As of April 3, 2025, a 25% tariff on imported assembled vehicles has been implemented, with an additional 25% tariff on certain automotive parts set to take effect on May 3. These measures are anticipated to disrupt supply chains and increase repair costs, with the full impact likely to be felt by mid- to late summer.
Ryan Mandell, Director of Claims Performance at Mitchell International, highlighted during an April 17 CIECA webinar that the scope of these tariffs has evolved significantly over the past month and may continue to change, potentially encompassing more parts.
Understanding the Tariff Implications
Approximately 50% of auto part imports comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), rendering them exempt from the announced tariffs. Major manufacturers like GM, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and Volkswagen conduct substantial manufacturing in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, allowing many goods to move tariff-free across these borders. However, components with a significant percentage of content from outside North America will now be subject to tariffs.
The base tariff value is determined by the wholesale value set by the manufacturer, affecting both parts and whole vehicles. While there is some ambiguity regarding the stacking of tariffs, it’s clear that certain materials, such as sheet metal components, are not currently subject to the new 25% tariffs. This includes outer closure components and structural sheet metal like hoods, fenders, quarter panels, doors, and bumpers.
Conversely, parts like Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensors, which contain materials sourced globally, are subject to the tariffs. Mandell noted that the cost of repairs is expected to increase, with an estimated $20 rise in raw material costs per repair, primarily due to the increased manufacturing costs of collision replacement parts.
Why Choosing OEM GM Parts Matters
At Jupiter Chevrolet Collision Center, we prioritize the safety, performance, and longevity of your vehicle—and that’s why we use Genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from General Motors for your repairs.
Here’s why that makes a big difference:
- Guaranteed Fit and Finish: OEM parts are made by GM specifically for your vehicle’s make and model. That means they fit exactly as intended—no guesswork, no modifications, no compromise.
- Built for Safety: GM OEM parts are crash-tested and engineered to work in harmony with your vehicle’s safety systems. This is especially critical with components related to airbag deployment, crumple zones, and ADAS technologies.
- Protected by Warranty: Unlike aftermarket alternatives, GM OEM parts typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty, giving you added peace of mind and protection against future issues.
- Preserves Vehicle Value: Vehicles repaired with OEM parts retain their value better than those repaired with aftermarket or salvage components. This is especially important if you plan to sell or trade in your car in the future.
- Avoids Tariff Pitfalls: With many GM parts sourced from within North America, we’re able to bypass some of the new import tariffs—helping us keep your costs lower and quality higher.
What This Means for Our Customers
At Jupiter Chevrolet Collision Center, we are proactively adapting to these changes to minimize the impact on our customers. Our team is closely monitoring the evolving tariff landscape and adjusting our supply chain strategies accordingly.
We remain committed to providing high-quality repairs, transparent communication, and continued use of trusted OEM GM parts—because your safety and satisfaction always come first.
If you have questions about how these tariff changes may affect your vehicle repairs, or if you’d like to schedule an estimate, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert collision team.
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