General Motors (GM) and Ford (F) delivered strong first-quarter U.S. sales results, with GM reporting a 17% year-over-year increase to 693,363 units, driven by robust demand for trucks and electric vehicles (EVs). Meanwhile, Ford’s retail sales climbed 5% in Q1 and surged 19% in March, despite an overall 1.3% decline due to fleet sale timing and discontinued models.
GM’s success was led by its full-size pickup sales, with over 200,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks sold, marking its best first quarter since 2007. EV sales also soared, rising 94% to 31,887 units, solidifying GM’s position as the No. 2 EV seller in the U.S., behind Tesla. “GM’s sales growth outpaced every other major automaker,” said Rory Harvey, GM executive vice president, attributing the performance to a diverse vehicle portfolio.
Ford’s F-Series pickups saw a 24% increase in sales, and its Maverick pickup had its best month ever in March with 19,000 units sold. The Ford Bronco also rebounded, with sales jumping 35.4%. Ford’s EV and hybrid sales hit a record 73,623 units in Q1, with hybrid sales up 33% and EV sales rising 12%.
Despite these gains, looming 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles threaten the industry. Many consumers rushed to buy cars in March ahead of the potential tariff hike, which could slow demand in Q2. The Big Three automakers are lobbying the Trump administration to ease tariffs on imported parts, fearing rising costs for U.S.-manufactured vehicles.
While Q1 was a win for GM and Ford, uncertainty surrounding tariffs could dictate the auto market’s trajectory in the months ahead.
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