Image copyright EPA Image caption The US is probing whether imports of cars and car parts hurt national security, a move that could lead to tariffs

The EU, Mexico and Canada have said they will retaliate against the US if the White House places new tariffs on foreign cars and vehicle parts.

The countries delivered the warning on Thursday to a panel examining whether to recommend the taxes on grounds of national security.

US President Donald Trump ordered the Commerce Department to investigate the move in May.

The idea has also prompted widespread opposition in the US.

More than 2,000 comments were submitted in response to the inquiry, with major US car-makers such as General Motors submitting responses alongside ordinary car enthusiasts worried the measures could raise the cost of parts for antique cars.

"This is insane," one man from Arizona said.

At Thursday's hearing on the matter, Mexican Ambassador Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez said imports from his country did not threaten national security.

"We will remain vigilant for any unjustified trade restriction and will exercise our rights to ensure that the Mexican automotive industry is not adversely affected," he said.

The Mexican ambassador was one of more than three dozen representatives scheduled to testify, most of whom oppose the measure, which represents one of the most sweeping Mr Trump has proposed.

Canada and the EU also said they are preparing counter-measures, which would add to retaliation already in place in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Jennifer Kelly, research director for the United Auto Workers union, noted significant job losses in the US car industry over the past two decades, but said the US should consider "targeted measures".

"We caution that any rash actions could have unforeseen consequences, including mass layoffs for American workers, but that does not mean we should do nothing," she said.

'Tremendous retribution'

The US imported more than $200bn (£154bn) in foreign cars and trucks last year, almost 80% of which came from Mexico, Canada, Japan and Germany.

Foreign car companies like BMW and Toyota also represent some of the industry's biggest employers in the US, while more than $100bn worth in auto imports enter the country each year.

Car firms say the tariffs, which could be as high as 25%, would cause the price of a car imported into the US to increase by an average of almost $6,000, and a US-made one to go up by about $2,000.

They also say tariffs would lead to less investment in the US and job cuts.

The Peterson Institute for International Economics has warned the tariffs, even without retaliation, could lead to the loss of 195,000 US jobs.

Political opposition

Mr Trump has appeared resolute in the face of the criticism.

On Wednesday, he again raised the idea of auto tariffs against the EU, threatening "tremendous retribution" if trade negotiations do not go his way.

However, the proposed auto tariffs have drawn growing political opposition.

Car workers held a rally in Washington DC opposing the hearing.

And nearly 150 members of the House of Representatives, including members of both parties, sent a letter to the Commerce Department this week urging it to reject the plan for auto tariffs.

US Senator Orrin Hatch has said if the president moves forward, he will consider legislative measures to curb White House power to make trade policy.