.

Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) recently cut approximately 1,000 jobs as part of a strategic move to reduce costs in response to changing market conditions. The layoffs, affecting primarily salaried positions in suburban Detroit, aim to help GM achieve $2 billion in fixed cost reductions this year. The United Auto Workers union has criticized these cuts, especially given GM’s notable record profits.

Additionally, Trump’s proposed tariffs on vehicle imports from countries like Mexico, Europe, and China could have significant repercussions for the automotive industry. Such tariffs would increase costs for both manufacturers and consumers, potentially leading to higher vehicle prices and squeezed profit margins. As auto companies brace for these potential changes, industry experts warn of the broader impacts on supply chains, with a possible shift toward more localized production to mitigate tariff-related costs.

Ford is also under scrutiny, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigating a seat belt retractor issue affecting 112,567 Ford SUVs. This probe includes the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models from 2019-2020. In addition, another NHTSA investigation targets 456,565 Ford vehicles, including Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick pickups from 2021-2024, over potential power loss and electrical system failures.

As Trump prepares to take office, policies affecting the automotive industry stand to bring significant changes, prompting manufacturers and suppliers to reassess their strategies amidst a backdrop of regulatory shifts and economic uncertainty.