2Q Sales Strong for U.S. Automakers, Cruze Down

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The past three months have, for the most part, been kind to American automakers as General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles saw a bump in sales during the second quarter.

In its first report since switching to quarterly sales announcements, General Motors announced its total sales had increased 4.6% to 758,376 from April 1 through the end of June. On the downside, the Lordstown-built Chevrolet Cruze saw a 26.2% fall in sales as 37,836 were purchased during the last three months.

Three brands – GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac – reported an increase in sales compared to the second quarter of 2017. Cadillac’s sales were up 3% to 39,222, led by the XT5 with 17,045. GMC sales rose 6.6% to 138,163, topped by the Sierra pickup line with 59,406.

And Chevrolet’s sales totaled 528,100 for the quarter, a 6.2% gain from a year ago. Sales for the brand were led by the Silverado with 155,529 delivered to customers.

The only GM brand to post a loss in the quarter was Buick, whose sales were down 12% to 52,981. Topping the sales chart for that brand was the Encore, of which 23,167 were sold.

Taking the No. 2 spot in total sales for the quarter was Ford Motor Co., which sold 678,110 vehicles. Over the three month period, sales were down in April, but up in May and June.

For the Ford brand, sales totaled 650,303 as the F-series pickup truck held its grip on the company’s top sales slot. Meanwhile, the luxury Lincoln brand reported 27,807 cars and SUVs sold, led by the MKC in May and June while the MKX topped the brand’s sales list in April.

Fiat Chrysler reported 600,707 vehicles sold in the second quarter as overall sales were up all three months. Jeep was the company’s top-selling brand with 266,917 delivered, followed by Ram trucks with 146,687, Dodge with 133,962 and Chrsyler with 42,397.

In all three months, Wrangler topped the Jeep sales list, the Pacifica was atop Chrysler’s and the Caravan led sales for Dodge.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.