Ford Motor Co. posted a 9 percent sales gain in May for its F-series pickup truck, and FCA USA’s Jeep sales rose 14 percent, while General Motors Co. suffered a 13 percent decline in overall sales as compared to May 2015. This year there were two fewer sales days over last year.
Ford’s truck sales generated an additional 67,412 trucks in May, and the company’s vans achieved their best May sales in 38 years.
“Customers are showing how much they value the fuel economy, towing capability, and technology we offer in our trucks,” says Mark LaNeve, vice president of U.S. marketing, sales, and service at Ford. “With strong demand for pickups, vans, and SUVs, the Ford brand saw average prices grow almost $1,500 per vehicle in May — about 50 percent higher than the industry.”
Aiding the company’s results for their best May performance since 1978, Ford Transit sales increased 16 percent with 13,640 vehicles sold. Overall, Ford’s total U.S. sales declined 6 percent versus a year ago.
Lincoln sales increased 7 percent, which marks six months of sales gains.
FCA USA posted Jeep sales as the brand’s best monthly sales yet. They reported a 1 percent increase in sales from May 2015, marking their best May sales in 11 years.
“Notwithstanding a challenging calendar, we managed to muscle our way to our strongest May sales in over 10 years,” says Reid Bigland, senior vice president of sales at FCA.
Five FCA vehicles reached new sales records in the month of May. The Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City vans reported their best May sales ever. The Jeep Compass also reported its best May sales to date. Additionally, the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Patriot turned in their best monthly sales yet.
GM suffered a 13 percent loss in vehicles sales from last May, selling 190,613 vehicles. The group’s daily rental deliveries are down nearly 22,00 units, translating to an over 49 percent loss, which marks its largest monthly decline in the 2015 to 2016 year.
However, demand for the Chevrolet Malibu and Cruz, and the Cadillac XT5 and CT6, are outpacing supplies. “We continue to execute our retail-focused sales strategy and maintain disciplined inventories and incentive spending with great products,” says Kurt McNeil, the U.S. vice president of sales operations for GM.
In the past year, Chevrolet Silverado sales are up 1 percent, while GMC Sierra sales are up 6 percent.
