The Big Three automakers today posted mixed sales results for March with low fuel prices once again urging customers to purchase larger vehicles. Due to the calendar this year, there was one less sales day in March, which held back some growth.
General Motors Co. dealers in the United States delivered 249,875 vehicles in March, down 2 percent year over year. However, total sales of trucks, including pickups, vans, and SUVs, were up 14 percent. Chevrolet had its best March pickup sales since 2007, and similarly, GMC reported its best March pickup sales since 2006.
“As the economy gained steam throughout 2014, we knew 2015 would be a strong year for trucks,” says Kurt McNeil, GM’s U.S. vice president of sales operations. “Higher demand dovetailed perfectly with the launches of our new full-size pickups and large SUVs. Low fuel prices and the successful launches of the Chevrolet Colorado and Trax made us even more bullish.”
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) reported a 2 percent sales increase (197,261 units) when compared to March 2014 (193,915 units). The Jeep brand saw its best monthly sales ever, with a 23 percent sales increase. The Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart, Dodge Journey, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Patriot all saw record sales last month.
"March was a tough month, yet we were able to extend our year-over-year sales streak to an even 60-consecutive months," says Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. "Five years of consecutive monthly year-over-year sales increases is a great symbol of FCA's commitment to continuous improvement and a tremendous source of pride for our entire organization."
Ford Motor Co. reported overall sales were down 3 percent (235,929 units). However, the automaker saw its best U.S. retail sales in nine months, with strong demand for the F-Series, Mustang, and Transit.
“We are especially pleased to post our best retail March sales performance in nine years, despite tight supply across our F-Series lineup,” says Mark LaNeve vice president of Ford’s marketing, sales, and service in the United States.
