Trump hoping to effectively block German auto imports to US?

Trump reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron that he hoped his policy would stop Mercedes-Benz models from driving down Fifth Avenue in New York.

President Donald Trump has reportedly escalated his rhetoric against German automakers.

Trump reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron that he would continue to pursue tough trade policies, with the goal of stopping Mercedes-Benz models from driving down Fifth Avenue in New York, according to a WirtschaftsWoche report translated by CNBC.

The administration previously threatened to impose tariffs on imported vehicles, aiming to boost domestic automobile production.

Tariffs would presumably have a negative impact on German auto sales in the US, though Mercedes-Benz and its peers already manufacture some of their US-market vehicles in American factories.