28 April 2025
April 2025 US auto sales continue rally ahead of tariff impacts
Article Summary
April 2025 US auto sales in April expected to reach 1.49 million units, sustaining the March run as consumers look to get ahead of price increases.
With volume for the month projected at 1.49 million units, April 2025 US auto sales are estimated to translate to an estimated sales pace of 17.6 million units (seasonally adjusted annual rate: SAAR). The SAAR reading will remain above 17.0 million units for the second consecutive month, reflecting the current auto environment. Automakers and consumers are assessing tariff impacts, with consumers entering the market before potential price increases.
“Consumers contemplating a new vehicle purchase are rushing to dealers before potential vehicle pricing implications take hold,” said Chris Hopson, principal analyst at S&P Global Mobility. “The March and April sales surges have the potential to set up for future volatility; within the next three months, automakers will have to contend with new inventory and production levels subjected to tariffs, in addition to volatile economic conditions.”
The April S&P Global Mobility US auto outlook for 2025 reflects auto tariff assumptions on imported completely built-up units and imported auto parts. Consequently, compared to previous forecast settings, our calendar year 2025 volume expectations have been lowered by approximately 683,000 units for the year, down to a level of 15.4 million units, a result that would be 4% below the calendar year 2024 total.
April 2025 US auto sales
Battery Electric Vehicle Sales
Continued development of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales remains an assumption in the longer term S&P Global Mobility light vehicle sales forecast. In the immediate term, some month-to-month volatility is anticipated.
March BEV share fell to an estimated 7.0%, more reflective of the overall market surge for non-BEV purchases than an indictment of BEV demand itself. April BEV share is expected to reach 7.5%, a mild bump, and still reflective of the uneasiness as automakers, dealers and consumers continue to digest potential changes to BEV incentives.
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This article was published by S&P Global Mobility and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.