“This Is America - Look What I’m Whippin’ Up!”

Not long ago, Childish Gambino, a.k.a. Donald Glover, a.k.a. director of the show “Atlanta” and artist behind albums such as “Camp” and last year’s “Awaken, My Love!” dropped the song and music video to “This Is America”. And immediately, America went wild. Beyond the fact that Gambino is one of the most interesting artists of our generation, this video addressed many of the moral issues plaguing our nation in an entertaining, but still HIGHLY conscious manner.

Jim Crow comparison

From the opening scene of a black man being executed in the Jim Crow stance, to the choir being gunned down shortly, all while guns are shown being treated with more respect than black lives (which DO matter), this video is not your average visual. Childish Gambino even threw some cars into the mix for good measure, with another message thru the dancing and lyrics.

SZA, Childish Gambino, and old cars... Is there anything more woke or
symbolic than this picture?

While Gambino was dancing on the old 90s Hondas, Toyotas, and even Cadillacs, I couldn’t help but get slightly nostalgic. For my childhood that is... See, everything seemed so much simpler back then. Even amongst the world’s chaos, demonstrated by the background dancers and visuals I feel, I was able to tune it out and focus on ME. My own life, my own self. But now, life is serious and it’s not all about me. It’s about understanding the world around me as well, and working together to become agents of change.

So yes, while 90s cars, and life, and style are simpler, society is constantly becoming more complex. It’s ok to be nostalgic. Therapeutic and an escape sometimes even... But STAY WOKE. This is America. They’ll catch you slippin. #getyourmoney

Check the video out if you haven’t already: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Ironing Out Details: Trump’s Steel Tariff

If you’ve been paying attention lately, you’re likely aware that we have a highly controversial administration in office right now. One of the more recent proposals by the Trump administration has been to impose a 25% tax on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminum. Certain countries will be exempt. Several automotive companies are disappointed in the move, despite having operations in the United States. Why is that? Let’s break down a few key points.

Past & Present

It’s worth noting that under President Bush, there was a steel tariff as well. However, it did not work out well, negatively affecting GDP and employment, so the plan was scrapped. Fast forward, and this legislation is being proposed right at a time when automakers are looking to streamline and globalize their product lineups. Thus products imported from elsewhere, even if they only have a portion of foreign parts, could see price increases. OEMs will also see higher manufacturing costs.

Automakers such as Ford and Toyota released statements saying they advocate for free trade, and that these tariffs could inadvertently affect suppliers for key products. Additionally, many analysts are concerned that this could turn into a “trade war” situation, with nations such as China retaliating.

Here’s a short list of affected steel and aluminum products from IHS Markit:

• Carbon and alloy flat products
• Carbon and alloy long products
• Stainless flat and long products
• Unwrought aluminum
• Aluminum bars, rods, and profiles
• Aluminum wire
• Etc...

There are other products as well. For a more complete list and additional info, follow the links provided below:

• https://ihsmarkit.com/solutions/trump-steel-aluminum-tariffs.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=pc9700-5&gasc_id=844978700&gasc_label=9lBJCNuIoHMQjLT1kgM&gclid=Cj0KCQjwodrXBRCzARIsAIU59TIIl0F1KMho_H3uDj5P94n_GszKOhvMXqpXG_p2p8reUInKwE-Zh7QaApHoEALw_wcB
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nasdaq.com/article/how-trump-tariffs-could-impact-the-us-auto-industry-cm932848/amp

What are your thoughts on this? Personally, I’m concerned about long-term trade wars as well. And these tariffs could lead to the discontinuation of some products I’m thinking. It’s also possibly another reason why Ford has decided to exit the sedan market all together in the United States. Especially since they want to enact their “One Ford” global strategy and streamline platforms.

I also recommend making a deal on something you like (if it's predominantly foreign-made) while it's on sale or before further tariffs are enforced. I've heard rumblings of additional tariffs after a recent meeting with OEMs...

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.