--- title: "Canada Allowing the Import of Cheap Chinese EVs Has GM CEO Nervous: TDS" date: "2026-01-28" modified: "2026-01-28" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/canada-allowing-the-import-of-cheap-chinese-evs-has-gm-ceo-nervous-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Canada Allowing the Import of Cheap Chinese EVs Has GM CEO Nervous: TDS ![Mary Barra, General Motors Chair and Chief Executive Officer]() *\Todd Plitt\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Dense, short, and quick, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and puts them in one place. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. 🚨 We are launching something new today and I can't wait to tell you all about it. Keep your eyes peeled and check the site during the middle of the day for what we've been quietly working on in the background. The first cup of coffee is in hand and it's below zero outside. Let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spending time with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport and have quickly realized how slow the infotainment system moves, particularly with Apple CarPlay, and it's frustrating. 😬 General Motors CEO [Mary Barra told employees]() during an all-hands meeting, "I can't explain why the decision was made in Canada," regarding the country allowing the import of cheap Chinese EVs this year, but that "it becomes a very slippery slope." 💸 Kia said that [U.S. tariffs cost it $2.3 billion last year]() as profits drop. 📈 BMW is trying to [ramp up production as quickly as possible]() as demand for the new electric iX3 exceeds expectations. 💰 General Motors is [forecasting higher profits in 2026]() after taking hits from its EV pullback, but the automaker's also [ending the third shift on January 30 at its Oshawa plant]() as planned, which will lay off about 700 unionized workers; looking forward, GM's also [working to reduce the cost of its electric vehicles]() beyond just using less expensive batteries. 💪 Mercedes-Benz AMG [teased a new extreme CLE coupe variant](), said to be the brand's next limited-production car as part of the "Mythos" series; a twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 is expected to sit under the hood. 🔋 Lucid just [made the first prototype of its upcoming mid-size SUV](), which is expected to be called Earth. 💡 Peugeot's CEO is planning to [reinvent one of the world's oldest carmakers](). ✒️ Porsche [appointed a new head of de]()[s]()[ign](), Tobias Sühlmann, who could shake up the automaker's future. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()