New York (CNN) President Donald Trump is considering new tariffs on foreign cars and auto parts, but some of the strongest opposition is coming from the industry they are meant to protect: American automakers.

In theory, the big three -- Fiat Chrysler, General Motors and Ford -- could stand to benefit if tariffs are put on foreign vehicles. But they aren't asking for the tariffs, which carmakers argue would raise the price of vehicles made in the United States and hurt sales.

"I'm not aware of any company, organization or entity that broadly supports the imposition of these tariffs," said former Missouri Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, who represents the three big American automakers as president of the American Automotive Policy Council.

The President, however, loves to dangle the threat of tariffs in international negotiations. He only this week backed off a threat to radically hike tariffs on consumer goods imports if he can't get a comprehensive trade deal with Beijing by March 1.

On Wednesday, during an appearance at the White House alongside visiting Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Trump indicated that he might impose auto tariffs if he isn't happy about trade talks with the European Union.