GMC Canyon sales decreased in the United States and in Mexico during the first quarter of 2019.
GMC Canyon Sales - Q1 2019 - United States
In the United States, GMC Canyon deliveries totaled 6,954 units in Q1 2019, a decrease of about 4 percent compared to 7,213 units sold in Q1 2018.| MODEL | Q1 2019 / Q1 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANYON | -3.59% | 6,954 | 7,213 |
GMC Canyon Sales - Q1 2019 - Canada
In Canada, GMC Canyon deliveries totaled 993 units in Q1 2019, a decrease of about 24 percent compared to 1,307 units sold in Q1 2018.| MODEL | Q1 2019 / Q1 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANYON | -24.02% | 993 | 1,307 |
Competitive Sales Comparison
GMC Canyon sales in the United States lagged behind the competition during the first quarter. For starters, the Canyon was the only nameplate other than the archaic Nissan Frontier to post a decline in sales volume. In addition, GMC Canyon sales were dead last in the segment, with the Toyota Tacoma in first place, selling nearly ten times as many units as the Canyon. Second place went to the Canyon’s corporate cousin – the Chevrolet Colorado (see running Chevrolet Colorado sales), followed by the Nissan Frontier and the all-new Ford Ranger.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Pickup Trucks - Q1 2019 - USA
| MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 | Q1 19 SHARE | Q1 18 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA TACOMA | +8.19% | 58,183 | 53,779 | 45% | 48% |
| CHEVROLET COLORADO | +16.06% | 33,494 | 28,859 | 26% | 26% |
| NISSAN FRONTIER | -11.41% | 20,221 | 22,825 | 16% | 20% |
| FORD RANGER | * | 9,421 | * | 7% | 0% |
| GMC CANYON | -3.59% | 6,954 | 7,213 | 5% | 6% |
| TOTAL | +13.84% | 128,273 | 112,676 |
The GMC Canyon held a 5 percent share of the midsize pickup truck segment during the quarter – the lowest in its competitive set. The Ford Ranger, which was still undergoing launch (and therefore had limited inventories) during Q1 came in at 7 percent. The Nissan Frontier accounted for 16 percent, Chevy Colorado was at 26 percent, and Toyota Tacoma was at 45 percent.
The mid-size mainstream pickup truck segment grew nearly 14 percent to 128,273 units during the first quarter of 2019.
Below, we provide Honda Ridgeline sales for informational purposes, as the model straddles the midsize and full-size pickup truck segments.
Sales Numbers - Honda Ridgeline - Q1 2019 - USA
| MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIDGELINE | -0.76% | 6,952 | 7,005 |
The GM Authority Take
We believe that GMC Canyon sales decreased in Q1 2019 due to a mix of the following factors:
- The launch of the all-new Ford Ranger, which could have taken sales from the Canyon; GM doesn’t seem to be all that worried about the Ranger, however
- The impending launch of the all-new Jeep Gladiator, with interest in the model making many customers wait to make their purchase
- A higher price point for the GMCÂ Canyon that may discourage most buyers
- A potential reduction in fleet and commercial sales
Even though GMC Canyon sales place the model in last place in its segment by sales volume, we have reason to believe that the midsize pickup is posting very healthy Average Transaction Prices (ATPs). That seems to be one of the Canyon’s primary objectives, as GM appears to be positioning the Chevrolet Colorado to gain sales volume while the GMC Canyon delivers additional sales volume at a higher margin.
Even so, there is no denying that GMC Canyon sales could improve, something that could take place either by improving the product (via a potential refresh/update) or by offering more lucrative incentives.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to GM Canyon Q1 2018 sales, except as noted
- In the United States, there were 76 selling days in Q1 2019 and 76 selling days in Q1 2018
About GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup truck marketed by GM's GMC brand. It is currently GMC's smallest pickup truck, slotting under the full-size GMC Sierra. The current model was introduced in 2015 and represents the second generation of the Canyon nameplate. It rides on the GMT-31XX platform shared with the Chevy Colorado, as well as the international-market Chevrolet Colorado/S10 and Chevrolet Trailblazer. As of September 2018, the GMC Canyon is offered only in the United States and Canada; it is not offered in the two other markets in which GMC does business - Mexico and the Middle East.
The 2018 GMC Canyon represents the fourth model year of the second-generation Canyon. The vehicle remains highly competitive in its segment, offering two gasoline engines and a diesel motor, which is a segment exclusive. As opposed to its Chevy-badged brother, the Chevy Colorado, the Canyon does not offer an off-road-specific model like the Colorado ZR2. However, the Canyon does offer a luxury-focused Canyon Denali model. Some of the biggest criticisms of the second-gen Canyon include a lack of various desired features wanted by many present and potential customers, including a moonroof, a sliding rear window, and an extreme offroad model.
The 2019 GMC Canyon represents the fifth model year of the second-generation Canyon. The vehicle sees new exterior colors and a new set of bright silver 17-inch wheels on the SLE model. Additionally, the 2019 Canyon gets new set of infotainment systems that represent the third generation of GMC infotainment systems, a second in-cabin microphone for the front passenger, a high-definition Rear Vision Camera on some models, UltraSonic Rear Park Assist, a heated steering wheel on SLT and All Terrain models, and 6-way power driver seat on some models. There's also a rearrangement of USB ports in the front and back.
A midcycle refresh for the 2020 model year is expected to bring revised front and rear styling along with interior and powertrain updates. There's also the expected introduction of the Canyon AT4 to replace the Canyon All Terrain. The GMC Canyon is built at the GM Wentzville factory in Missouri operated by GM USA.
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forum
- GMC Canyon information
Comments
As noted in the article, price is definitely playing a factor here. Why pay more for nothing really extra in the Canyon when compared to the Colorado. They share just about everything (including cabin quality) and only differ in styling slightly.
Seriously, why pay more?
“Why pay more for nothing really extra in the Canyon when compared to the Colorado.”
I own a Chevy Colorado with the diesel engine and love the truck. That being said, the trim levels offered for the Canyon are far nicer and more luxurious than those offered for the Colorado.
Well the interior is a little nicer with more padded soft touch surfaces and real aluminum trim.
But the feathers like the up graded transfer case and other features have been added to the Colorado now while little new has been added to the GMC.
But to be fair prices are about the same as I got a Denali for the price of a loaded up Colorado.
The one issue is the fact many dealers have little in selection while Chevy dealers may have 4-5 times as many models.
Sales may be flat because of so many plant closings and eliminating 10’s of thousands of jobs which effected the trickle down workforce as well.
Not to beat a dead horse, but GM wants to position the Canyon as the luxury mid-sized truck option at luxury prices but without upgrading to the luxury features. The Canyon is a great truck but higher trim level buyers want power sliding rear windows, push button start, proximity key entry and a full active safety suite. GMC will likely continue to lose sales to trucks that offer these features at competitive prices.
I agree CDJ…I hope 2020 models offer push button start, and homelink . Can’t believe GMC does NOT offer those two options!! My 4 year old Cherokee does! Am looking to buy a 2020 Canyon, however without those two options I will look elsewhere. Hope GMC is listening or they will continue to lose sales.
I agree that the 2020 GMC Canyon should have the push button start, and a possible sun roof. Also cannot understand why in the higher priced Model Denali there is ONLY Black Interior offered??? There is a choice of 2 color interiors in the lower models. It’s been this way and was hoping that a lighter color would be offered. Why is this????