Ford and General Motors, the largest automakers in the US, reported a 1.1pc and 4pc increase in total sales during Q1 2021 to 521,334 units and 642,250 units, respectively, compared to the same period last year.
Ford and GM both posted 20pc increases in retail sales, though their fleet sales were subdued, which pulled down total sales.
At Ford, trucks and SUVs spurred annual growth of 5.1pc and 14.3pc, respectively, while car sales fell by 56.7pc in the quarter. The carmaker’s new electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E sold 6,614 units in a week in March. The F150 truck and Bronco SUV were Ford’s bestselling models.
GM’s president for North America, Steve Carlisle, said that the company has seen a sharp rise in automotive demand in the past few months and expects it to remain strong through the year. He added that the company is operating its truck and SUV plants at full capacity since the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado trucks were its best sellers.