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Cadillac Escalade Sales Dominate Segment In Q2 2020

Cadillac Escalade sales decreased in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Korea and Russia during the second quarter of 2020.

Cadillac Escalade Sales - Q2 2020 - United States

In the United States, Cadillac Escalade deliveries totaled 4,935 units in Q2 2020, a decrease of about 48 percent compared to 9,432 units sold in Q2 2019.

In the first six months of the year, Escalade sales decreased about 35 percent to 10,555 units.
MODEL Q2 2020 / Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Q2 2019YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 YTD 2020 YTD 2019
ESCALADE -47.68% 4,935 9,432 -35.05% 10,555 16,251

Cadillac Escalade Sales - Q2 2020 - Canada

In Canada, Cadillac Escalade deliveries totaled 250 units in Q2 2020, a decrease of about 40 percent compared to 420 units sold in Q2 2019.

In the first six months of the year, Escalade sales decreased about 37 percent to 470 units.
MODEL Q2 2020 / Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Q2 2019YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 YTD 2020 YTD 2019
ESCALADE -40.48% 250 420 -36.57% 470 741

Cadillac Escalade Sales - Q2 2020 - South Korea

In South Korea, Cadillac Escalade deliveries totaled 47 units in Q2 2020, a decrease of about 41 percent compared to 79 units sold in Q2 2019.

In the first six months of the year, Escalade sales decreased about 44 percent to 79 units.
MODEL Q2 2020 / Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Q2 2019YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 YTD 2020 YTD 2019
ESCALADE -40.51% 47 79 -43.57% 79 140

Cadillac Escalade Sales - Q2 2020 - Mexico

In Mexico, Cadillac Escalade deliveries totaled 29 units in Q2 2020, a decrease of about 71 percent compared to 101 units sold in Q2 2019.

In the first six months of the year, Escalade sales decreased about 64 percent to 66 units.
MODEL Q2 2020 / Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Q2 2019YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 YTD 2020 YTD 2019
ESCALADE -71.29% 29 101 -63.74% 66 182

Cadillac Escalade Sales - Q2 2020 - Russia

In Russia, Cadillac Escalade deliveries totaled 12 units in Q2 2020, a decrease of about 84 percent compared to 73 units sold in Q2 2019.

In the first six months of the year, Escalade sales were flat at 0 units.
MODEL Q2 2020 / Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Q2 2019YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 YTD 2020 YTD 2019
ESCALADE -83.56% 12 73 * 0 0

Competitive Sales Comparison

Despite a steep, 48 percent decline in Cadillac Escalade sales during the second quarter, the full-size SUV remained the best-seller in its segment, with a dominant 41 percent segment share. The results enabled the Escalade to edge out the Infiniti QX80 by roughly 1,500 units, which moved into second place with 3,638 deliveries, for a 30 percent segment share. Additionally, the Escalade outsold the Lincoln Navigator (see Lincoln Navigator sales), which came in third place with 2,749 deliveries for a 23 percent segment share. The Lexus LX came in last place with 645 deliveries for a 5 percent segment share.

Sales Numbers - Full-Size Luxury SUVs - Q2 2020 - USA

MODEL Q2 20 / Q2 19 Q2 20 Q2 19 Q2 20 SHARE Q2 19 SHARE YTD 20 / YTD 19 YTD 20 YTD 19
CADILLAC ESCALADE -47.68% 4,935 9,432 40% 48% -35.05% 10,555 16,251
INFINITI QX80 -24.55% 3,638 4,822 30% 24% -12.96% 9,236 10,611
LINCOLN NAVIGATOR -37.34% 2,749 4,387 22% 22% -25.76% 6,575 8,856
LEXUS LX -11.60% 968 1,095 8% 6% -21.44% 1,814 2,309
TOTAL -37.73% 12,290 19,736 -25.89% 28,180 38,027

Despite the decent performance, the Escalade saw the steepest decline of 48 percent, compared to the segment average of 40 percent. The model also lost share on a year-over-year basis, going from 48 percent in Q2 2019 to Q1 2019.

Below, we’ve included sales figures for full-size luxury crossovers for the sake of reference. Though they differ mechanically from the aforementioned body-on-frame SUVs by having a unibody construction, they are typically cross-shopped and considered as alternatives. Currently, the only full-size luxury crossovers are the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and the new BMW  X7, though Audi is rumored to be planning a future Q9.

Sales Numbers - Full-Size Luxury CUVs - Q2 2020 - USA

MODEL Q2 20 / Q2 19 Q2 20 Q2 19 YTD 20 / YTD 19 YTD 20 YTD 19
GLS-CLASS +35.78% 5,252 3,868 +17.68% 11,633 9,885
X7 -38.58% 4,071 6,628 -1.83% 8,653 8,814
TOTAL -11.18% 9,323 10,496 +8.49% 20,286 18,699

The GM Authority Take

While the Escalade outsold all of direct rivals during Q2 2020, it did see sales slip more than all rivals during the quarter. We attribute the circumstance to several reasons.

First is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has depleted inventories and cut sales volume for all models involved. The impact of COVID-19 was particularly compounded for the Escalade (and for most other GM vehicles) by the UAW labor strike that took place in Q4 2019. Production of the Escalade, and most GM vehicles built in the North American continent, was stopped during the 40-day-long walkout, reducing inventories at the dealer level and sapping sales volume during Q4 2019 and Q1 2020. Then, just as Escalade inventories began to be built back up in Q1, another work stoppage – this time caused by COVID-19 – delivered another blow to production.

Yet another circumstance that is likely contributing to reduced sales volumes is the fact that production of the last-gen Escalade has stopped and production of the all-new, 2021 model has yet to commence at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.

2021 Cadillac Escalade

A scenario wherein the last-gen model is not widely available while the all-new, 2021 Escalade is not available whatsoever delivers a one-two punch to Escalade sales volumes. Once the all-new vehicle begins production and supply reaches optimal levels, we expect Escalade sales to increase substantially – though that prognosis also hinges on a healthy economy and adequate availability. Pre-orders for the 2021 Escalade began on April 23rd.

About The Numbers

  • All percent change figures compared to Cadillac Escalade sales for Q2 2019
  • In the United States, there were 77 selling days in Q2 2020 and 77 selling days in Q2 2019
  • South Korea sales figures reflect actual vehicle registrations rather than wholesales
  • Escalade and Escalade ESV model line break-outs contingent on data availability by market
GM Q2 2020 sales reports:
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GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. That’s rather impressive considering the new version has been announced and shown. I thought for sure the sales would have absolutely fallen off a cliff after they announced the new one.

    Reply
  2. So, even with an almost 48% decrease in Q2 domestic sales, the Escalade still managed to rank first in its segment, and to sell 2,200 more units than the new Navigator, a vehicle which was supposed to wipe the Escalade off the face of the earth – well, well, well……

    Reply
    1. Exactly. With all the effort Ford puts in to the Navigator, it never seems to get much traction against Escalade.

      I remember all the trolls posting that the Escalade was toast after the latest Navigator was shown. After an initial pop in sales when it got to showrooms last May/June, it settled to about the same level as a couple of years prior. That seems to be common with Lincolns. The Aviator did very well initially ( and deservedly! ), but it seems to have come largely at the expense of other Lincolns models.

      Reply
    2. You do realize the current Escalade was heavily discounted while Ford offered zero incentives on the Navigator, right? The Navigator ATP was $82k versus the Escalade $78k.

      Reply
      1. In the end, it doesn’t matter. For whatever reason, or reasons, the Escalade sold more than the Navigator – a sale is a sale.

        Reply
    3. I’m not surprised. Something I didn’t realize was female buyers are the main driver of these vehicles sales and the Navigator is just too masculine by design. Primarily its interior. Plus the Aviator is likely taking a large swoth of its sales
      When the dated Infiniti is still outselling the Navigator–its almost safe to say the Navigator failed.

      Reply
  3. I’d guess the Aviator has caused the most significant impact to the Navigator. Would be interesting to see what models people are trading in when they get the Aviator.

    Reply
  4. What about the XT6? Could that have taken some sales?

    Reply
  5. Land Rover Range Rover is definitely another cross-shopped full-size luxury SUV but is being missed out.

    Reply
  6. Gee!! I’m not shocked as to why sales are down with all the unemployment we have and people losing their jobs/homes, the pandemic and the economy where it is now, nah!! That has nothing to do with sales!!

    Reply
  7. Why would anyone buy a brand named after general who salvage killed Native Americans?

    Reply
    1. You are what’s called an “agitator”.

      Easy to spot now and getting easier to dismiss.

      Oh and congrats to Cadillac, the pecking order is well established.

      Reply
  8. To Many Happy Slaves In America!😂😂😂

    Reply

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