With warnings that vehicle prices could surge $5,000 to $12,000 after April 3, consumers are rushing showrooms nationwide. From Buffalo to LA, floor traffic is soaring and inventory is thinning as automakers fast-track shipments to meet demand. Tesla and Rivian—now spotlighted by Trump as the only “100% American-made” carmakers—are emerging as rare winners, albeit with limited supply.

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Still, in a press appearance Friday, Trump urged consumers not to panic and floated a tax break for interest on loans used to purchase U.S.-made vehicles. But the damage may already be done. Dealers say the frenzy mirrors pandemic-era hoarding, while supply chains still reeling from chip shortages are bracing for fresh disruptions. The sudden policy shift has left automakers and consumers scrambling for clarity. This isn't just a run on cars—it’s a reaction to rising uncertainty, with price pain likely to linger long after the initial shock.