General Motors reported major sales growth in the United States in 2025’s first quarter, as Americans rush to buy cars ahead of incoming tariffs.
The company saw its highest Q1 sales since 2018 in the U.S., increasing by 16.7% year-over-year and massively exceeding forecast growth of 1%. Its Buick brand saw the largest growth in sales last quarter, up 39.3%.
“GM’s sales growth outpaced every other major automaker, and the driving force is our portfolio,” said General Motors’ executive vice president Rory Harvey. “We're the industry leader in trucks and affordable small SUVs, Cadillac is growing significantly in luxury, and we have the broadest portfolio of EVs in the industry.”
Sales rose by at least 13% across all of General Motors’ brands. Chevrolet posted the highest total sales at 443,564 units, up by 13.7% year-over-year, reaching its 11th consecutive quarter of sales growth.
Electric vehicle sales also grew across General Motors’ portfolio. GMC’s EV sales rose by the largest degree, at 183%.
General Motors’ average transaction price was US$51,000, rising by less than 3% year-over-year.
Rival Ford reported a 5% increase in U.S. retail sales last quarter, with 19% growth in March. Total Ford sales declined by 1% due to the discontinuation of the Ford Edge, however.
Ford’s electrified vehicles also posted significant gains in sales, rising by 26% in 2025’s first quarter. Hybrid sales increased by 33%, while sales of all-electric cars were up by 12%.
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs of 25% on all foreign car imports this week. Several major American-based car models, like the Ford Maverick, are built in Mexico, and many other vehicles from Ford and General Motors require parts made overseas.
Car prices among American brands could increase between US$4,000 and $10,000 under these tariffs, according to estimates from Anderson Economic Group. Electric vehicles could see the largest price hikes, above $12,000.
General Motors’ (NYSE: GM) share price closed at US$47.26, up from its previous close at $47.01. Its market capitalisation is $47.02 billion.
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