BMW will pause electric vehicle production in the United States this May as it braces for possible new import tariffs under the Trump administration, according to a dealer memo obtained by Automotive News. The notice, sent on April 29, did not specify a reason for the production freeze, but it comes amid rising concerns about a proposed 25% tariff on imported vehicles.
The German automaker said it would “postpone” EV production in the U.S. next month, as the industry grapples with policy uncertainty. While BMW has not officially linked the decision to the looming tariffs, the timing suggests the move is a preemptive measure.
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Despite the disruption, BMW told dealers it will not raise prices on most imported models through June, offering a temporary reprieve to customers. The only exceptions are the 2 Series and M2 performance coupes. “We remain in a strong position in the U.S., where the majority of the vehicles we sell in this market are also assembled,” said Sebastian Mackensen, President and CEO of BMW of North America.
BMW currently imports four electric models to the U.S.—the i4, i5, i7, and iX—all built in Germany and potentially subject to future tariffs. The company sold 13,538 EVs in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025, a 26% increase from the same period in 2024. The i4 led the lineup with 7,125 units sold, followed by the iX at 3,626. By contrast, Mercedes-Benz saw EV sales fall 58% year-over-year to 3,472 units in Q1.
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The news follows similar announcements from major automakers including General Motors, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Stellantis—all of which have withdrawn their financial guidance this week due to the evolving tariff landscape.
