The second-generation of Chevrolet’s Equniox SUV has been around since 2009, but its sales are showing no signs of slowing down. Equinox sales have grown each year since its introduction, grouping the SUV with the select models that experience strong sales month after month and year after year, like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
In July, Chevrolet sold 25,300 new Equinoxs, representing growth of 37 percent year-over-year. Additionally, some customers are coming back for seconds, with 27 percent of Equinox owners trading their SUV in for a second newer model.
“What gives a vehicle staying power is trust,” explained Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell. “Vehicles that are top sellers despite their age are nameplates that car shoppers can trust to have good quality, durability and reliability. They aren’t designed with the latest fad in mind – they are vehicles that are tested over time and have proven to be good products.”
President of Bob Johnson Chevrolet in Rochester, N.Y., Greg Stahl, said he can’t keep the Equinox in stock he sells so many of them. Stahl isn’t the only dealer with this problem, so General Motors has ramped up Equinox production as of late. The company is taking Equinox bodies to its Oshawa Assembly plant from its Ingersoll plant to be painted, which speeds up production. They also reopened their Spring Hill assembly plant in Tennessee to support Equinox market demand.
The main reason for the Equinox’s popularity is the relatively low $23,815 base price, Chevrolet says. Stahl, whose store sold the most Equinoxs in July at 98 units, said the small SUV is appealing to value-conscious customers.
“There are a lot a features for the money,” he said. “It’s efficient and it’s also a great-looking vehicle. I can’t wait for the next shipment.”
In 2009, Equinox sales topped 86,148 vehicles. Then, in 2010, they nearly doubled to 149,979 units and grew again in 2011 to 193,274 units. 2012 and 2013 also saw Equinox sales grow to 218,621 and 238,192 units, respectively. Analysts believe the midsize SUV is on its way to have another year topping 200,000 units, with 146,152 examples of the Equinox sold this year through to July.
Comments
It’s sales are really impressive considering its pretty much old in its class and everybody else is pretty much new
Steering potential Captiva buyers to the Equinox also keeps demand high.
This is just a good package of comfort and utility. The price is just over some models and under others so it hits the sweet spot.
The only real issues is interior packaging and weight. The next model should address this.
The fact is the GM line is becoming to CUV models what the Mini Van line was to Chrysler. GM has a strong CUV line and I see it only improving with the next gen.
While low base price helps in some sales the fact is most of these models sold are far from base. Also the Terrain is still selling in great numbers too. They may top the 75,000 mark again and most are the high priced Denali models so they are very profitable.
I have a 2009 Chevy Equinox, which my wife chose over the Ford Escape, and realized that we did buy a much better vehicle. GM is losing the next great market breakthrough by not offering an EREV and a BEV vesion of the Equinox. GM did produce over 100 Fuel Cell versions of the 2008 model for testing, and they are still running, maing them the very first electric powered CUV worldwide, and a sample of a marketable electric Equinox.
Many Volt owners are asking for GM to produce the EREV Equinox as a second vehicle because the Volt is a 4-seat compact, and the Equinox gives them more space and a fifth seat.
I just think that the next one should have the rear air vents
Raymond
That is Not realistic yet bases on the Volt driveline until we get better batteries. If it were feasible we would already have it. The frontal area so large and an already 4000 pounds with out a battery pack compared to the Volt you may only see 30 miles on a charge if that. You will see it once the technology catches up. The fuel cell version is great but the issue is still cost and the fill time as the one I drove took about 40 min to fill if I recall what they told me. That and finding a place to fill is not always easy.
As for the AC vents in the back they are under the seats but they do need to be improved greatly. You have to put the AC to the floor of bi level to get it to the back.
I just think they should have an actual air vents instead of the ones underneath the seats
I fully agree but many miss that there are some but never adjust to use them. They are too small too.
Or they should just have a separate climate control for the rear passengers
Or they should just have a separate climate control for the rear passengers
Let this be a lesson to GM on what is possible when they get it right to begin with. Staying power and popularity. The next Malibu should be this good instead of refresh mania. 🙂