Storyline: Thousands of vehicles manufactured in Europe, including popular models from Audi and Jaguar, are stranded at U.S. ports after an unexpected 25 percent import tariff was imposed in the United States. The introduction of this tariff has now disrupted deliveries and sparked global trade tensions. This fundamental shift in U.S. trade policy is causing significant disruptions in the European automotive industry. Since April 2, a new 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles has been in effect, leading to thousands of cars—including German Audis and British Jaguars—being held up at U.S. ports. Manufacturers are now being forced to reconsider their export strategies. Especially affected are Audi's SUV models Q5 and Q7, which are very popular in the U.S. Although these models are assembled in Mexico for the U.S. market, they do not meet the requirements of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which mandates that 75 percent of the parts must originate from North America. As a result, they are subject to the full tariff. However, the impact extends beyond Audi. The Netherlands-based Stellantis Group, owner of Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge, has halted production at several plants in Canada and Mexico. And British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover has completely stopped shipments to the U.S. to assess the financial impact. The U.S. government stated that the tariffs are intended to incentivize domestic production, but the move has triggered international concern. In a speech at a Jaguar Land Rover plant in the United Kingdom, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it is important to respond to the tariffs calmly and pragmatically. At the same time, he emphasized that the long-standing relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States—which has contributed to peacekeeping for 80 years—should not be lightly discarded. He further argued that the challenges arising from the tariffs require a constructive and strategic response. While governments and car manufacturers weigh their next steps, the immediate consequences are clear: American consumers face delivery delays, European manufacturers are hit with rising costs, and global automotive trade is entering a phase of profound uncertainty. Shotlist: Frankfurt am Main, Germany – March 27, 2025: 1. Footage: Street traffic 2. Parking lot; pedestrians ARCHIVE: Wolfsburg, Germany – 2016: 3. Footage: Cars being assembled; workers Munich, Germany – April 11, 2025: 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Beatrix Keim, Director of Business Development & China Projects, Center for Automotive Research (begins with shot 3): "This is now a moment of reflection and reassessment. Will further negotiations with the Trump administration take place? What is the strategy within the Volkswagen Group? Everyone is waiting to see how significantly these tariffs will impact manufacturers and who will be affected the most." 5. Audi logo ARCHIVE: London, United Kingdom – December 20, 2022: 6. Elizabeth Tower, British national flag ARCHIVE: London, United Kingdom – July 4–5, 2024: 7. Cityscape, traffic Munich, Germany – April 11, 2025: 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Beatrix Keim, Director of Business Development & China Projects, Center for Automotive Research (begins with shot 7): "SUVs are classified as light commercial vehicles due to their engine size, which means they are not only subject to the existing import tariff but also to the new punitive tariff of 25 percent. This represents a 50 percent cost increase. Some companies may now seriously consider establishing plants in the United States." ARCHIVE: Berlin, Germany – Date unknown: 9. Footage: Traffic. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]