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Chevy Express Sales Decrease 14 Percent To 4,316 Units In November 2017

Chevrolet Express sales decreased in the United States and in Canada in November 2017.

Chevrolet Express Sales - November 2017 - United States

In the United States, Chevrolet Express deliveries totaled 4,316 units in November 2017, a decrease of about 14 percent compared to 5,034 units sold in November 2016.

In the first eleven months of the year, Express sales increased about 4 percent to 62,868 units.
MODEL NOV 2017 / NOV 2016 NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 2016YTD 2017 / YTD 2016 YTD 2017 YTD 2016
EXPRESS -14.26% 4,316 5,034 +4.36% 62,868 60,244

Chevrolet Express Sales - November 2017 - Canada

In Canada, Chevrolet Express deliveries totaled 427 units in November 2017, a decrease of about 24 percent compared to 559 units sold in November 2016.

In the first eleven months of the year, Express sales increased about 23 percent to 4,553 units.
MODEL NOV 2017 / NOV 2016 NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 2016YTD 2017 / YTD 2016 YTD 2017 YTD 2016
EXPRESS -23.61% 427 559 +22.99% 4,553 3,702

The GM Authority Take

Sales of the aging old but trusty Chevy Express family lagged the segment in November, falling to third place behind the Ford Transit (see Ford Transit sales) in first and the Ford E-Series (see Ford E-Series sales) in second. Notably, the significantly more modern Transit sold more than twice as many units as the Express in November, while the E-Series is available exclusively in the cutaway configuration.

The Ram ProMaster Van came in fourth place with 2,555 deliveries (see Ram ProMaster sales), while the Express’ platform mate – the GMC Savana – took fifth with 1,712 deliveries (see GMC Savana sales). The Nissan NV rounded out the segment in sixth (and last) place with 1,422 deliveries.

The results have enabled Ford Motor Company’s offerings in the segment to deliver a cumulative 15,346 units, accounting for over 60 percent of the segment share during the month. Meanwhile, GM’s combined performance – consisting of Chevy Express and GMC Savana sales – accounted for 6,028 units, or roughly a 23 percent share.

We attribute the Express’ lackluster November sales performance to fleet order timing, which appear to have been down for the Express in November. However, the figures make it astoundingly clear that the market is favoring newer van offerings such as the Ford Transit and, to a certain extent, the Ram ProMaster, over older van offerings such as the Express and Savana. Even so, the fact that the Express has seen very few changes over the past two decades make it easier and less expensive to up-fit for various commercial duties. In addition, we believe that the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel LWN engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (M5U) have generated increased interest in the model. Both features were introduced for the 2017 model year.

Sales Numbers - Full-Size Vans - November 2017 - United States

MODEL NOV 17 / NOV 16 NOVEMBER 17 NOVEMBER 16 YTD 17 / YTD 16 YTD 17 YTD 16
TRANSIT +47.07% 10,852 7,379 -11.68% 114,980 130,188
E-SERIES -4.48% 4,494 4,705 -0.20% 49,393 49,492
EXPRESS -14.26% 4,316 5,034 +4.36% 62,868 60,244
PROMASTER -45.66% 2,555 4,702 +3.87% 37,131 35,746
SAVANA +4.71% 1,712 1,635 +70.19% 27,725 16,291
NV +19.20% 1,422 1,193 +1.78% 16,220 15,936
TOTAL +2.85% 25,351 24,648 +0.14% 308,317 307,897

The full-size mainstream van segment, which includes passenger, cargo, and cutaway/chassis cab models, grew 2.85 percent in November and is relatively flat in the first 11 months of 2017 at 308,317 deliveries.

About Chevrolet Express

2016 Chevrolet Express Passenger exterior 001

2016 Chevy Express Passenger van

The Chevrolet Express is a line of full-size vans offered in cargo, passenger, and cutaway configurations. It slots above the Chevrolet City Express compact van, which is currently sourced from Nissan.

The first-generation Express ran from the 1996-2002 model years and was based on the GMT 600 platform. In 2003, an updated model was launched on what is known as the GMT 610 platform. This updated model remains on sale today, albeit the range has undergone a few updates to powertrain and minor styling changes. The Express also has a GMC-badged twin – the GMC Savana.

It is currently unclear whether or when General Motors will overhaul the Express, which is showing its age. The 2018 model year will represent its 16th year on the market.

The Chevrolet Express is built primarily at the GM Wentzville factory in Missouri operated by GM USA. In early 2017, Navistar began contract assembly of the Express cutaway in its factory in Ohio, as GM aims to boost the model’s production and supply.

About The Numbers

  • All percent change figures compared to Chevrolet Express November 2016 sales
  • In the United States, there were 25 selling days in November 2017 and 25 selling days in November 2016
  • In Canada, there were 26 selling days in November 2017 and 26 selling days in November 2016

Related Sales Reporting

GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. They have to bring the price down a bit. This model has been around for over 2 decades, so it most likely paid for itself 10 fold. If they can undercut Ford or RAM by any dollar amount, I’m sure they will gain sales. Most fleet owners only look at one thing when they are buying vehicles, and its the price.

    Reply
  2. Absolutely right regarding price. You could buy this van fully loaded with more options to choose from including AWD ten years ago for $28,000 and very little has changed. These vans should be discounted 20% below sticker. That is really beside the point though as a new heavy duty box frame van, with improved suspension/better handling, options for the latest safety features as per Sprinters adaptive cruise control with collision avoidance, updated interior that matches current pickup trucks, and for once in my life, age 58, offer a true 4×4.

    Reply

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