General Motors (GM) has announced plans to relocate the production of its third-generation Buick Envision SUV from China to the United States. This strategic move comes as the company grapples with rising tariffs and declining sales. Production at the Fairfax Assembly in Kansas City is set to commence in 2028, coinciding with the impending end of the Chevrolet Bolt model.
The decision to shift production follows significant price hikes for the Buick Envision, which saw an increase of $3,000 recently. Over the past year, the entry price for the 2026 Envision has escalated by $4,500, now starting at $41,000 before an additional $1,995 destination fee. These increases have reportedly impacted sales, with fourth-quarter figures showing a drastic decline of 60.9 percent. Despite this downturn, the Envision remained Buick’s third best-selling vehicle in 2022, accounting for over a fifth of the brand’s annual sales of 198,155 units.
In a brief statement, GM confirmed, “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 transition bolsters its domestic manufacturing and supports U.S. jobs, building on $5.5 billion in recent investments across U.S. facilities.
While the current Buick Envision’s future remains uncertain until its replacement arrives, a GM spokesperson indicated that details regarding the model transition plan are still being finalized.
The announcement also signaled the end of the Chevrolet Bolt, which, despite a recent relaunch, is expected to be phased out as Fairfax Assembly is retooled to produce the Chevrolet Equinox beginning in 2027. The decision to discontinue the Bolt reflects GM’s strategic shift towards more profitable models, particularly in light of changing market dynamics.
As GM continues to adapt to challenges posed by tariffs and fluctuating consumer demand, this production move highlights the ongoing transformation within the automotive industry. The shift not only aims to enhance operational efficiency but also underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining a robust manufacturing presence in the United States.
