General Motors is changing the way in which dealers order the Chevy Trax and Chevy Trailblazer for the 2022 calendar year. GM Authority has learned from sources familiar with the matter that the auto giant will move from a regular “consensus” model to a “port consensus” model.
To properly explain the difference, let’s first explain the way in which dealers typically order vehicles. Normally, dealers order vehicles for inventory via the regular “consensus” process, wherein dealers request which vehicles they would like from the factory, done at regular intervals (or order cycles, aka DOSP). The system would include recommendations from GM based on market conditions, both locally and nationally, although the dealer was able to make changes to the ultimate selection. From there, GM could fulfill that request, or modify it slightly, depending on a myriad of factors like constraints and availability. After a consensus between dealers and GM was reached, the requested vehicles were produced and delivered to dealers. Note that this allocation model applies to vehicle inventory, and is therefore different from sold retail orders, which are treated differently.
What’s different now is that dealers will need to navigate the “port consensus” order method for the Chevy Trax and Chevy Trailblazer. Compared to the standard consensus model, port consensus involves General Motors building the vehicles that it thinks are needed or the vehicles that it is able to build within the confines of constraints before shipping them to port. Once vehicles arrive at port, dealers can then pick and choose which models they desire for their inventories. This, of course, stands in stark contrast to the typical “consensus” approach, in which dealers have more say in which models are built and, therefore, which models they receive prior to the models’ production.
As it stands, dealers will need to follow the port consensus process to receive new inventory of the Chevy Trax and Chevy Trailblazer for the rest of the 2022 calendar year.
It’s unclear at this time exactly why GM has shifted to a port consensus order model for the Chevy Trax and Chevy Trailblazer, but there could be a few reasons. First, the ongoing supply chain disruptions and shortages may be constraining which models GM can build. Another possibility is that these vehicles are selling so fast that GM needs to speed up the order process, especially given the lengthy shipping times required for the Chevy Trax and Trailblazer, both of which are produced in South Korea.
In addition, the Trax and Trailblazer are good candidates for this model given that customers are less likely to be very particular when it comes to customization and options compared to those who opt for such vehicles as the Corvette C8 or Camaro. What’s more, option lists for both crossover models have been reduced, with the Chevy Trax no longer offering the Premier trim level starting with the 2021 model year, while the Chevy Trailblazer no longer offering the L trim level as of the 2022 model year.
Sales Numbers - Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - 2021 - USA
| MODEL | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 | YTD 21 SHARE | YTD 20 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONDA HR-V | +63.15% | 137,090 | 84,027 | 13% | 9% |
| CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER | +162.92% | 90,161 | 34,292 | 9% | 4% |
| HYUNDAI KONA | +18.12% | 90,069 | 76,253 | 9% | 8% |
| NISSAN KICKS | +40.95% | 82,960 | 58,858 | 8% | 6% |
| JEEP COMPASS | -29.94% | 75,642 | 107,969 | 7% | 11% |
| KIA SOUL | +4.54% | 75,126 | 71,862 | 7% | 8% |
| BUICK ENCORE GX | +58.89% | 71,247 | 44,841 | 7% | 5% |
| MAZDA CX-30 | +58.12% | 60,185 | 38,064 | 6% | 4% |
| KIA SELTOS | +10.99% | 51,368 | 46,280 | 5% | 5% |
| JEEP RENEGADE | -25.00% | 47,137 | 62,847 | 5% | 7% |
| CHEVROLET TRAX | -59.93% | 42,590 | 106,299 | 4% | 11% |
| FORD ECOSPORT | -32.84% | 40,659 | 60,545 | 4% | 6% |
| TOYOTA C-HR | -16.84% | 35,707 | 42,936 | 3% | 5% |
| MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT | +18.66% | 34,216 | 28,836 | 3% | 3% |
| VOLKSWAGEN TAOS | * | 31,682 | 0 | 3% | 0% |
| HYUNDAI VENUE | +49.82% | 28,653 | 19,125 | 3% | 2% |
| KIA NIRO | +50.24% | 26,192 | 17,434 | 3% | 2% |
| BUICK ENCORE | -51.93% | 20,072 | 41,752 | 2% | 4% |
| MAZDA CX-3 | -38.81% | 5,100 | 8,335 | 0% | 1% |
| FIAT 500X | -18.16% | 1,181 | 1,443 | 0% | 0% |
| TOTAL | +9.98% | 1,047,037 | 951,998 |
Both the Trailblazer and Trax have become some of the most dominant players in the mainstream subcompact crossover segment, accounting for cumulative 132,751 sales during the 2021 calendar year in the U.S. That sales volume represents 13 percent of the highly-competitive and fast-growing segment.
Sales Numbers - Chevy Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - 2021 - USA
| MODEL | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER | +162.92% | 90,161 | 34,292 |
| CHEVROLET TRAX | -59.93% | 42,590 | 106,299 |
| TOTAL | -5.58% | 132,751 | 140,591 |
Together with their respective Buick Encore and Encore GX platform mates, the Trax and Trailblazer recorded 224,070 deliveries in 2021 for a 21.4 percent share of the segment.
Sales Numbers - GM Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - 2021 - USA
| MODEL | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET TRAX | -59.93% | 42,590 | 106,299 |
| CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER | +162.92% | 90,161 | 34,292 |
| BUICK ENCORE | -51.93% | 20,072 | 41,752 |
| BUICK ENCORE GX | +58.89% | 71,247 | 44,841 |
| TOTAL | -1.37% | 224,070 | 227,184 |
We’ll keep an eye on this development and report back as soon as we know more, but in the meantime, make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Trax news, Chevy Trailblazer news, Chevy news, GM production news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Whatever. I hope it works out for them anyway.
I’ve been searching for a Trailblazer in one of the upgraded paint colors for months. My dealers said even if I order they have no idea when it might arrive and I’d pay whatever offers are (unknowingly) available at that time. This is the most ridiculous thing ever. At least give me the current offer (0%) if I’m willing to wait months for my vehicle!
This article now makes it sound like getting the vehicle I want (RS Iridescent White Pearl) is somehow going to be even more difficult?! Please tell me I’m wrong.
No, you’re not wrong. Dealers, while they may be able to pick what trim levels they want, can’t pick the color(s)….. #HappyHunting
I ordered a RS Iridescent Pearl in November 2021. It is now February 2021 and the order has still not been accepted by GM. So my “2-3 month wait time” has now doubled.
That ordering/wait it CRAZY. Thank you for sharing with your experience- so I know it’s just not me or my area. After 5 years of waiting for a vehicle I actually want, I cannot get it. Whatever GM’s process is, it’s definitely not working!
Bought one in July 2021. My brand new Trailblazer has been sitting in a repair shop for 5 months. GM is all about selling not repairing any new vehicles. Need to make money for share holders. If you buy one, and something goes wrong, you are out of luck.
Gm is digging up the 1970s Chrysler sales bank.
My dad worked at Chrysler for roughly 30 years, so I definitely understand that reference!
So you want an Oasis Blue RS AWD? Too bad, “You’ll get a Zeus Bronze Metallic Activ FWD and lIke it!”
So I just put money down on a 2022 LT. Dealer said it was in Maryland. Hope it don’t take long to get to ohio
12+ weeks into my 2022 Trailblazer RS order and nothing from port consensus. If the dealer doesn’t get it this weekend, I’m moving on to a Hyundai Tucson with a similar build. If that doesn’t work deal wise, I’ll try a Subaru Crosstrek or Forester. I don’t want to miss out on the incredible trade in value of my Trax.