Automakers urge Trump not to impose tariffs on factory robots, machinery

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A group representing nearly all major automakers on Wednesday urged the administration of President Donald Trump not to impose tariffs on factory robots and machinery. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai and nearly all other major automakers, urged the administration not to impose new tariffs after the Commerce Department opened a national security probe last month. The government can use such investigations to impose tariffs. "Increasing the cost of equipment at existing facilities will raise overall production costs for automotive manufacturers, could cause production delays, and may result in vehicle shortages and higher vehicle prices on American consumers at a time when new vehic