General Motors Co.'s U.S. sales increased nearly 12% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same time last year, in part thanks to American truck devotees and panic buying amid tariff and electric vehicle policy upheaval.

The Detroit automaker sold nearly 747,000 vehicles in this year's second quarter, on par with sales in the first three months of the year, according to data released Tuesday.

The company attributed strong sales numbers to continued consumer interest in money-making trucks, more affordable crossover SUVs, luxury Cadillacs and an uptick in the small but growing electric vehicle segment.

“The investments we have made in our crossovers, SUVs, and pickups — both gas and electric — along with great execution by our employees, suppliers and dealers, have made GM the engine of growth for the U.S. industry this year,” Duncan Aldred, GM senior vice president and president of North America, said in a statement.

Analysts and automakers have said sales and earnings data between April and June likely will be the best indicator of the impact of pricey import taxes on the U.S. auto industry. But effects so far have been mitigated by buyers looking to get ahead of possible cost hikes and employee discount deals, as well as temporary tariff reprieves offered by the Trump administration.

Ford Motor Co. reported a 14% increase in U.S. sales in the second quarter, benefiting from the Dearborn automaker offering discounts traditionally reserved for its employees to all customers on most of its lineup. Stellantis NV has not yet released its latest sales numbers.

In general, companies have benefited from a buying surge as U.S. drivers rush to purchase vehicles before potential price hikes from tariffs take effect.

GM's top sellers between April and June were Chevrolet's Silverado trucks, GMC's Sierra trucks and the Chevy crossover SUVs Trax and Equinox, a sign of interest in both cheaper vehicles and large pickups and SUVs.

EV sales likely were also propped up by fear of the possible loss of the $7,500 tax credits under President Donald Trump's massive tax and spending bill.

GM reported more than a 100% increase in EV sales so far this year compared to last. The Equinox EV topped GM's latest electric sales, with more than 17,000 sold between April and June.

Still, GM cautioned that "the industry sales pace is normalizing after stronger than expected industry sales in April and May," according to the company.

Sales between January and March were up nearly 17% compared to the same time last year. The company saw a smaller increase of about 7% in the second quarter.

©2025 www.detroitnews.com. Visit at detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.