GM Tops Toyota for 2022 U.S. Sales Crown

General Motors Co. delivered 2.2 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2022, leading the industry in total sales, beating out rival Toyota by more than 165,000 units thanks to a strong fourth quarter to re-claim the sales crown.

Toyota snatched the U.S. title from GM for the first time ever in 2022.

“GM is carrying strong momentum in North America into 2023. We see opportunities to grow our EV market share with nine all-electric models on sale, expand our truck leadership with four new Chevrolet and GMC heavy-duty and midsize pickups, and win new customers with the affordable and stylish 2024 Chevrolet Trax, which is the best entry-level vehicle we’ve ever built,” said Steve Carlisle, GM executive vice president. 

The company reported overall sales in 2022 of 2,274,088 units, an increase of 3% for the full year, including a 41% increase in the fourth quarter. 

Toyota falls behind

Toyota Motor North America reported year-end 2022 U.S. sales of 2,108,458 vehicles, a decrease of 9.6% compared to 2021 as the sales crown slipped away. However, Toyota reported an increase of 13.1% for the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. U.S. December 2022 sales increased 3.5 percent, Toyota reported.

“In 2022, we further solidified our leadership position in electrified vehicles, and through our 20 electrified options, we’re giving customers a choice that fits their lifestyle and needs,” said Jack Hollis, executive vice president, Sales, TMNA. 

Ford Motor Co. reports sales numbers Thursday and is expected to finish in third place. But it declared this week sales of the Ford F-Series will surpass 640,000 trucks in 2022, making it America’s best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 41 consecutive years.

American Honda, which was hit by supply chain problems throughout the year, posted disappointing figures for 2022. Honda sales were down 32% for the full year, while Acura sales dropped 35% during 2022. Honda sales fell by 11.3% in December while Acura sales dipped 5.5 percent.

Mamadou Diallo, vice president of Auto Sales for American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Like the rest of the industry, we aren’t out of the woods yet with supply issues, but we begin 2023 with roughly double the on-hand inventory of 2022 and the expectation that this will mean a healthy sales increase this year.”

Subaru of America Inc. reported 56,760 vehicle sales for December 2022, an 11% increase compared with December 2021. Despite five consecutive months of sales increases, Subaru ended calendar year 2022 with 556,581 vehicles sales, a 4.7% decrease compared with calendar year 2021.

South Korean automakers enjoyed a strong 2022

Meanwhile, South Korean automakers posted strong year-end sales.

Kia America announced best-ever December sales of 60,422 units, an increase of 11.2% over the previous December record set in 2016 and up 25% year-over-year. With the close of 2022 sales, Kia also marked its best-ever fourth quarter performance, which pushed the brand’s annual retail sales volume to 654,554, an increase of 1.7% compared to previous retail record in 2021. 

Sales of Kia’s electrified offerings also increased by 142% over the same period last year. Kia’s electrified models posted double- or triple-digit sales gains in six of the past 12 months.

“In 2022, Kia accelerated its momentum to deliver best-ever retail sales, including the best ever year for Kia SUVs and utilities,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Customers are taking notice that when it comes to electrification, Kia is a brand to watch as we launched six electrified vehicles in 2022.” 

Sales of Kia’s electrified offerings increased and three of Kia’s SUVs also set annual sales records, offering further proof that we have the right mix of products to sustain this positive momentum long into the future.”

Genesis Motor America reported 6,172 units sold in December 2022, representing a best-ever monthly U.S. sales achievement for the brand. The strong December concluded a record-setting year, marking the first time Genesis has surpassed 50,000 annual U.S. sales with a total of 56,410 units sold in 2022.

Hyundai Motor America reported total December sales of 72,058 units, a 40% increase compared with December 2021 and the highest December sales in Hyundai history. Retail sales were up 27% in December, marking the fifth consecutive month of record-setting retail sales. SUVs were 74% of retail sales with more than 47,800 units sold. 

“With a strong December performance, Hyundai achieved its fifth consecutive retail sales record month,” said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “This was the best Q4 in retail and total sales for the company. Through the combined efforts of our dealers, regions and affiliates, Hyundai was able to accomplish an all-time retail sales record for the year and gain substantial market share.”

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/01/gm-tops-toyota-for-2022-u-s-sales-crown/