A Winnipeg auto dealer and an industry expert both say there's been a surge in demand for vehicles ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's Wednesday announcement that sweeping tariffs, including a 25 per cent levy on the Canadian automotive sector, are coming into effect.

The downside for consumers is that the cost of vehicles — both used and new — is expected to rise following what Trump is calling "retaliatory" tariffs, which will come into effect Thursday at midnight.

The 25 per cent tariffs, w…