As the U.S. auto market braces itself for the effects of President Donald Trump‘s 25-percent tariffs on imported vehicles, Buick average transaction price (ATP) for new vehicles rose slightly in March 2025, increasing 1.6 percent to $35,745.
This also represents a 2.2-percent increase month-over-month from February 2025 according to Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book data.
Buick ATP was on a downward trajectory for several months before the reversal in March, falling 3.5 percent in February 2025 and dropping 4 percent year-over-year in January. High Tri-Shield brand inventory levels may have contributed to this trend. However, with the U.S. auto market agog over the potential fallout of Donald Trump’s tariffs, Buick prices are rising as well.
As the background for Buick performance, the industry ATP for the whole American car market is fairly stable. March prices rose an insignificant 0.3 percent and fell 0.2 percent compared to February, which is effectively no movement whatsoever.
People appear to be in a buying frenzy ahead of a possible spike in vehicle prices driven by the Trump tariffs. Sales surged 30 percent higher in March than in February, while the volume of vehicles sold reached its highest point for the month in four years at 1.59 million. The Buick Envista is one of the Tri-Shield brand models that could see significant near-future price hikes thanks to its overseas origins.
The tariffs are expected to hit the most affordable vehicles hardest since most are similar to the Envista in being imported from abroad. Vehicles made in the U.S. are expected by Cox to see their prices jump by 5 percent or more, while imported models will likely undergo a 10-percent to 15-percent price rise in the coming months.
“There is no way around it: Tariffs are going to push new-vehicle prices higher in the U.S.,” according to Cox executive analyst Erin Keating.
She did note, however, that “how high prices rise for consumers is still very much to be determined, as each automaker will handle the price puzzle differently.”
Comments
Except for the Enclave, Buick has become nothing but an entry level brand for two South Korean and one Chinese made models. Sad.
True and very sad. There was a time long ago when Buick had cars actual sedans & coupes to sell. I guess that for GM the cost of producing the Envision in China is cheaper even with shipping to the US. If GM was to produce the Envision in the US, it would probably take a year to retool a factory. So, GM is caught in a catch 22 and potential buyers will have to pay at least part of the imposed tariffs. The tariffs were unnecessary and could cost many jobs especially if they continue and the Buick division in the US ends up being closed out. That is a worst-case scenario. A close out would also cost GM millions as they deal with franchise holders. Additionally, what would happen with GMC since they are usually paired with Buick? I doubt that the sales volume would be enough for a stand-alone dealership. So again, the very worst case would be two GM divisions tanked. Imposing tariffs, starting a trade war is such smart thinking! Either GM eats all or most of the tariffs or they stop selling the Envision. That would be a shame because from what I have read it is a really nice SUV probably nicer than the Enclave.