The Tesla Cybertruck, once hailed as a revolutionary vehicle, is facing criticism on multiple fronts. Beyond production delays and the shelving of the Range Extender, a new issue has emerged: the absence of standard Autosteer functionality. This feature, a staple in Tesla vehicles for nearly a decade, is notably missing unless owners opt for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. This decision has sparked considerable debate and dissatisfaction among early adopters.
The Missing Feature: Autosteer and Its Implications
Autosteer, a core component of Tesla’s Autopilot system, provides lane-keeping assistance, making highway driving less strenuous. Traditionally, it has been included as a standard feature in all Tesla models. However, Cybertruck owners are discovering that their vehicles only come with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) unless they subscribe to or purchase the FSD package. This means that basic lane-keeping, a feature found even in budget-friendly cars, is absent in a truck that can cost upwards of $70,000.
Tesla’s Rationale and Customer Response
Tesla has offered Cybertruck buyers a complimentary one-year subscription to FSD, framing it as a gesture of goodwill and an opportunity to experience the “power of its innovation.” However, many view this as a thinly veiled attempt to compensate for the missing Autosteer feature. The decision to exclude Autosteer has raised questions about Tesla’s long-term strategy, with some speculating it could be a move towards offering more barebones vehicles in the future. This is particularly concerning given Tesla’s plans to release a more affordable $30,000 EV.
A Shift in Documentation
Adding to the confusion, early versions of the Cybertruck owner’s manual indicated that Autopilot would include both TACC and Autosteer. However, Tesla quietly removed references to Autosteer in subsequent updates. This discrepancy has fueled frustration among owners who feel misled about the features included with their purchase. While Tesla maintains that “feature sets will change,” the lack of Autosteer has already led to discussions about potential class-action lawsuits.
The used car market is experiencing an unusual surge in prices, defying typical seasonal trends. Instead of the expected post-tax season dip, prices are climbing, driven by anticipation of tariff-induced price hikes on new vehicles. Dealers are scrambling to acquire used car inventory, leading to increased wholesale prices and potentially higher costs for consumers.
The Manheim Index and Wholesale Price Trends
The Manheim Index, a key indicator of wholesale used car prices, has risen 2.7% year-over-year, marking the highest jump since October 2023. This increase signals that dealers expect tighter inventory and rising prices due to stronger demand and market disruptions caused by impending tariffs. According to Cox Automotive, wholesale pricing trends are “much stronger” than usual, reflecting the industry’s anticipation of price increases on new vehicles.
Dealer Strategies and Supply Concerns
Dealers are actively purchasing used cars at auction to build inventory ahead of the anticipated tariff-related price hikes. This proactive approach has led to a decrease in the number of days of supply on hand. Last year, dealers had approximately 46 days’ worth of used retail vehicle supply in April. This year, that number has dropped to just 41 days, highlighting the increased demand and competitive market conditions.
Implications for Consumers
For used car shoppers, the current market conditions present a challenge. The potential for rising prices means that waiting for a better deal may ultimately result in paying more. As Cox Automotive’s Jeremy Robb noted, strong demand in March and April may have pulled some transactions forward as buyers attempted to get ahead of the expected price increases. This suggests that those in the market for a used car may want to consider making a purchase sooner rather than later.
| Metric | April 2023 | April 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manheim Index | 198.5 | 208.2 | +4.9% |
| Days of Supply | 46 | 41 | -11% |
Ford is increasing prices on several North American-built models, including the Mustang Mach-E, Maverick, and Bronco Sport, due to the financial impact of tariffs. These price adjustments reflect the complex interplay of global supply chains and trade policies, even for vehicles assembled within North America.
Tariffs and the Bottom Line
Ford estimates that tariffs will add approximately $2.5 billion to its overall costs for 2025. In response, the automaker is raising prices on select models by as much as $2,000. While these models are assembled in North America, they still rely on parts and components sourced from around the world, making them susceptible to tariff-related expenses. Ford is reportedly absorbing some of the tariff costs to mitigate the impact on consumers.
Model-Specific Price Hikes
The price increases affect vehicles built after May 2nd, with the adjusted prices appearing on dealer lots in late June. According to Reuters, a Ford spokesperson stated that the price hikes reflect “usual” mid-year pricing actions, “combined with some tariffs we are facing.” This suggests that Ford is attempting to balance the need to offset tariff costs with standard pricing adjustments.
Industry-Wide Impact
Ford’s decision to raise prices underscores the broader impact of tariffs on the automotive industry. General Motors has also stated that tariffs will cost the company billions of dollars. These financial pressures are forcing automakers to make difficult decisions about pricing and production, ultimately affecting consumers and the overall competitiveness of the industry.
