STORY: Donald Trump says he could put massive new tariffs on vehicles imported from Mexico if he wins November’s presidential election.

“We’ll put a tariff of 200% on them if we have to”.

The comment came at a Sunday rally in Juneau, Wisconsin, and it marked an escalation in the Republican candidate’s protectionist rhetoric.

“They’re building massive car plants, They’re building some of the biggest auto plants, car manufacturing plants, anywhere in the world, and then they think they’re going to build them cheap and sell them into our country.”

Trump had previously talked about a 100% duty on cars and trucks made in Mexico, with a view to helping the U.S. auto industry.

Last year, Mexico exported about 3 million vehicles to the U.S.

About half of that number was accounted for by the Detroit Three automakers.

But other foreign firms also have plants there, like this one run by Germany’s BMW.

Trump previously threatened tariffs on Mexican car exports both as president, and as a candidate back in 2016.

The move was opposed by automakers, who said it would have a severe impact on the industry, and lead to higher prices for consumers.

Trump and Democratic rival Kamala Harris have been campaigning hard in Wisconsin, as well as Michigan and Pennsylvania, which are all seen as key battleground states.