Japanese carmaker Toyota will replace general motors as the best-selling carmaker in the United States in 2021. Before that, GM maintained this honorary title for nearly a century, which is another sign that American carmakers have lost their dominant position in the Chinese market.
In 2005, Toyota ranked fourth in U.S. sales, while GM, Ford and then Daimler Chrysler ranked in the top three. At that time, the car sales of these three companies accounted for 57% of the U.S. market sales. However, in the first nine months of 2021, GM, Ford and European carmaker stellantis, which owns Chrysler, have a combined U.S. market share of only 38%. Even with Tesla, the market share of American carmakers is only slightly higher than 40%.
Both Toyota and GM will announce year-end sales results on Tuesday, Eastern time. In the first nine months of this year, GM's car sales have lagged behind Toyota, and its fourth quarter performance estimates have failed to catch up. The market expects the sales of both companies to decline sharply in the fourth quarter.
GM's sales fell slightly behind Toyota in the second quarter and far behind Toyota in the third quarter. Some auto consulting companies expect Toyota's sales to fall by 31% in the fourth quarter, while GM's sales are expected to fall by 46%.
Jessica Caldwell, executive director of Edmunds industry insight, said: "I don't think Toyota will maintain its leading position. Over the years, they haven't done anything magical or changed like GM. Toyota just has more sales channels and more brands."
GM also hinted that it is expected to return to industry leadership soon.
The company said, "factors such as chip shortage have caused a series of unprecedented difficulties in 2021. However, GM has expanded its leading edge in the field of full-size pickup and SUV. From 2022, we will gradually improve the supply chain. With the launch of new pickup including electric vehicles and redesigned pickup, we should achieve growth in 2022."
Caldwell said that GM's prospects seem brighter than its current difficulties. It has made a big bet on electric vehicles, and Toyota is also trying to promote its own electric vehicle plan.
"If electric vehicles and autopilot cars are the trend in the future, GM will have a pretty good future in the future," she said.
(Financial Associated Press)
