Whereas buyer demand for brand spanking new vehicles stays sturdy, automakers are struggling but once more to place stock on seller tons. Early stories of Could gross sales paint a bleak image of an trade decimated by supply-chain bottlenecks and determined to get their palms on items for retail prospects.
Ford’s general slip seems small in comparison with others within the trade, with volumes falling off simply 4.5 p.c in comparison with a 12 months in the past, however the firm’s finest information is that it seems to have turned a nook on Explorer and F-Collection deliveries, which have been each up in comparison with final Could. The F-Collection ticked up simply 6.9 share factors whereas explorer volumes improved by practically 20%.
Hyundai noticed a 34% drop in gross sales in comparison with final Could. Whereas some fashions which have seen lagging gross sales have been among the many dangerous information, sturdy performers such because the Kona (-42%), Santa Fe (-18%) and Tucson (-25%) have been down considerably. The one optimistic factors for Hyundai have been Ioniq 5 and Santa Cruz, neither of which was in showrooms this time final 12 months.
“There continues to be extraordinary shopper demand for Hyundai autos, with sellers promoting each car they get,” mentioned Randy Parker, senior vp, nationwide gross sales, Hyundai Motor America. “We count on demand to stay sturdy and stock ranges to enhance later in 2022.”
Kia managed one brilliant spot — Niro. The older Hybrid managed to one-up its efficiency from final Could and even outsold the brand new EV6, which was Kia’s solely different bit of fine information. Like Hyundai, Kia’s remaining lineup was within the tank.
Information was even worse at Mazda, whose smaller footprint makes it extra prone to market volatility. Its Could outcomes have been down a whopping 64% from a 12 months in the past, and its books obtained little assist from the brand-new CX-50 and MX-30. Solely two Mazda6s have been bought within the U.S. in Could.
We’ll proceed to replace this story as extra gross sales outcomes are reported this week.
