Automakers report stellar sales in March, Nissan slashes MSRPs, Subaru dealer rolls out ‘pre-tariff’ discounts

Hey everyone. We’ve got great three great jobs hitting the CDG Job Board.

• Ron Marhofer Auto Family: Finance and Insurance Manager (Ohio)

• Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships: Sales Manager (Maryland)

• Toma: Customer Success Coordinator (Remote)

Looking to hire or find your next role? Head over to the CDG Job Board—it’s free. Every time.

— CDG

And some buyers are already having second thoughts…

1. Tariff fears drive record March sales for most OEMs—but April remains uncertain

March was a blockbuster month for auto sales—with several OEMs breaking records.

The reason?

A perfect trifecta of tax refund season, quarter-end pressure, and tariff anxiety.

Subaru sales surged 45% from February, Hyundai jumped 40%, and Kia had its best March ever.

Toyota, Honda, and Ford also saw solid momentum—with Honda having its best month since June 2021.

Looking ahead: Even with most automakers posting some of the strongest March sales ever—the coming months are truly up in the air with President Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles..

(Go deeper: 4 min. read)

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2. Nissan cuts prices on 2025 Rogue, Pathfinder to defend market share

Nissan is striking back against 25% auto tariffs with bold price cuts on its top models.

By the numbers:

• Nissan just discounted the 2025 Nissan Rogue by up to $1,930.

• And the 2025 Pathfinder is seeing reductions as steep as $1,170.

Why?

To ease growing price concerns for buyers and stay competitive.

Big picture: This move is part of a larger strategy to fortify Nissan’s position before the full impact of the tariffs takes hold—keeping market share secure as buyers tighten their wallets.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

3. Subaru dealership leans into “pre-tariff savings” promotions

Suburban Subaru is taking a bold step to attract buyers before price hikes hit.

Its strategy?

A “pre-tariff savings” campaign—offering discounts like $997 off a 2025 Impreza Sport and $1,497 off a 2025 Forester Base.

But why?

According to Peter Krause (the dealership's president)—he has two main goals: staying prepared to handle policy curveballs and implementing strategies that support customers and associates during uncertain times.

What we know: This “pre-tariff savings” move is one attempt to navigate the uncertainty of 25% auto tariffs. And with Subaru's strong March sales, real-time pricing adjustments could help the dealership stay competitive as the market shifts.

(Go deeper: 3 min. read)

• Today is Trump's 'Liberation Day.' What does that mean for tariffs?

• Ford sales slip in first quarter despite March bump

• Things customers will like about the rugged 2026 Honda Passport SUV—and 1 thing I want

• How Michigan manufacturing could benefit from auto tariffs

• Tesla China-made EV sales fall 11.5% in March as competition rises

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG

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