Germany leads defiance to Trump car tariffs, saying it 'will not give in'

Germany has said it "will not give in" and that Europe must "respond firmly" as US President Donald Trump targets imported cars and car parts with a 25% tax in his latest tariffs.

Other major world economies have vowed to retaliate, with France branding the move "very bad news", Canada calling it a "direct attack", and China accusing Washington of violating international trade rules.

Early on Thursday, shares in Frankfurt for Porsche, Mercedes and BMW fell sharply alongside French firm Stellantis, the maker of Jeep, Peugeot and Fiat.

Trump has threatened to impose "far larger" tariffs if Europe works with Canada to do what he describes as "economic harm" to the US.