Grouping GMC and Chevy sales numbers?

gtstricky · March 26, 2014

Heard a report on a financial network that was talking about Ford 150's and how they are the main money maker for Ford. The reporter actually went to the factory and followed his own new truck being built. Ford (like all manufacturers) would not disclose their margin on the trucks but everyone knows they are very high.

At the end of the report the reporter said "Ford sold 760,000 trucks last year, the number 2 seller, Chevy, sold 480,000. Close to half."

Why aren't Chevy and GMC numbers counted together? They come off the same line.

I really do not care about the numbers but I own GM stock. This guy was obviously boasting on Ford's profit and pushing for a stock bump.

Bad Bowtie2 · March 26, 2014

I've wonder that too. That said, I've always noticed (& heard), less GMC Sierra's are built than it's Chevy Silverado brother.

MotoMedic · March 26, 2014

Many consider Chevy & GMC to be different companies, instead of simply in different divisions at the same company. Majority of the public also believed Chevy & GMC are very different, both mechanically and in build quality.

Run a forum wide search for "sales numbers" and you'll this Ford vs Chevy-only #'s reporting is quite common in the media.

Silverado vs Sierra is usually 2:1

Rock1500 · March 26, 2014

I heard half of Ford's profits are from the f series and if it branched into its own company it would be a fortune 500. Americans love their trucks.....I know I do.

MikeNH · March 26, 2014

I haven't seen 2013 numbers but for 2012 GM sold more 1500 and 2500 pickups overall than Ford. When they claim "best selling pickup", it is the entire F-series like, including 450 and 550 trucks, something GM doesn't even sell.

MotoMedic · March 26, 2014

I haven't seen 2013 numbers but for 2012 GM sold more 1500 and 2500 pickups overall than Ford. When they claim "best selling pickup", it is the entire F-series like, including 450 and 550 trucks, something GM doesn't even sell.

Yep, 2012 GM half tons beat Ford by about 27,000 units. Guessing Ford won 2013, otherwise we would have seen GM touting the half ton sales victory by now.

MikeNH · March 26, 2014

It wasn't GM. They have never advertised combined sales for as long as I can remember. Pickuptrucks.com sources numbers from somewhere and compiles it all.

redwngr · March 26, 2014

It's almost like their is some sort of gentlemen's agreement between the marketing groups. GMC advertises the 'oldest nameplate', ford has the 'best selling 'F' series', chev the longest lasting (haven't hear that recently thou) etc..

When I worked in OEM parts manufacturing (10+ years ago) I had regular sales and production volume reports for all NA vehicles and plants.

In 1/2 ton models Ford was always number one and Chev #2, but chev+gmc was always > than Ford.

Maybe this was why ford did away with the Mercury trucks.

Anyway, it's fun to listen to the advertising.

Most GM dealers in our area now sell both GMC and Chev pickups.

MotoMedic · March 26, 2014

It wasn't GM. They have never advertised combined sales for as long as I can remember. Pickuptrucks.com sources numbers from somewhere and compiles it all.

My bad. Glanced quick and thought it was GM... was actually GMAuthority. ha

roadblock · March 27, 2014

The same reason your Cheby dealer does not want to do warranty work on GMCs. Different company. (Yes, I know GM will approve cross company warranty work on an emergency basis.)

GM knows the Cheby & GMC buyers tend not to cross the line so don't expect GMC to go away anytime soon even is it is nearly the same truck.

The same reason your Cheby dealer does not want to do warranty work on GMCs. Different company. (Yes, I know GM will approve cross company warranty work on an emergency basis.)

GM knows the Cheby & GMC buyers tend not to cross the line so don't expect GMC to go away anytime soon even is it is nearly the same truck.

In Canada almost all the separate Chevy and GMC dealerships are now just GM dealers and carry both brands...

Rock1500 · March 27, 2014

The same reason your Cheby dealer does not want to do warranty work on GMCs. Different company. (Yes, I know GM will approve cross company warranty work on an emergency basis.)

GM knows the Cheby & GMC buyers tend not to cross the line so don't expect GMC to go away anytime soon even is it is nearly the same truck.

The same reason your Cheby dealer does not want to do warranty work on GMCs. Different company. (Yes, I know GM will approve cross company warranty work on an emergency basis.)

GM knows the Cheby & GMC buyers tend not to cross the line so don't expect GMC to go away anytime soon even is it is nearly the same truck.

In Canada almost all the separate Chevy and GMC dealerships are now just GM dealers and carry both brands...

In ct we still have gm dealerships and then Chevy dealerships. It would have been nice to have both brands under one roof.

MikeNH · March 27, 2014

It all depends. I see some that are all GM brands in one place but here in Jackson we have a Chevy dealer and a GMC/Buick dealer. No place to buy a Caddy though.

Hootbro · March 27, 2014

My understanding was that GMC (light duty trucks anyways) division only existed because it gave non Chevy GM dealerships the ability of having truck sales to round out their other brand lineup. Gave those dealerships a chance to sell Grandpa a GMC while Grandma was getting herself a new Buick basically. Hence the reason GMC is marketed more upscale since GMC is usually attached to the more upscale GM brand dealerships.

During the recent bailout, GMC was on a razors edge of being eliminated when Pontiac and Saturn got the cut.

MotoMedic · March 27, 2014

During the recent bailout, GMC was on a razors edge of being eliminated when Pontiac and Saturn got the cut.

I really like my GMC... but from a strictly business standpoint, they should have axed GMC and focused those resources on improving the Chevy/Buick/Caddy products.

Hootbro · March 27, 2014

I really like my GMC... but from a strictly business standpoint, they should have axed GMC and focused those resources on improving the Chevy/Buick/Caddy products.

I agree also. I like GMC's also, but there is just not enough of a difference in them to warrant having a separate division and the overhead associated with maintaining that branding.

If anything, GM should just re-market their trucks as one brand that is sold in both Chevy and non Chevy GM dealerships. Something similar to when the Dodge trucks got re-branded as "RAM".