By the Numbers - May 2009: GM and Ford Surprise Edition
by John Neff on Jun 2nd 2009 at 4:57PM 
We weren't expecting this, especially from General Motors, which was forced to sell cars and trucks last month amidst rumors of impending bankruptcy (something that came to fruition as soon as the month was over). Despite this, GM posted a decrease in sales volume of only 29.55%. Sure, GM's sales decreased last month compared to May 2008, but they decreased at a far slower rate than its major Japanese competitors: Toyota (-40.72%), Honda (-41.46%) and Nissan (-33.10%). Plus, check out the chart below and you'll notice that GM's top four performing brands – Chevy (-23.74%), Cadillac (-39.86%), GMC (-22.13%) and Buick (-16.98%) – are the same ones that will be transferred over to New GM after it emerges from bankruptcy, which is certainly a good sign.Ford Motor Company performed best of the mutli-brand manufacturers with a sales slide of only -24.25%. The Blue Oval was helped by new product offerings like the redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, as well as an unexpectedly strong sales performance by Lincoln, which was the only brand this month that recorded a sales increase (credit the new MKS and a 103.3% increase in Town Car sales).
The rest of last month's sales results are below, all ordered by the most number of vehicles sold by volume to the least.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
meshies 5:00PM (6/02/2009)
Lincoln in green was not expected.
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Farris 5:38PM (6/02/2009)
Agreed. Also, shouldn't Audi's DSR be green, too? How are they doing so well right now? I though that the middle-high end car makers were suffering the most right now.
Farris 5:48PM (6/02/2009)
Nevermind. I didn't even look at the numbers... just looks like a (-) was left off.
Jrejre 6:40PM (6/02/2009)
I say it was the catchy song in their ads.
4. . .3. . .2. . .1
earth below us, drifting, faaaalling.....
tuxchown 7:59PM (6/02/2009)
GM still number one, Ford maintaining it's position above Toyota, maybe Ford will be number one next? A good month indeed, considering the economy. I'm rooting for Chrysler to gain some share soon. Hang in there, American brands!
tuxchown 8:02PM (6/02/2009)
And I should say, Ford brand maintaining number one with Chevrolet tightly behind number two, Toyota and well ahead of Honda. Considering the tanked market, a good month indeed!
Randy 10:40PM (6/02/2009)
Wow!
I never expected Lincoln to jump like that! I was expecting Ford to come out on top though. It's only natural...
1. They make high quality cars and trucks
2. Got new ones on the market
3. Only domestic to not take the money
4. Not an import company
5. Have their shizat together....
I'm glad too! Ford deserves it.
asifgrkhan 11:37AM (6/03/2009)
I think Autoblog should start including Hyundai-Kia in the second table for companies. With 63,000 combined sales, they are within shouting distance of Nissan. It will not be long before they overtake Nissan and Chrysler going by current form.
Sarcastic Smurf 5:14PM (6/03/2009)
My how we forget. As Autobloggers, we must be better informed. Not to be a Ford hater.. I have a soft spot for all U.S. domestics, however Ford took big loans long before the recession showed up on the auto scene. Ford was actually worse off than GM and Chrysler, and had to restructure in early 2007. They don't need money now because they already got it. Due to the timing Ford appears to have been the superior survivor, but the truly informed Autobloggers know this is an illusion aided by timing. For you skeptics, heres an article. Shame on you Randy. http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2006-11-27-ford-refinancing_x.htm
Randy 9:39PM (6/03/2009)
And how does that detract from.....
1. They make high quality cars and trucks
2. Got new ones on the market
3. Only domestic to not take the money
4. Not an import company
5. Have their shizat together....
So taking a loan on your own terms and being responsible is a bad thing? I call it responsibility and the American way! Hmmm don't know what your edge was on your post...
Farmboy 5:03PM (6/02/2009)
Wow. Congrats to Lincoln. Not only are they in the green, but also outsold Cadillac. Ford is getting close with sales against GM...I wonder if an outselling in the midst.
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John 5:10PM (6/02/2009)
Suzuki? Same thing as the month before - sold hardly any cars. They're in very big trouble.
jjpg2000 5:03PM (6/02/2009)
What he heck happened last month to Suzuki?
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PJ 5:29PM (6/02/2009)
Yeah, it's looking like Mitsubishi and Suzuki are not long for this continent.
Hopefully the former will see fit to keep importing the Evo as a standalone semi-exotic brand, like the Corvette in Europe/UK.
BigWill 5:49PM (6/02/2009)
Ttwo of the Suzuki dealers near me look like ghost towns. The Mitsu dealer looks almost the same.
Judy Zik 10:18PM (6/02/2009)
Not suprising that Mitsu wants to supply vehicles to the new Saturn. Maybe then they can bypass their horrible American dealerships. Ironically they are doing pretty good in Canada so I hope they stay here. The sad part is Mitsu and Suzuki actually have some good products out there. The Lancer, Outlander and SX4 are all solid vehicles. Too bad you have to go to one of their shady dealerships to buy one.
These are two brands that could benefit from Chrysler and GM's downsizing. There are some recently remodeled dealerships out there right now with no new products to sell a year from now.
Ford is really picking up market share thanks to Chrysler's bk. Wonder how bk will effect GM this month? The real story though is just how bad things are for Toyota. They are in a world of hurt.
geo.stewart 5:04PM (6/02/2009)
where are all the domestic bashers now? hmmm.
not a bad turnout. relatively good news for once. and no, I'm not putting down anyone else, just think its great for the domestics to have a relatively good month, esp bankruptcy free Ford
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tankd0g 6:14PM (6/02/2009)
Sales numbers were never their problem.
jpm100 7:22PM (6/02/2009)
Yes having 40%-50% of your revenue disappear is never a problem with durable good industries.
Some remarks just boggle.
Level 5:04PM (6/02/2009)
103.3% increase in Town Car sales was not expected I'm damn right shocked lol
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