Dan Ives Says Tesla 'Best Positioned' To Deal With Tariffs: 'It Will Ultimately Be Finished Cars Vs Auto Parts'

He then said that despite Tesla still being impacted by the tariffs, it’s limited to auto parts only. “It will ultimately be finished cars vs auto parts. I think that’ll be a significant difference, ” Ives said.

However, Ives also exercised caution. ‘When it comes to Tesla, I think the worry is what does retaliatory look like in China,’ he said before outlining how the company has a crucial six months ahead with Tesla’s autonomous driving tech as well as the Cybercab in Austin, Texas.

Ives also reiterated that Tesla’s declining sales figures in Europe, as well as the challenges it faces in the U.S., have to do with Musk’s ‘self-inflicted brand issues,’ alluding to the billionaire’s involvement with the Trump administration.

Why It Matters: Ives’s comments signal Tesla’s strong position in the U.S. domestic EV market, where it dominates in sales with a 43% market share in the EV sector in Q1 2025.

However, that hasn’t stopped Tesla owners in the U.S. from experiencing problems like targeted vandalism as well as rising insurance premiums and low used car values, likely due to Musk’s right-wing politics.

Amid the tariffs, Musk’s company recently suspended all new orders for its U.S.-made Model S and Model X in China. Despite most of Tesla’s production taking place domestically, the company’s plans for mass producing the Cybercab and the Semi have been affected by the tariffs.

However, the Trump administration indicated that it would be open to providing relief to some auto manufacturers amid the tariffs, which saw auto stocks rise. Trump said some automakers “need a little bit of time” to adjust to the new rules.

Price action: GM stock is currently trading for $44.54 on NYSE, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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