GM reports robust first quarter sales as industry braces for tariffs [Video]

General Motors and other automakers reported notable increases in their first-quarter U.S. vehicle sales, as the automotive industry braces for the impacts of President Donald Trump‘s auto tariffs that are set to take effect this week.

GM on Tuesday reported a 16.7% jump in new vehicle sales compared with the first quarter of 2024, led by incremental gains in sales of new all-electric vehicles such as the Cadillac Escalade IQ and Cadillac Optiq, as well as notable increases in entry-level crossovers and full-size SUVs.

The Detroit automaker is expected to have significantly outpaced overall industry sales for the first quarter, which appear to be more robust than expected. Auto analysts originally had forecast roughly 1% or less year-over-year sales growth.

South Korean automakers Hyundai Motorand Kia Motors also reported double-digit sales gains of roughly 10% and 11%, respectively, compared with the first quarter of 2024. Nissan Motor, meanwhile, reported a 5.7% increase …