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Chevrolet Colorado Sales Fall 9.5 Percent In Q3 2019

Chevrolet Colorado sales decreased in the United States, Canada and Mexico during the third quarter of 2019.

Chevrolet Colorado Sales - Q3 2019 - United States

In the United States, Chevrolet Colorado deliveries totaled 31,657 units in Q3 2019, a decrease of about 9 percent compared to 34,963 units sold in Q3 2018.

In the first nine months of the year, Colorado sales decreased about 8 percent to 96,820 units.
MODEL Q3 2019 / Q3 2018 Q3 2019 Q3 2018YTD 2019 / YTD 2018 YTD 2019 YTD 2018
COLORADO -9.46% 31,657 34,963 -7.65% 96,820 104,838

Chevrolet Colorado Sales - Q3 2019 - Canada

In Canada, Chevrolet Colorado deliveries totaled 2,536 units in Q3 2019, a decrease of about 12 percent compared to 2,866 units sold in Q3 2018.

In the first nine months of the year, Colorado sales decreased about 10 percent to 6,795 units.
MODEL Q3 2019 / Q3 2018 Q3 2019 Q3 2018YTD 2019 / YTD 2018 YTD 2019 YTD 2018
COLORADO -11.51% 2,536 2,866 -9.57% 6,795 7,514

Chevrolet Colorado Sales - Q3 2019 - Mexico

In Mexico, Chevrolet Colorado deliveries totaled 321 units in Q3 2019, a decrease of about 32 percent compared to 474 units sold in Q3 2018.

In the first nine months of the year, Colorado sales decreased about 4 percent to 1,264 units.
MODEL Q3 2019 / Q3 2018 Q3 2019 Q3 2018YTD 2019 / YTD 2018 YTD 2019 YTD 2018
COLORADO -32.28% 321 474 -4.46% 1,264 1,323

2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Exterior Rock Crawl 006

Competitive Sales Comparison

Chevrolet Colorado sales fell faster than the segment average during the third quarter of 2019. Even so, the midsize truck outsold every competitor in the space except for the class-leading Toyota Tacoma. As such, the Colorado outsold the new Ford Ranger (see Ford Ranger sales), Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and its own corporate cousin – the GMC Canyon (see GMC Canyon sales).

The Tacoma sold twice as many units as the Colorado during the quarter. In fact, the Tacoma’s 65,756 deliveries were higher than combined Colorado and Canyon sales, which netted 39,094 combined units.

Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Pickup Trucks - Q3 2019 - USA

MODEL Q3 19 / Q3 18 Q3 19 Q3 18 Q3 19 SHARE Q3 18 SHARE YTD 19 / YTD 18 YTD 19 YTD 18
TOYOTA TACOMA -2.79% 65,756 67,643 40% 52% +2.02% 187,622 183,909
CHEVROLET COLORADO -9.46% 31,657 34,963 19% 27% -7.65% 96,820 104,838
FORD RANGER * 26,211 * 16% 0% * 56,512 0
JEEP GLADIATOR * 16,132 * 10% 0% * 23,384 0
NISSAN FRONTIER -14.04% 15,364 17,873 9% 14% -8.20% 54,686 59,574
GMC CANYON -11.73% 7,437 8,425 5% 7% +4.06% 26,300 25,273
TOTAL +26.11% 162,557 128,904 +19.20% 445,324 373,594

On a segment share basis, Tacoma sales accounted for 40 percent of the segment, the Colorado came in at 19 percent, Ranger had 16 percent, Gladiator had 10 percent, Frontier had 14 percent and Canyon had 5 percent. Combined Colorado and Canyon shares were 24 percent.

The mid-size mainstream pickup truck segment expanded 26 percent to 162,557 units in Q3 2019.


We are including Honda Ridgeline sales for informational purposes, as the model straddles the midsize and full-size pickup truck segments.

Sales Numbers - Honda Ridgeline - Q2 2019 - USA

MODEL Q3 19 / Q3 18 Q3 19 Q3 18 YTD 19 / YTD 18 YTD 19 YTD 18
HONDA RIDGELINE +7.19% 8,378 7,816 +3.64% 23,633 22,804

2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 interior 001

The GM Authority Take

The fact that Chevrolet Colorado sales declined nearly 10 percent while Tacoma sales fell 3 percent is concerning. Also worrisome is that the Colorado’s two newest competitors – the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator – each saw sales increase substantially at the expense of the Colorado.

We believe that the Colorado’s precipitous drop is caused by three factors:

  1. Issues related to the 8-speed automatic transmission in the Colorado are starting to circulate to potential buyers.
  2. The new Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator appear to be attracting potential Colorado buyers.
  3. Toyota’s ongoing strong performance in the space. The Japanese offering has an established clientele and reputation in the midsize truck sector.

In addition, the Tacoma continues to enjoy a strong position in fleet and commercial sectors. By comparison, Chevrolet is making up lost ground after it withdrew from the midsize pickup truck segment in 2012, but the going is not easy. As we have mentioned before, there is certainly value in not abandoning segments.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado facelift undergoing testing in September

It’s worth noting that all existing entries in this space, including the Tacoma, Colorado, Frontier, and Canyon, lost market share during the third quarter. That share was taken by the Ranger and Gladiator. It will be interesting to see how the new trucks from Ford and Jeep will perform in the mid-term future, once pent-up demand has been satisfied. As for the Colorado, GM Authority has exclusively reported that GM will forego a Colorado midcycle enhancement. Instead, it will wait to completely overhaul (redesign and re-engineer) the truck around 2023, while delivering a small facelift for the 2021 model year.

About The Numbers

GM Q3 2019 sales numbers:

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Exterior 014

About Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck. It is currently Chevrolet's smallest pickup truck in the U.S. and Canada, slotting under the full-size Chevrolet Silverado. In Mexico, the Colorado slots above the compact Chevrolet Montana and the similarly-sized S10, but below the Silverado/Cheyenne (the name for some of Silverado's trim levels in Mexico).

The current Colorado was introduced in 2015 and represents the second generation of the Colorado nameplate. The model rides on the GMT-31XX platform shared with the GMC Canyon, as well as the international-market Chevrolet Colorado/S10 and Chevrolet Trailblazer.

2017 Holden Trailblazer

International Chevrolet/Holden Trailblazer


2017 Chevrolet Colorado exterior - Global Model 002

International Chevrolet Colorado (Holden Colorado)

The 2018 Chevy Colorado represents the fourth model year of the second-generation Colorado. The vehicle remains highly competitive in its segment, offering two gasoline engines and a diesel motor, which is a segment exclusive. The off-road-specific Colorado ZR2 was launched for the 2017 model year. However, the Colorado family continues to lack various features asked by many present and potential customers, such as a moonroof, a sliding rear window, as well as a range-topping LTZ or High Country trim level.

The 2019 Chevy Colorado represents the fifth model year of the second-generation Colorado. The vehicle sees a new Colorado ZR2 Bison package, new exterior colors, a new 18-inch wheel, black bowties for every ZR2 model. Additionally, the 2019 Colorado gets new set of infotainment systems that represent the third generation of Chevrolet infotainment systems, Type A and Type C USB ports, a second in-cabin microphone, a high-def Rear Vision Camera, UltraSonic Rear Park Assist, a heated steering wheel, and 6-way power driver seat on some models. The street-focused Colorado RST and Z71 Trail Runner off-roader are also added to the lineup. The manual transmission is deleted from the powertrain lineup.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado RST - Exterior - Live Photos 002

2019 Colorado RST

2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Runner - Live Photos - Exterior 001

2019 Colorado Z71 Trail Runner

A midcycle refresh is expected for the 2020 model year. It is believed that the update will bring revised front and rear styling, as well as possible updates to the interior, and powertrain.

For the U.S. and Canada, the Chevrolet Colorado is built at the GM Wentzville factory in Missouri operated by GM USA. The model sold in Asia-Pacific is built at the GM Thailand plant in Rayong, which is operated by GM Thailand. The GM Sao Jose Dos Campos plant operated by GM Brazil builds the Chevy S10 for South America.

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Comments

  1. It seems Chevy management wants to kill off the Colorado. With only a mild facelift coming in 2021 they will hardly be able to sell any Colorado’s given the stiff competition from Ford, Jeep and Toyota. In 2121 Chevy should be introducing an all new truck with upgraded interiors, styling, better transmissions and improved features and capabilities.

    Reply
  2. Why not save the headache and just have a manual transmission option with the V6?

    Reply
    1. Because the manual transmission market is not the lucrative goldmine you think it is.

      Reply
      1. @Grawdaddy at no point did i ever say that the manual transmission market was lucrative…
        Its about having options

        Reply
  3. I bought a new 2018 Colorado. it has all of the typical transmission problems that are common to this vehicle. It is been to the shop so many times I can’t even count them. Chevrolet now refuses to work on the vehicle any further even though I still have warranty remaining. They’ve gone as far as to tell me that the truck does not vibrate that it is a perception problem. What a joke. I have never been treated so poorly by accompany in my life.

    Reply
  4. In my own opinion for one thing they are way over priced for a smaller pickup! And now there’s more competition! But I love the Chevy Colorado. It’s a great truck for someone who doesnt need a big Chevy Silverado! I’m still trying to find one that I can afford!

    Reply
  5. Well they have a total new platform coming in 22 as a 23 so major investment here for major things like sheet metal and engine could be a major waste of money that could do more good in a new truck.

    The manual sells less than 6% of production. Another waste of money along with the cost of epa cert cost.

    If you can’t afford a Colorado you can’t afford much. LT Colorado models can be had in 2 wheel drive at $27k with a V6 less with 4 cylinder. The 4×4 can be had for less than $29k if you shop around.

    No it is not a ZR2 but even it for it’s cost is a deal had below $39k.

    The GM truck is priced with the Toyota and less than the Ford and Jeep.

    Right now this truck is still doing. Well and will hold on till the new model arrives as the others like Ford have yet to match the price, handling, quiet and ability.

    Right now GM is finishing the full size SUV models and the funding and cash flow from the, will help finance the new mid size trucks. Much of the timing is around cash flow as companies can not afford more than a couple large programs at once in development.

    Note the 8 speed is fixed with the new fluid.

    Also the GM truck sales have ebbed and flowed based on discounts. I rather doubt much was lost to Ford or Jeep as most Rangers were bought by folks with full size Ford or SUzv models due to the lack of the Ranger. Most a Gladiator sales will come at the expense of the Wrangler.

    Reply
  6. Had I known what I know now about my 2018 z71 Colorado, I would have bought a Tacoma. No aftermarket wheels because of the stupid bolt pattern and the tiny wheel wells make it almost impossible to get more ground clearance. Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice won’t happen.

    Reply
  7. OMG fugly front !!! No bowtie WTF, WHERE’S THE BEEF !!! Or at least the horsepower??? GM you can be down right depressing sometimes . Just my opinion.

    Reply
  8. 3 other takeaways to consider about the Colorado:

    1) GM killed off the manual by only offering it in WT trim on an extended cab with the I4. Pair that manual behind the V6 or baby Duramax and it would entice owners to consider it. Toyota offers the manual across all trim levels of the Tacoma for a reason

    2) GM shouldnt have shoehorned a 3.6 V6 under the hood. They have a perfectly good LV3 V6 that makes decent power. Its a base engine in the Silverado and Camaro; would have streamlined the drivetrain assembly line

    3) WHY isnt there a V8 option??? They did it back in 2009-2012 with the 355 Colorado! Australia sells LS-powered 4×4 Colorados and theyre popular! I know of plenty of 700 owners that wished a V8 was an engine option

    Reply
  9. Just found 2020 Colorado live build at Chevy site

    Reply

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