The measure is intended to bring car factories to the United States but could increase prices for consumers significantly. The president said the tariffs will start next week.

For many consumers, buying a new car is already a costly challenge. President Donald Trump has now made it even more financially difficult. Trump announced Wednesday he wants to impose a 25-percent tariff on imported cars and parts on the theory that a trade war might boost manufacturing jobs in the U.

Still, that relief in the United States, where Musk has become one of President Trump's primary advisers, tasked with swiftly cutting federal spending, may not improve the brand's reputation worldwide.