Chevy Express sales increased in the United States while decreasing in Canada and Mexico during the first quarter of 2021.
Chevrolet Express Sales - Q1 2021 - United States
In the United States, Chevrolet Express deliveries totaled 16,877 units in Q1 2021, an increase of about 27 percent compared to 13,309 units sold in Q1 2020.| MODEL | Q1 2021 / Q1 2020 | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXPRESS | +26.81% | 16,877 | 13,309 |
Chevrolet Express Sales - Q1 2021 - Canada
In Canada, Chevrolet Express deliveries totaled 799 units in Q1 2021, a decrease of about 13 percent compared to 914 units sold in Q1 2020.| MODEL | Q1 2021 / Q1 2020 | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXPRESS | -12.58% | 799 | 914 |
Chevrolet Express Sales - Q1 2021 - Mexico
In Mexico, Chevrolet Express deliveries totaled 67 units in Q1 2021, a decrease of about 12 percent compared to 76 units sold in Q1 2020.| MODEL | Q1 2021 / Q1 2020 | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXPRESS | -11.84% | 67 | 76 |
Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)
Chevy Express sales saw a healthy 27 percent uptick during Q1 2021, while sales of its corporate twin – the GMC Savana – experienced an even higher 40 percent increase. The performance enables the Express to hold on to the second place in its segment by sales volume after retaking the position back during Q4 2020.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Vans - Q1 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 21 / Q1 20 | Q1 21 | Q1 20 | Q1 21 SHARE | Q1 20 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD TRANSIT | -25.48% | 27,451 | 36,836 | 36% | 47% |
| CHEVROLET EXPRESS | +26.81% | 16,877 | 13,309 | 22% | 17% |
| RAM PROMASTER | +13.51% | 10,880 | 9,585 | 14% | 12% |
| FORD E-SERIES | +4.70% | 10,573 | 10,098 | 14% | 13% |
| GMC SAVANA | +39.81% | 5,847 | 4,182 | 8% | 5% |
| NISSAN NV | +9.28% | 4,074 | 3,728 | 5% | 5% |
| TOTAL | -2.62% | 75,702 | 77,738 |
Leading the segment by a wide margin was the Ford Transit in first place (see running Ford Transit sales), followed by the Chevy Express in second (see running Chevrolet Express sales). The Ram ProMaster took third, followed by Ford E-Series in fourth (see running Ford E-Series sales), despite the E-Series being available exclusively in the cutaway configuration. The Express’ twin, the GMC Savana, took fifth (see running GMC Sierra sales) while the soon-to-be-discontinued Nissan NV came in sixth place. All models in the segment except for the Ford Transit posted an increase in sales volume during the quarter, leading the Transit to see its segment share decrease by 11 percent.
Sales Numbers - GM Vans - Q1 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 21 / Q1 20 | Q1 21 | Q1 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET EXPRESS | +26.81% | 16,877 | 13,309 |
| GMC SAVANA | +39.81% | 5,847 | 4,182 |
| TOTAL | +29.92% | 22,724 | 17,491 |
Combined sales of the two GM vans – the Express and Savana – grew 30 percent to 22,724 units in Q1 2021. By comparison, combined deliveries of the Ford Transit and E-Series fell 19 percent to 38,024, units. That gives Ford a 50 percent segment share, compared to 30 percent for GM.
Sales Numbers - Ford Vans - Q1 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 21 / Q1 20 | Q1 21 | Q1 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORD TRANSIT | -25.48% | 27,451 | 36,836 |
| FORD E-SERIES | +4.70% | 10,573 | 10,098 |
| TOTAL | -18.98% | 38,024 | 46,934 |
The full-size mainstream van segment, which includes passenger, cargo, and cutaway/chassis cab models, contracted nearly 3 percent to 75,702 units in Q1 2021, meaning that Express sales significantly outpaced the segment average.
The GM Authority Take
The Chevy Express (and the GMC Savana) is an old vehicle that traces its roots to the 1990s. In fact, the duo is the oldest vehicle in the segment, and by a wide margin. They’re also the oldest GM vehicles currently in production.
We attribute the uptick in Express sales during the first quarter of 2021 to better availability, enabling dealers to satisfy fleet and commercial orders.
Though the Express and Savana continue to perform relatively well in the marketplace, their overall segment share has been slipping over the past few years. The two vans have a strong reputation for being hard-working, trustworthy and reliable. Further helping the Express (and Savana) are well-established offerings from upfitters that prepare or modify the van for various commercial-purpose duties. The accessible purchase price and low operating cost is another factor responsible for the ongoing success of the Express/Savana duo.
Additionally, the introduction of the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel LWN engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (M5U), introduced for the 2017 model year, has generated increased interest in the product. Looking ahead, the Express receives several improvements for the 2021 model year, headlined by the replacement of the archaic Vortec 6.0L V8 L96 engine (and its LC8 gaseous variant) with the new 6.6L V8 L8T motor.
As far as we know, GM plans to produce the Express and Savana in their current forms until at least 2023, as GM Authority was first to exclusively report. That timeline could be extended, if GM feels the need to do so. Meanwhile, an indirect replacement for the Express and Savana is part of GM’s electric vehicle plans and will come at least in the form of the BrightDrop EV600, and potentially in the BrightDrop ERLV.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Chevy Express sales for Q1 2020, unless noted otherwise
- In the United States, there were 74 selling days for Q1 2021 and 76 selling days for Q1 2020
- Sales numbers for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van are not available, since the Mercedes-Benz Vans division does not break out sales by model. Requests to provide the information have been continuously declined.
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Comments
The interior photo is not from the GM full size vans. Also, why are we “looking ahead” to “the 2021 model year” when it’s nearly over? Anything new for 2022?
Like they stated, gm more than likely won’t make any major changes to those vans until after 2023, just like the lifespan of the aged and Iconic C-130 Gun Ship or the B-52 Bomber that’s not expected to retire until 2040, that’s when gm will probably update these old relic vans…Lol, they’ve allowed for this design to linger for decades to the extent as to where we can keep our expectations low on any upcoming redesign , Ford will probably have a redesigned Transit again before gm makes their move.
No kidding! It’s got a shifter on the floor…GM Authority – you can do better! (lol)
I’m more than 3 times as old as the current Express and Savana vans and I still think I’m better than my younger counterparts.
I firmly believe that the future of transportation is with electrification and it will be good for our country and our planet. With all the “new” vans that are on the market, GM’s full size vans are still the best. The addition of the newly revised 6.6 L8T engine with over 400 HP and almost 500 lb. ft. Of torque, makes this “old” van one of the most reliable, versatile modes of transportation on the road today. I just wish GM would make it available with 4X4 like the do their full size trucks. The body on frame construction and the no nonsense V8 normally aspirated engine is what makes this vehicle great. Don’t fix what ain’t broke.
Add a 4×4 and a hi-top and with the class leading mpg from the baby diesel – you have something that crosses off a lot of checkboxes for me anyway.
Hey GM !
Want to sell even more vans ? Bring back the 1500 series in the Express, offer a nicer interior option than what is currently available, offer that bullet proof 4.3 V6 in the 1500 series, and update the electronics (think NAV system that’s on other GM vehicles) for greater appeal, and offer colours than available now, then you will sell even more. There is a huge base who’d like this as a replacement for the ASTRO/SAFARI vans from the past. I’d be a buyer, but don’t want a 2500 series van.
I don’t know who is buying those other ughlee vans. The Promaster only looks good from the front and it’s front-wheel drive – YUCK! Wouldn’t be caught dead in an over-priced Ford Transit. And the Nissan looks so square. Their design department should be exiled to Moscow.
I run three of these in 3500 configuration. They are bullet proof. Minimal simple maintenance.Tried and true. Leave them alone.
You are so right. I bought a used GMC 1500 way back and it went on duty delivering 6 daze a week for 10 years and never a whimper from it. Totalee reliable (body and engine). It failed me only once but it was not GMC fault. A NAPA coil failure after 6 months. The coil was replaced by me when I changed the spark plugs. Later, a friend of mine who ran a gas station told me years later NOT to buy Echlin (NAPA) parts. Too bad I knew that years earlier. 😉
Wonder what they will do in 2023. I have been waiting to see what GM will do with the Express but It will be my luck that they will change it to something like the transit. Not sure they are going to spend the money to redesign if they are going all electric.
I like the both the Express and the Savana. BTW, when these vans were first introduced, both had left side door options and also had AWD options as well. In passenger form, I would like to buy one when for when my grandkids arrive. We could all go out together.
I am just not a fan of the Ford Transit because just looking at the Ford Transit makes me ill. The Transit is and always will be ugly.
That grill is really something! Amazing that a van designed decades ago still looks better.
Just think how many more vans they would sell if their was any available? How about a few tweaks chevrolet, really 2003? I love my 3500 extended. hope to live till the new generation!