Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe sales decreased in the United States and in Mexico during the first quarter of 2019.
Sales Numbers - Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban USA Sales - Q1 2019 - United States
MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 |
---|---|---|---|
TAHOE | -11.80% | 20,853 | 23,643 |
SUBURBAN | -25.10% | 11,029 | 14,725 |
TOTAL | -16.90% | 31,882 | 38,368 |
Sales Numbers - Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban Mexico Sales - Q1 2019 - Mexico
MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 |
---|---|---|---|
TAHOE | -54.12% | 117 | 255 |
SUBURBAN | -3.19% | 425 | 439 |
TOTAL | -21.90% | 542 | 694 |
Competitive Sales Comparison
At first glance, the figures below might suggest that the Ford Expedition (see running Ford Expedition sales) has become the leader in the lucrative full-size mainstream SUV segment. But that’s not exactly the case, since the Expedition figures include sales for both regular-length Expedition and extended-length Expedition L models. In comparison, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe sales are reported separately. Combined Tahoe and Suburban sales exceeded Ford Expedition sales by more than 10,000 units during the quarter. As such, Chevrolet has maintained its position as the segment leader during the first quarter of 2019.
Sales Numbers - Mainstream Full-Size SUVs - Q1 2019 - United States
MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 | Q1 19 SHARE | Q1 18 SHARE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FORD EXPEDITION | +61.88% | 21,773 | 13,450 | 27% | 17% |
CHEVROLET TAHOE | -11.80% | 20,853 | 23,643 | 26% | 30% |
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | -25.10% | 11,029 | 14,725 | 14% | 19% |
GMC YUKON | +68.06% | 14,947 | 8,894 | 18% | 11% |
GMC YUKON XL | -100.00% | 0 | 6,108 | 0% | 8% |
NISSAN ARMADA | +7.92% | 9,801 | 9,082 | 12% | 12% |
TOYOTA SEQUOIA | -14.78% | 2,410 | 2,828 | 3% | 4% |
TOTAL | +2.65% | 80,813 | 78,730 |
- Note that for Q1 2019, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL sales are reported on the same line, results in the Yukon XL line showing zero deliveries. This is a result of GM refusing to break out GMC Yukon XL sales from GMC Yukon sales.
Additionally, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe sales were greater than those of its corporate cousin – the GMC Yukon (see running GMC Yukon sales). Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs also outsold the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia by a wide margin. In fact, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe sales accounted for 40 percent market share in Q1 2019.
The full-size mainstream SUV segment expanded 3 percent to 80,813 units in Q1 2019.
The GM Authority Take
While Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe sales in the first quarter enabled the Bow Tie brand to maintain its status as the segment leader, the Ford Expedition did make up a lot of ground with a 62 percent increase in sales volume. The drop in Suburban and Tahoe sales volume is directly attributed to planned downtime at the GM Arlington plant where GM’s full-size SUVs are assembled. Production at the plant was down for some time during the first quarter in preparation for the all-new full-size SUVs, which will arrive for the 2021 model year.
Another factor that could be contributing to the decreased sales volume is the overly positive reception and launch of the all-new Ford Expedition, a significantly more modern offering over the aging Chevy full-sizers. However, GM will counter the new Expedition with the all-new, 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Suburban.
Going forward, we expect Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe sales to remain at current levels or even grow as a result of:
- Higher incentives on the current models to deter customers from switching to the Ford Expedition, and
- The ongoing shift in consumer behavior that sees increased demand in CUVs and SUVs at the expense of sedans
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe Q1 2018 sales
- In the United States, there were 76 selling days in Q1 2019 and 76 selling days in Q1 2018
- Ford Expedition sales figures include sales for regular-length Expedition and extended-length Expedition L
- Starting in the second quarter of 2018, GM has ceased breaking out sales for the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. As such, the line in the comparison table that reads “Yukon” contains sales of both the Yukon and Yukon XL, while the line for Yukon XL shows 0 units sold.
Comments
Don’t discount the effect that shipping issues across the nation had on this either. Some Suburbans and Tahoes took four months after being produced in Arlington to get to Chevy dealers in the east.
One has to wonder whether General Motors CEO Mary Barra has ever heard of the term, ‘the devil is in the details,’ because this is why sales slip as GM sits on their hands for 4-5 years until it’s time to design a new version of their vehicles whereas Europeans know they have to be willing to sweat out the details and try improving their product so there is no major drop in sales volume because their vehicles continue to get better incrementally from year to year.
Very good points made here, I’d like to offer this. These vehicles are EXPENSIVE and have moved past affordability for the average family. Even with tremendous discounts a run of the mill version is sitting somewhere in the 60K range. These are great trucks! GM’s absolute best! And I understand the demand and the pricing but it might be possible that the pricing will slow the sales for the them.
I own 4 but the newest one is a 2008. It was $55k then which was a lot for the day, but the same optioned vehicle now is almost $77k . I personally do not see it. The new vehicle is nowhere that much of an improvement over the old one.
Just my opinion.
11 years of inflation will make that $55k about $75k today…..
At some point, General Motors forgot about the average america citizen. Ford has forgotten about america a long time ago and now GM is following suit and it honestly sucks. The Chevrolet brand used to be a solid, American made car for the general public, for the masses. As far as I’m concerned, no Chevrolet (even fully loaded) should cost more than $45,000. I say that with the exception of the ZL1 and the Corvette.
Chevrolet needs to go back to where it was good and then go from there. A great Chevrolet lineup would look like this
Cavalier
Beretta
Lumina
Camaro
Impala
Tracker
S10 (current Colorado)
S10 Blazer
Trailblazer
Silverado C/K1500
K1500 Blazer (Current Gen Tahoe)
Silverado HD
Suburban (2500 Series SUV)
Some people may think this lineup might sound a bit outdated, but it’s not as “out in left field” as some may think. GM is already developing their VSS platforms and honestly, the lineup would go like this
VSS-F (front wheel drive)
Cavalier
Berretta
Lumina
VSS-R (rear wheel drive)
Camaro
Impala
VSS-S (SUV)
Tracker
Trailblazer (RWD based)
VSS-T (Truck)
S10
S10 Blazer
Silverado
K5 Blazer
Silverado HD
Suburban
As far as the FWD segment is, These cars should have their base 4-cylinder, a hybrid, an RS trim level and a Z-performance trim level with the Cavalier reviving the Z24, the Berretta Z26 and the Lumina Z34. the Cavalier should get the 2.7L turbo while the Berretta and the Lumina would receive the 335hp 3.6L V6 N/A.
As for the RWD segment, I see no reason why GM should not bring back a 5.7L V8 giving that that LT1 designation. If in 2002 GM could get 405hp out of the 5.7L V8, I don’t see why they can’t get 425hp/425tq out of a 5.7L V8 and call that the Z/28 and make that what the Current Camaro LT1 is. This way they can bump the SS up to 495hp with the 6.2L (preferably bump the dispacement to 6.5L a.k.a 396ci), give it the 1LE suspension setup with a 6-speed manual/10-speed auto and call it a day. The RS Camaro should get a 385hp 5.3L V8 and the base Camaro should get a 320hp 2.7L turbo and that would be it. The ZL1 would go on with the 6.2L S/C. As for the Impala, The same basic setup would apply for a base 2.7L, an Impala LS 5.3L, an Impala RS 5.7L and an Impala SS-396 6.5L . The Chevy Tracker would compete in the smaller Crossover market with a basic 1.5L 4-cylinder or whatever GM has along with a hybrid. The Trailblazer would feature the 320hp 2.7L turbo as it’s entry level engine, along with a 5.7L RS package and an SS-396 Package. The S10 and S10 Blazer would give customers a light off road truck/SUV combo with a 2.7L base engine along with a diesel option. The 1500 Silverado would be completely redesigned with a new lineup, dropping the High Country from the list with a lineup that would include the WT 5.3L w/optional diesel V6, the Z71 4×4 off road with optional 5.3L, diesel V6 and 5.7L, the Cheyenne 5.7L with optional 6.5L, the RST-5.7 performance pickup and the SS-396 high performance pickup. The Tahoe should receive similar powertrains with a Tahoe LS 5.3L, a Tahoe Z71 Blazer 4×4 with a 5.7L V8, and a Tahoe Limited 5.7L (like the 2000 Tahoe Limited) which would replace the RST performance package with a lowered, blacked out Tahoe with a luxury performance suspension package, Brembo brakes, lowered ride height, dual exhaust, cold air intake, “Limited” interior, etc. This would be more like the Silverado Cheyenne which give premium features but not luxury. Above these would be the 2500 series vehicles which would be more geared towards work vehicles, with a premium Cheyenne package and an off road Scottsdale diesel performance package on the Silverado HD models, the Suburban would ride on this platform with a 6.5L gas engine and a Duramax V8 diesel option with a Z71 4×4 off road package.
this sets the playing field up for the rest of the GM lineup. As I will further explain over the next two comments.
Continuing with my comment above, With Chevrolet going back down to the affordable “everyday man’s” Lineup, the next lineup above that would be GMC. I’ve made a similar statement to what I’m getting ready to say now and that would be for General Motors to bring back Pontiac as the GMC lineup of cars. The GMC lineup would then look something like this
VSS-F
Pontiac Le Mans
Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac Grand Prix
VSS-R
Pontiac Firebird
Pontiac Bonneville
VSS-S
GMC Jimmy
GMC Acadia
VSS-T
GMC S15
GMC Terrain
GMC Sierra 1500
GMC Yukon
GMC Sierra HD
While these vehicles would share similarities to the Chevrolet lineup, these would all have their base lineup being a bit more premium than what is offered in the Chevrolet lineup.
VSS-F platform cars will all use the 250hp 2.0L Turbo as a base engine, With the GT cars all featuring the 320hp 2.7L Turbo-4. The wider-track Grand Prix will receive a top of the line GXP variant with a 335hp version of the 2.7L Turbo-4 w/ performance AWD, a dual mode dual exhaust system, 10-speed DCT FWD gearbox, Magnetic ride, Brembo brakes, 255-series tires at all four corners, unique aero and body work, GXP specific interior, etc.
VSS-R car would include the return of the Pontiac Firebird. The stablemate of the Chevrolet Camaro will similar powertrains as the Camaro with the base Firebird trim having the 320hp 2.7L Turbo, a Firebird Formula 5.7L, a Firebird Trans Am 6.5L and a Firebird Firehawk 6.2L Supercharged V8. The Pontiac Bonneville will run a similar lineup with the Bonneville base running the 335hp 2.7L Turbo, a 425hp 5.7L Bonneville GT and a Supercharged 6.2L Bonneville GXP.
Next would be the VSS-S setup for the SUV/Crossover with the Jimmy and the Acadia and now would be a great time to have a RWD based GMC Jimmy SUV with a Typhoon variant with the Twin Turbo 3.6L 464hp V6 setup, 10-speed auto, AWD, Brembo brakes magnetic ride, etc. Yeah of course the regular versions would be powered by the 2.7L 320hp Turbo-4 with a 400hp 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 GT but this needs to happen and it needs to happen now. Above that would be the larger GMC Acadia powered by the 320hp 2.7L as it’s sole powertrain. Of course there would be the Denali package for both vehicles adding luxury to the lineup
Above that would be the VSS-T platform bringing back the GMC S15 including the S15 Syclone 3.6L 464hp Twin Turbo V6 truck. a 400hp 3.0L GT and a base 320hp 2.7L setup. The GMC Terrain should sit on this platform as it sounds like it should be something rugged. Obviously the Terrain won’t be getting the 3.6L or the 3.0L Twin Turbo engines, but a 2.7L Turbo-4 and a small diesel option would fit this vehicle nicely with a Z71 4×4 option package and Denali packages on both the S15 and the Terrain. Next would be the GMC Sierra 1500 class pickups. Honestly, nothing really needs to change here except i would only offer a 5.7L and a 6.5L option for anything 1500 series along with a Turbo-6 Diesel. The AT4 all-terrain package should be offered on the Sierra, the Yukon GT, the S15, the Terrain, the 2500 and the GMC Suburban. The Yukon GT AT4 off road option should be available with the 6.5L V8 and a Duramax V8 Diesel. As far as the Larger GMC SUV, I feel the Suburban name should return to GMC and for GMC it should be Diesel only.
With this lineup, I could see GM offering these cars $3,000-$8,000 above the Chevrolet lineup depending on vehicle and trim which sets up the next step in the GM umbrella Buick. Buick could easily go full electric and I don’t think anyone would really bat an eye at that decision. It would be a great way to bring back the Buick Electra name (just saying) along with cars like the Avista (would make great use of the high performance E-COPO power plant tuned to withstand daily driving) the actual Buick Avenir sedan and a few other Buick cars. It’s no doubt that electrification is coming and why not have a whole entire GM lineup dedicated to Electric vehicles. Buick would be the perfect spot for that. OF course now, this brings me to Cadillac.
At one point in time, Cadillac was the Pinnacle of the automobile experience. It needs to get back to that status and soon. I love Cadillac, I really do, but what they’re doing with their lineup is DUMB!!!! Let’s simplify it a bit
Mid Engine RWD platform
Corvette
VSS-R
Catera
Elmiraj
Escala
FLeetwood
VSS-S
Seville
Deville
VSS-T
Escalade
The Corvette has evolved itself right out of the Chevrolet lineup and it needs to be under the Corvette umbrella and it needs to have the Blackwing V8 as well as an electric power plant. Point Blank. Give it the luxury, power, tech and a $85K starting point and call it a day. It needs to happen so lets just get it over with. The Catera name needs to come back but this time do it right. Give it the Alpha-2 chassis, 1LE , ZL1, ZL1-1LE type suspensions, Twin Turbo 3.6L Base engines (464hp) Twin Turbo V8 options @ 500hp and 600+hp need to be present and thats what the Catera will be. The El-Miraj will be a larger 2-door and 4-door coupe vehicle with the same powertrains and the Escala will be what the current CT6 is now. The Fleetwood will be the large FLagship vehicle with 500hp as a base and 600hp as the top of the line powertrain along with an electric high performance powertrain and every model of Cadillac will be AWD w/ RWD based platforms. The Seville and Deville Crossovers will feature the 3.6L 464hp Twin Turbo V6 end a Hybrid 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 pushing out 450hp with 630lb-ft of torque with AWD standard. The Escalade will have the base 500hp twin turbo V8 along with a higher output twin turbo V8 and have no resemblance to the GMC Yukon or the Chevy Tahoe whatsoever. This vehicle will have a lower ride hieight and a sleeker design. This is all that GM really needs and they’d be a much better and much more profitable company.