In a significant turn of events, two leading American automakers, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, have reported their strongest annual sales since the pre-pandemic era. Both companies are showcasing impressive growth, with GM delivering nearly 2.7 million vehicles and Ford surpassing 2 million units sold. This resurgence is fueled by an increased demand for both traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and electric models. The shift towards cleaner energy vehicles has been particularly noteworthy, with both companies reporting substantial increases in EV and hybrid sales. Despite this positive trend, the automotive industry remains focused on balancing consumer preferences with environmental goals.
In the vibrant autumn of 2024, General Motors announced it had delivered 2.7 million vehicles to customers, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. This performance brings GM closer to its 2019 sales figure of 2.88 million units. Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick, GM's flagship brands, all achieved their best sales performances in years. Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company also saw robust growth, with sales climbing 6% to reach 2.08 million units, although still below its 2019 peak of 2.42 million.
The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles played a crucial role in these gains. GM’s electric vehicle sales soared by 50% in the final quarter of 2024 and surged 125% over the entire year, positioning it as the second-largest seller of EVs in the latter half of the year. Models like the Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac Lyriq were especially popular. Ford, too, made strides in electrification, selling 285,291 "electrified" vehicles in 2024—a 38% increase from the previous year. Notably, the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning led the charge, with respective sales jumps of 27% and 39%.
Ford’s strategy includes a balanced approach, embracing both hybrids and fully electric cars. In August, the company even delayed some EV plans to focus on hybrid options, recognizing that not all consumers are ready for fully electric vehicles. Ford sold 187,426 hybrids in 2024, up 40% from 2023, driven by strong demand for the hybrid F-150 and Maverick trucks. To further support the transition to electric vehicles, Ford continued offering free home chargers through March, helping reduce the upfront costs for buyers.
Beyond Ford and GM, several other automakers also reported strong EV sales in the fourth quarter and throughout 2024. Chinese brands BYD, Nio, and Xpeng all saw double-digit increases, while Hyundai benefited from its push into hybrids and EVs. However, Tesla fell short of expectations, disappointing Wall Street by missing its delivery targets.
From a reader’s perspective, this resurgence in the automotive industry highlights the ongoing transformation towards sustainable transportation. While traditional gasoline vehicles still hold a significant market share, the rapid growth in electric and hybrid sales signals a clear shift in consumer preferences. Automakers like Ford and GM are leading the charge, balancing innovation with practicality to meet the diverse needs of today’s drivers. As we move into 2025, the momentum behind electric vehicles is undeniable, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in automotive history.
In the closing months of 2024, two major automakers, General Motors and Ford Motor, announced significant increases in vehicle sales within the United States. Both companies saw a boost in their fourth-quarter figures, with GM reporting a 21% rise to over 755,000 units and Ford seeing nearly a 9% increase to more than 530,000 vehicles. The annual sales for both firms were up by approximately 4%, reflecting a positive trend that is expected to continue into the new year. However, Tesla, the leader in electric vehicles, experienced its first-ever decline in global sales, although it set a record in the final quarter. Industry analysts predict further growth in 2025, citing favorable economic conditions such as wage increases and improved loan approval rates.
The end of 2024 brought about remarkable success for General Motors and Ford Motor. Both manufacturers witnessed substantial improvements in their vehicle sales during the last three months of the year, signaling a robust finish to the fiscal period. GM’s performance was particularly noteworthy, with a 21% surge in sales compared to the same period the previous year, reaching over 755,000 cars and light trucks. This included a more than doubling of electric vehicle sales, which climbed to 43,982 units. Similarly, Ford achieved an almost 9% increase in vehicle sales, totaling over 530,000 units, including a 16% rise in electric vehicle deliveries to 30,176 units. These results reflect the growing consumer interest in sustainable transportation options.
General Motors and Ford Motor concluded 2024 with impressive gains in vehicle sales, especially during the crucial fourth quarter. GM’s total sales for the year amounted to 2.7 million cars and trucks, marking a modest 4% increase from 2023. The company’s strong finish was driven by a 21% jump in sales in the final quarter, surpassing 755,000 units. Notably, GM’s electric vehicle segment saw a dramatic rise, with sales more than doubling to 43,982 units. Ford also reported a solid performance, selling nearly 2.1 million vehicles in 2024, representing a 4% uptick. In the final quarter, Ford delivered over 530,000 vehicles, a nearly 9% improvement, including 30,176 electric vehicles, up 16% from the previous year. These achievements underscore the resilience and adaptability of both companies in meeting evolving market demands.
As 2024 draws to a close, industry experts are optimistic about the future of the automotive sector. Market researcher Cox Automotive anticipates that the U.S. auto industry will sell around 15.85 million cars and light trucks this year, a 2% increase from 2023. Looking ahead, Cox forecasts a further rise to 16.3 million vehicles in 2025. This positive outlook is supported by several favorable economic factors, including rising wages, increased vehicle incentives, and higher loan approval rates. Jonathan Smoke, Cox’s senior economist, highlighted these trends, noting that they contribute to a renewed sense of momentum entering the new year.
The automotive industry is poised for continued expansion in 2025, according to market analysts. Cox Automotive projects that U.S. sales will reach approximately 15.85 million vehicles in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year. For 2025, the forecast suggests a further rise to 16.3 million units. This optimism stems from various economic indicators pointing towards a favorable environment for car buyers. Rising wages, enhanced vehicle incentives, and improved loan approval rates are all contributing to this positive outlook. Jonathan Smoke, Cox’s senior economist, emphasized that these factors have created a conducive atmosphere for higher vehicle sales. He noted that “wages are growing, vehicle incentives have risen, and loan approval rates are up,” indicating that consumers are more willing to make purchases. As we move into 2025, the industry appears well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum, driving further growth and innovation in the coming year.