Bentley Motors Chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser has underscored the challenges facing luxury automakers amid escalating US trade barriers, attributing customer hesitancy to market unpredictability. In an interview with CGTN, Walliser stated that high tariffs are creating a 'very difficult situation' for manufacturers worldwide, with buyers increasingly postponing purchases due to economic uncertainty.
"The unpredictability is even more critical than the tariffs themselves. Customers are simply holding back on their decisions," Walliser emphasized, highlighting how broader trade tensions could ripple through the global automotive sector. While not directly referencing specific markets, the remarks signal potential headwinds for Asia's luxury automotive demand, a key growth region for high-end brands.
Industry analysts note that prolonged tariff disputes could reshape supply chains and pricing strategies, particularly affecting businesses with cross-border operations in Asia. The comments come as automakers navigate evolving trade policies impacting production costs and consumer confidence. Investors and economic policymakers are closely monitoring how such friction might influence regional markets and international partnerships.
