GMC Savana Sales Up Seven Percent, Still Last In Segment During Q2 2023

September 27, 2023 11:18 am

GMC Savana sales increased in the United States and Canada during the second quarter of 2023.

GMC Savana Sales - Q2 2023 - United States

In the United States, GMC Savana deliveries totaled 7,269 units in Q2 2023, an increase of about 7 percent compared to 6,803 units sold in Q2 2022.

In the first six months of the year, Savana sales increased about 23 percent to 12,065 units.

MODEL	Q2 2023 / Q2 2022	Q2 2023	Q2 2022	YTD 2023 / YTD 2022	YTD 2023	YTD 2022
SAVANA	+6.85%	7,269	6,803	+23.26%	12,065	9,788

GMC Savana Sales - Q2 2023 - Canada

In Canada, GMC Savana deliveries totaled 665 units in Q2 2023, an increase of about 1 percent compared to 660 units sold in Q2 2022.

In the first six months of the year, Savana sales increased about 33 percent to 1,235 units.

MODEL	Q2 2023 / Q2 2022	Q2 2023	Q2 2022	YTD 2023 / YTD 2022	YTD 2023	YTD 2022
SAVANA	+0.76%	665	660	+32.94%	1,235	929

The Savana is sold exclusively in the U.S. and Canada. It is not sold in Mexico, where GM only sells its platform mate, the Chevrolet Express.

Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)

GMC Savana sales during the second quarter of 2023 kept it in last place, when ranked by sales volume, in the full-size van segment, which is comprised of passenger, cargo, and cutaway/chassis cab models. The Ford Transit (see running Ford Transit sales) kept the top spot, as it has since its launch, posting a 30 percent jump in sales to 32,031 units. The Ram ProMaster remained in second, like it has for at least the last two years, with a 27 percent bump to 20,200 units. The Chevy Express (see running Chevy Express sales), the Savana’s corporate twin, placed third with a 27 percent drop to 9,227 units. The Blue Oval’s second entry, the Ford E-Series (see running Ford E-Series sales), followed in fourth with a 64 percent leap to 8,735 units. Finally, the GMC Savana (see running GMC Savana sales) took up the rear with a seven percent bump to 7,269 units.

Sales Numbers - Full-Size Vans - Q2 2023 - USA

MODEL	Q2 23 / Q2 22	Q2 23	Q2 22	Q2 23 SHARE	Q2 22 SHARE	YTD 23 / YTD 22	YTD 23	YTD 22
FORD TRANSIT	+35.65%	30,287	22,327	40%	35%	+57.48%	61,134	38,820
RAM PROMASTER	+26.56%	20,200	15,961	27%	25%	+49.84%	37,894	25,289
CHEVROLET EXPRESS	-27.27%	9,227	12,687	12%	20%	-17.29%	17,822	21,547
FORD E-SERIES	+63.70%	8,735	5,336	12%	8%	+55.70%	19,520	12,537
GMC SAVANA	+6.85%	7,269	6,803	10%	11%	+23.26%	12,065	9,788
TOTAL	+19.97%	75,718	63,114			+37.46%	148,435	107,981

From a segment share standpoint, the Savana posted a nine percent share, down one percentage point. The Transit led with a commanding 41 percent segment share, up three percentage points year-over-year, while the ProMaster held a 26 percent share, up two percentage points. The Express posted a 12 percent share, down seven percentage points, followed by the E-Series with an 11 percent share, up three percentage points.

Combined sales of the two GM vans, the Chevy Express and GMC Savana, totaled 16,496 units for a 21 percent segment share, putting The General in third (last) place overall, behind Ram and Ford.

Sales Numbers - GM Vans - Q2 2023 - USA

MODEL	Q2 23 / Q2 22	Q2 23	Q2 22	YTD 23 / YTD 22	YTD 23	YTD 22
CHEVROLET EXPRESS	-27.27%	9,227	12,687	-17.29%	17,822	21,547
GMC SAVANA	+6.85%	7,269	6,803	+23.26%	12,065	9,788
TOTAL	-15.36%	16,496	19,490	-4.62%	29,887	31,335

Meanwhile, combined sales of the two Ford models, the Transit and E-Series, totaled 40,766 units to give The Blue Oval a dominating 52 percent segment share.

Sales Numbers - Ford Vans - Q2 2023 - USA

MODEL	Q2 23 / Q2 22	Q2 23	Q2 22	YTD 23 / YTD 22	YTD 23	YTD 22
FORD TRANSIT	+35.65%	30,287	22,327	+57.48%	61,134	38,820
FORD E-SERIES	+63.70%	8,735	5,336	+55.70%	19,520	12,537
TOTAL	+41.06%	39,022	27,663	+57.05%	80,654	51,357

The full-size van segment grew 18 percent to 77,462 units in Q2 2023, meaning Savana sales underperformed the segment average.

The GM Authority Take

Although sales of the GMC Savana again fared far better than those of the Chevy Express (when it comes to percent change), the results weren’t enough to move Big Red’s offering out of last place in its segment. We continue to posit that the skewed results in favor of the Savana over those of the Express were caused by GM prioritizing production of the GMC over the Chevy, likely due to a large fleet order.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Savana (and Express) is an old vehicle that traces its roots to the 1990s, with the duo remaining the oldest models in their segment by a wide margin. They’re also the oldest GM vehicles currently in production.

About GMC Savana

The 2023 GMC Savana represents the 20^th model year of the nameplate. For the 2023 model year, the Savana and Express continued with minimal changes, although both dropped the optional 2.8L I4 LWN turbo-diesel Duramax engine.

The 2024 GMC Savana arrives with two new transmissions being the only changes for the Passenger Van, Cargo Van and Cutaway configurations. However, the 2024 GMC Savana cargo van drops the naturally aspirated 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine, with the atmospheric 4.3L V6 LV1 gasoline engine the only remaining powerplant offered on that model. Additionally, 2024 GMC Savana infotainment system upgrades are no longer available, leaving the 2024 Savana with only a single infotainment option, namely the base audio system consisting of the AM/FM stereo with MP3 player. That system includes an auxiliary jack and two front-door speakers.

While GM was planning to discontinue the Express and Savana after 2025, GM may now have plans to redesign the Chevy Express for the 2027 model year, keeping the ICE powertrain. However, we know of no such plans for the GMC Savana. Additionally, all-electric replacements are rumored for a 2026 debut.

Even while GMC retires its entry in the full-size van segment, a much overdue updated model from Chevy may help sales for GM, which continues to struggle in this space. However, looking beyond that, the future of the all-electric full-size van landscape is little more than rumor at this point.