Supply Chain Research

Ford Motor has won a court appeal to cut tariffs on imports of its Transit Connect vehicle to 2.5% from 25%. Customs had asserted it should be assessed as a cargo vehicle as it was sometimes imported with passenger seats that were then removed before sale. The vehicle has proven unpopular with customers. Imports fell 35% in the quarter to July on a year earlier, while sales fell 31%. It remains to be seen whether the reduced tariffs, and presumably lower prices, can attract customers.