General Motors (GM) has announced that it will relocate the production of the third-generation Buick Envision from China to the United States, specifically to the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas. This strategic move comes in response to increasing tariffs and a significant decline in sales, with production set to begin in 2028.
The decision to move production follows a series of price hikes for the Buick Envision, which has seen its starting price increase by $4,500 within a year, reaching $41,000 before a destination fee of $1,995. This surge in pricing has impacted sales, leading to a reported 60.9 percent drop in fourth-quarter sales last year, despite the model finishing as Buick’s third best-selling vehicle, accounting for over a fifth of the brand’s total annual sales of 198,155 vehicles.
In a brief statement, GM acknowledged the necessity of this transition, stating, “We will onshore production of the next-generation Buick compact SUV to Fairfax Assembly in Kansas City, beginning in 2028.” The company emphasized that this decision not only enhances GM’s domestic manufacturing footprint but also supports local jobs. This move builds on the $5.5 billion in new investments announced across its U.S. manufacturing facilities in the past year.
Production changes at GM also mean the end of the Chevrolet Bolt, an electric vehicle that has recently seen a relaunch. The Fairfax Assembly plant will be retooled to start building the Chevrolet Equinox in 2027, indicating that the Bolt will only be available for a limited time. This transition reflects GM’s evolving strategy in response to market demands and economic conditions.
While details remain scarce about the current model’s availability until the new Envision arrives, a GM spokesperson indicated that the company is working through the model transition plan, suggesting that more information will be provided in the future.
The shift in production underscores the broader impact of the tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, which have affected pricing and sales strategies for many automakers. The previous administration’s policy framework has led GM and other manufacturers to reconsider their international production strategies, leading to this significant shift of the Buick Envision from China to Kansas.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, GM’s decision highlights the importance of local manufacturing and its commitment to American jobs, while navigating the complex interplay of tariffs, consumer demand, and production efficiency.
