Trump can make the U.S. auto industry great again in his second term

President-elect Donald Trump will inherit an auto industry that has been greatly diminished in recent years .

Stellantis (the parent company of Dodge , Chrysler , Jeep , and Ram) reported a 48 percent profit decline in the first half of 2024 , followed by a 27 percent drop in the third quarter .

The emerging Chinese auto industry poses an existential threat not only to the U.S. but also to Europe , Japan , and South Korea’s automakers, workers, and independence.

The next president should appoint an “auto czar’ who reports directly to him and has authority to coordinate with each of the agencies involved.