The Big Three automakers today posted mixed sales results for May. Overall, the monthly market was propelled by low gas prices, which spurred sales of crossovers and pickup trucks.
General Motors Co. reported a 7 percent increase in retail sales year over year, and total sales were up 3 percent. Dealers in the United States delivered 293,097 vehicles, representing its best month since August 2008. GM says Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, and Colorado sales were up, with the Chevrolet Silverado’s estimated retail segment share at 27 percent in May.
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) reported U.S. sales of 202,227 units, a 4 percent increase year over year. The Chrysler 200 recorded its best monthly sales ever, up 537 percent year over year. The Jeep Cherokee, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Dodge Challenger each posted their best monthly sales ever, too.
“Our Jeep brand continues to set records with its best monthly sales ever in May, helping us to achieve our 62nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases,” says Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales for FCA. “Despite one less industry selling day this May versus a year ago, we posted a 4 percent sales gain.”
Ford Motor Co. reported total U.S. sales of 250,813 vehicles for May representing a 1 percent decrease year over year. Retail sales declined 2 percent. However, the Ford Edge saw a 34 percent increase in sales. The 2016 Explorer also saw a double-digit increase in sales.
“We continue to see strong consumer demand for our newest products, including Edge, F-150, Mustang, Transit Vans, and Lincoln MKC,” says Mark LaNeve, vice president of U.S. marketing, sales, and service for Ford.
