China Hits American-Made Cars With 25 Percent Tariff, Prevents Delivery Of Some Crossovers

China announced plans to slap an additional 25 percent tariff on vehicles imported from the United States on Wednesday and reports have suggested American-made crossovers are being held up by customs officials in the country.

Yesterday, Reuters said Daimler confirmed authorities are inspecting crossovers made at the company’s plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for potential problems. Little else was known about the incident, but an unverified document suggested officials were examining the GLE and GLS for rear brakes that were “insufficient.”

Authorities are reportedly examining crossovers built between May and June. A Daimler spokesperson said they are “working with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue.”

While the situation appeared to be an isolated incident, a new report from Reuters says the American-made BMW X4 is also facing a similar issue. In that case, authorities are preventing the delivery of 400 crossovers built between April and June.

While the timing seems suspicious, it’s unlikely the trade dispute between China and the United States is causing the problem. BMW told the publication the X4s are part of a recall that impacted around 19,000 of their crossovers. The automaker said the recall was the result of a supplier that delivered rear brake calipers which could potentially be faulty.

Given the focus on rear brakes in both cases, it’s possible that Chinese authorities are examining the Mercedes crossovers to ensure they didn’t use the same rear brake calipers as the BMW X4. Regardless of the reason, the issue appears to be safety related and not politically motivated.

This Unimog-Based RV Is Fit For The End Of The World

This Unimog-based RV has portal axles, differential locks and an all-wheel drive system with a low-range.

Chrysler 300 Is Getting Old, But Using Giulia Styling Is Beyond Absurd

Strapping Chrysler front and rear fascias to the Alfa Romeo Giulia does a disservice to both brands.

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Intends To Shame All Other Hypercars

Aston Martin says the Valkyrie AMR Pro may be more insane than promised.

China Hits American-Made Cars With 25 Percent Tariff, Prevents Delivery Of Some Crossovers

Despite the timing, politics doesn’t appear to be playing a role.

36 Year Old Rolls-Royce Driver Goes On A Rampage In Germany, Causes Two Accidents

The Roll-Royce driver has been described as “ruthless” by police.

Jeep Wrangler Moab To Feature Off-Road Goodies, Staggering $51,200 Price Tag

The first Jeep Wrangler JL special edition will cost luxury car money.

2019 BMW X7 Was Tested To Extremes, Company Says The Model Will Offer “Superior Driving Dynamics”

BMW has released a new video of the 2019 X7, ahead of its unveiling later this year.

2019 SSC Tuatara To Debut At Monterey Car Week, Promises To Have Highest Top Speed In The World

Seven years after it was originally unveiled, the SSC Tuatara appears ready for production.

Will Fully Autonomous Cars Roam The Streets? BMW Doesn’t Think So

Everyone is gunning for Level 5 autonomy, but BMW believes legislators will eventually step in.

Ford Plots Baby Bronco SUV Based On Focus Underpinnings For 2019 Or 2020

The upcoming boxy-looking compact SUV will slot below the Escape in Ford’s lineup.