HONG KONG: A plunge in automakers hit Asian and European equities on Thursday (Mar 27) after Donald Trump announced painful tariffs on all imported vehicles and parts as he presses hardball trade policies many fear will spark a recession. Indications that levies lined up for the president's "Liberation Day" on Apr 2 would be less severe than feared had given investors a little hope and helped markets chalk up much-needed gains. However, the White House's habit of alternating between tough talk