Ford Transit Sells Twice As Many Units As Chevy Express In Q3 2018
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Chevy Express sales decreased in the United States and in Canada during the third quarter of 2018.
Chevrolet Express Sales - Q3 2018 - United States
In the United States, Chevrolet Express deliveries totaled 17,509 units in Q3 2018, a decrease of about 6 percent compared to 18,680 units sold in Q3 2017.In the first nine months of the year, Express sales increased about 9 percent to 58,696 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2018 / Q3 2017 | Q3 2018 | Q3 2017 | YTD 2018 / YTD 2017 | YTD 2018 | YTD 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPRESS | -6.27% | 17,509 | 18,680 | +9.04% | 58,696 | 53,828 |
Chevrolet Express Sales - Q3 2018 - Canada
In Canada, Chevrolet Express deliveries totaled 1,109 units in Q3 2018, a decrease of about 23 percent compared to 1,446 units sold in Q3 2017.In the first nine months of the year, Express sales decreased about 2 percent to 3,575 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2018 / Q3 2017 | Q3 2018 | Q3 2017 | YTD 2018 / YTD 2017 | YTD 2018 | YTD 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPRESS | -23.31% | 1,109 | 1,446 | -1.73% | 3,575 | 3,638 |
Competitive Sales Comparison
The sales performance of the aging old but trusty Chevy Express was good enough to take second place in the segment during the quarter, behind the Ford Transit (see Ford Transit sales) and ahead of other contenders. Though second place doesn’t sound too bad, we should note that the Transit outsold the Express by a margin of two; in other words, for every Chevy Express sold, Ford sold two Transits.
To its credit, the Express outsold the Ram ProMaster (see Ram ProMaster sales), Ford E-Series (see Ford E-Series sales), the Express’ twin – the GMC Savana (see GMC Savana sales), as well as the Nissan NV.
The Express’ 6.3 percent sales drop lagged the segment’s 2.16 percent average growth rate during the quarter.
It’s also worth noting that the Transit and E-Series offerings of GM cross-town rival, Ford Motor Company, saw cumulative deliveries of 46,095 units, accounting for 55 percent of the segment during the quarter. Meanwhile, GM’s offerings – consisting of Chevy Express and GMC Savana sales – saw cumulative deliveries of 22,324 units, or roughly a 26 percent decrease – significantly less than that of the Blue Oval. Even so, the fact that the Express (and Savana) can garner as many deliveries as it does is quite impressive, given that it is the oldest vehicle in the segment that has seen relatively few changes over the past two decades.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Vans - Q3 2018 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 18 / Q3 17 | Q3 18 | Q3 17 | YTD 18 / YTD 17 | YTD 18 | YTD 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRANSIT | +27.79% | 35,051 | 27,428 | +13.45% | 106,463 | 93,838 |
| EXPRESS | -6.27% | 17,509 | 18,680 | +9.04% | 58,696 | 53,828 |
| PROMASTER | -0.01% | 11,229 | 11,230 | -1.09% | 31,591 | 31,938 |
| E-SERIES | -15.18% | 11,044 | 13,020 | -10.05% | 36,549 | 40,634 |
| SAVANA | -35.18% | 4,815 | 7,428 | -30.57% | 16,779 | 24,168 |
| NV | -2.31% | 4,051 | 4,147 | -9.53% | 12,299 | 13,594 |
| TOTAL | +2.16% | 83,699 | 81,933 | +1.70% | 262,377 | 258,000 |
The full-size mainstream van segment, which includes passenger, cargo, and cutaway/chassis cab models, expanded 2.16 percent in Q3 2018 and 1.7 percent in the first nine months of 2018.
The GM Authority Take
We attribute the Express’ sustained sales performance to being cost-effective to buy, upfit, operate and maintain, despite the availability of significantly newer and more competitive products such as the Transit, NV and ProMaster.
Working in the Express’ favor is a well-established market for up-fitters that prepare the vehicles for various commercial duties. Additionally, we believe that the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel LWN engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (M5U) that were introduced for the 2017 model year have helped generated increased interest in the model.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Chevrolet Express Q3 2017 sales
- In the United States, there were 76 selling days in Q3 2018 and 78 selling days in Q3 2017
- In Canada, there were 75 selling days in Q3 2018 and 76 selling days in Q3 2017
- Sales numbers for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van are not available, since the company’s Vans division does not break out sales by model
2016 Chevy Express Passenger van
About Chevrolet Express
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 was sourced from Nissan but has been discontinued after the 2018 model year.
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 2019 model year will represent its 17th year on the market.
Sold primarily to fleet customers, 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 Springfield, Ohio, as part of GM's plan to boost the model's production and supply.
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forums
- Chevy Express information
- Running GM sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
- Running Chevrolet Express sales numbers
- Running Chevrolet sales results
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Geez, more good sales news. Think it’s time for a refresh?
Instead of just completely replacing the current express/Savana with a Euro-style van, I think they should still keep the old traditional style around for customers who need something more heavy duty. And also offer it with the 6.6 Duramax.
My dad just replaced a 2005 E-450 powerstroke cube van with a 2016 Express 4500 Duramax. He wanted to get a brand new one but nobody builds a diesel van anymore, besides the Ford Transit, which is far too light duty for the loads that he carries. His only other option would have been a chassis cab pickup but those don’t have the maneuverability of a van.
The point is, there’s still a market for the old style vans like the Express, especially since Ford no longer builds the E series
Yup, that’s exactly what Ford did when introducing the Transit: it kept the E-Series around for cutaway applications, which traditionally make up about half of the full-size van sales.
That said, the Transit Diesel isn’t THAT light duty. How much is your dad haulin’?
The transit diesel has about the same amount of power and torque as the 2.8 Duramax if I’m not mistaken… He’s close to the gvwr of his 4500 so that’s definitely not enough. He found that even the 6.0 gas he rented for a week didn’t have enough torque for the weight he carries. And I find it hard to believe that this situation is unique to him.
Also, I was under the impression that the E-series was slowly being phased out completely, or am I wrong about that?
Not so, the Express can be had with the 2.8 liter baby-D.
On another note, why are YOU GMA (FMA?) comparing the sales numbers of a legacy full size van with that of a still new segment midsize utility van? How about comparing it to the Dodge Promaster.
AND PUT ON FORDAUTHORITY!
The Astro van started the segment and owned the segment, when GM does it again, they will own it again!!!
The answer to your question is very simple: know thy competition.
Your tone seems to suggest that you think we’re in some way discriminating. If that’s the case, you are mistaken. Notice that we provide a breakdown of ALL the players in this segment – whether old, new, or in between.
Ford’s Transit is a good vehicle.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Chevrolet have a two van strategy like that – except with a smaller model.
A body on frame and cutaway Express (updated with a high roof model) and a smaller van that can be used in both commercial fleets and for larger families. Ford has done well with their smaller transit, but I think there is room between that van and the larger Transit, NV, or Express sized beasts.
Astro
Astro
Express
Express High Roof
Express Cutaway
I think they should bring back an Astro size van made by GM not some Nissan or whatever substitute along with the other vans you suggested. They should offer all the Engines avalable in the Colorado in the Astro type vans and all the Engines avalable in the Silverado in the updated Express vans.
Of course GM will probly spend all their money on Atonomous Electric vans that won’t be avalable until years down the road and won’t make them any money when they do appear.
Discriminating no, misleading? One could argue, with the way you kept the sales numbers of the Express and Savana separate. As if to paint a picture that is not to scale.
The true numbers are 1.2 to 1 for the Transit over GM’s “full size” van.
The true 2 to 1 numbers are the combined Express and Savana ( they are the same vehicle) outselling the E-Series.
Only GM haters separate the trucks, SUVs and full size vans when comparing sales number.
This is gmauthority and not chevroletauthority.
No diesel available in GM cutaway van chassis. Yes the 6.6 Duramax was a tight fit and maybe lower volume sales wise, but it was a very stout platform. The 2.8 Duramax has fairly impressive numbers, it would easily handle at least up to the 12,300 lb GVWR.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a late model Express in any color but white.
Surprised that they no longer off the “de-tuned” 6.6L V8 diesel. In any case, the Express is consistently a major sales player in the market despite being first introduced on the GMT600 chassis in the 1990s. The 2.8L diesel makes it fuel efficient as well.
These things are extremely reliable, affordable, and have a massive offering of aftermarket upfit options. They found a niche with the body on frame vans among the now departing E-series and uncompetitive NV.
That being said, it’s time for an minor update to bring a high roof model into the mix. The Express is not broken. Just needs a little polish.
Also, IIRC, they decided to move Express cutaway production to a Navistar facility to make room for additional Colorado and Canyon production in Missouri. I’m not sure if they were surprised by the demand for their then new trucks or if they had correctly predicted the need for additional capacity in that plant years ahead.
They are still selling every mid sized truck they make with a surprisingly stingy rebate/incentive offering. Now they only make the Express/Savanna Van and the mid sized trucks in Missouri.
Give the customer what they want or they will go elsewhere. Whatever the competition offer you offer. But there is no money fo GM to do that because the are spending most of it on atonomous driving which is making them no money. Don’t spend money to upgrade money making products to increase sales and make more money. When will they learn? Perhap when sales are so low that the are no longer profitable. A company that was once the sales leader in most category is the leader in only one category. The success of the upcoming upgrade to those vehicles will determine if they keep that lead. Who knows with the current GM state of mind the might just cancell those a few months after introduction.
I a “glass half empty” person by nature, but you hit the nail right on the head.
If Barra and company could not see the trend toward SUVs and CUVs that the competition did OVER THREE YEARS AGO, how in the world can we trust Machete Mary and her cronies to predict that everyone is going to gravitate toward their EVs- and especially their AVs- just because it has a GM badge on it?
This reeks of Roger Smith the second, He hacked the full-size luxury car offerings in the 1980s with disastrous results. He too wanted GM to be a “technology” company as well by buying EDS and letting the product line go to crap.
GM’s stock price is being propped up by stock buybacks and cutbacks. However, there is only so much you can cut, and only so much stock you can buy back. GM’s debt load is enormous as well. This smoke and mirrors game cannot last unless GM disciplines itself to upgrade their product line and improve the quality of its interiors ASAP.
Hopefully someone on the GM board will see this soon and act and “unallocate” Machete Mary
I’m surprised with the sales slide. The thing only came out 24 years ago, it can’t be outdated yet!
You are a whiner looking to throw a negative comment.
We have a 2008 6 litre passenger van with 610’000 km running trouble free.
A 2013 6.6 duramax with 405’000km trouble free except emission system(excellent fuel economy)
A 2018 B.duramax just broken in(Exceptional fuel economy)
On the same token I think we need to see some new body works from GM shortly.
Rebuild the Express from the ground up as full-size body on frame to accommodate GM’s new line of engines including provisions for the three Duramax engine options. The big Duramax would secure sales in cut-a-ways for Ambulance and RV’s and the in-line six Duramax would be great for one ton freight operators. The gas engines would a fuel efficient options for those wanting to stay away from diesel. The updated panel vans could have heavier duty doors and hinges(to light on current model) and beefed up brakes(little light for current high GVW vans)
Ford is outselling GM 2:1 Re their commercial van offering vs the Express?
One of the few things I retained from my (long ago) college years is from a stats class where the professor used statistics to prove that drownings are caused by ice cream consumption. He provided an overwhelming amount of statistical data to prove his point. The lesson he was conveying was that there are lies, damn lies, and statistics.
I won’t claim to be knowledgeable about what’s going on nationally, but I can tell you in our area of the country – in my opinion – it’s pretty simple.
Rule 1 : 0 inventory = 0 sales
We ask for Express allocation during the monthly consensus cycle and during the weekly Pass 3 “please bless me with extra vehicles” process and don’t get any. Dealers can’t sell what they don’t have or can’t get.
Rule 2: You have to able to provide the color and equipment the customer wants.
We have several commercial customers whose company color is “not white” .
Blue is a “special paint” IE GM will only build them in blocks of 5 – which means the order sits until GM gets enough orders of the special paint to build to their number. Yes, we’ve ordered 5, 10, or more at a time, but if you don’t receive the allocation, you could order 100 and it wouldn’t matter.
We don’t have an inferior product & in fact the truth is quite the opposite; the Express Van is a bit long in the tooth but it’s priced very competitively in that market segment and it’s a work horse we have very few service issues with – to be blunt it’s inexpensive and dependable and not everyone wants or needs what Ford is offering in that segment.
Simply saying “Ford outsells the Express 2:1” isn’t telling the whole story because I don’t think GM dealers are sitting on a ton of inventory that isn’t selling. (unless it’s white). My guess is Ford is outselling the Express 2:1 because the Ford product is available. If commercial customers need a vehicle and the Express isn’t available, or isn’t available in the correct color but the Ford is, guess what’s going to happen to sales numbers? I’ll add that forcing your customer to go look at the competition is never a good idea – what if they do a good job and the customer likes what he finds?
Also – The D-Max is an incredible engine & transmission package, but making the same D-Max available in the Express that’s available in the HD Silverado would be a mistake UNLESS GM ups the production capability of the D-Max (and Allison trans). We can’t get enough D-Max equipped Silverado now – hopefully the new gas engine will ease some of the demand – but to shift D-Max availability from Silverado to Express would be a mistake in my opinion.
Just my .02
Dave
Sounds like poor production management to me. But then when GM runs some of their plants at $140% capacity and others at 30% capacity, this does not surprise me.
I have very little knowledge of supply chain management, production logistics, etc but I do know enough about it that I’m glad I don’t have to find an economical way to ensure everything runs smoothly in the plant especially as it relates to new product where you’re literally aiming at a moving target 7 years in the future…i hope that crystal ball doesn’t get foggy.
I think part of the problem is any Express that’s shipped anywhere in the world comes from 1 plant and that plant also shares production with the Colorado & it’s GMC sibling.
It could be a case of not enough Express demand to justify plant exclusivity, but sharing a plant with a product with increasing demand results in a shortage of product.
I don’t think it’s mis-management, I think they’re more guilty of not keeping dealers informed of “why” we aren’t getting enough product.
I know if you poll the dealer body – of any manufacturer – the vast majority will tell you we’d rather deal with a shortage of product that’s in demand, as opposed to the alternative of too much product and little demand.
Rebuild Express with updated suspension, steering, interior w high roof factory options as well as 4×4 to get niche markets.
GM should up date the Express with new body style, interior and engine selections, as some have stated above. The interior has been the same cloth for many years. Guess they got a great deal on it. I owned a 1990, 1998 30 cutaway van, and both had the same cloth interior. Even today they have the same cloth design. GM should have seen the writing on the wall several years ago, and redesigned their vans to keep up with the competition.
Now dropping the Impala, and Cruze is a huge mistake. Also heard that there is a possibility they are thinking about dropping the Camaro, HUGE MISTAKE there if they do.
Just my .02 worth too
I have been looking at the transit and express. Ford quality doesn’t seem to be job one any longer, but I really like that they offer a higher roof than the express.