This chart tells it all.

The 25 Best-Selling Cars Of 2009 | The Truth About Cars

Note that for the first time I can remember, the Silverado and Sierra combined did not total more than the Ford.

Jim

 

Well maybe my math isn't so good but here goes:
F-series total = 413625
Silverado tot = 316544
Sierra total = 111842

for a total of 428386 for the gms

Not that it really matters just trying to figure your math!!

 

You are right.

I added up the December numbers, not 2009 totals.

12144 Sierra
33301 Silverado
------
45445 GM Full Size

48209 F-Series

 

crazy how gm sells so many ... definetely bottom of my list!!

 

I'm sure that Ford being solvent has an influence here. Who wants to buy something that might end up being an orphan, especially in light of a possible need for a recall? Some folks don't care about these considerations, but my guess is that these figures indicate that some others do -- a sizable number, in fact.

If I was in the market for a new truck, my view on GM's viability would also be based on their management. In my career, for various reasons, I very much disliked Ed Whitacre, but I do have to admit that even from the early 90s, when he began to lead Southwestern Bell on its successful business path, that he was a shrewd businessman.

What does Whitacre know about cars? Nothing, but apparently more than Wagoner managed to learn in 30 years, and apparently more than Wagoner's predecessors learned.

For all of their plusses and minuses in business (how about those Lions?), I have to credit the Ford family for bringing in Mullaly from the "outside" and bring a different business approach to the Ford Motor Company.

For whatever value the viability of the manufacturer has in choosing a new truck, Ford is obviously in the forefront of American manufacturers, and maybe even Toyota and Nissan as well. Nissan's partnership with the French makes sense and has promise, but I think that the Ford direction still is at the top.

Thanks for posting the figures! Very interesting.

 

Heathk is your For total wrong? You have 413625. Jimandmandy has 48209? Just wondering. thats the first time I have seen Ford beat Chevy and GMC combined!!! Cool!

 

Please reread the numbers your math is wrong GM twins did infact outsell the Ford by 14,761. It makes sense GM did have there worst year ever in there 100 year history. Those numbers look scary low for everyone, god I hope 2010 is better.

 

Of course they look low, because buying a new truck unless you need one to survive is not an efficient use of money.

The old business model relied on people gobbling up toys for the fun of it, spending money they didn't have, and counting on a national economy based on excess consumption to keep them funded. Reality spanked that idea pretty hard.

 

Actually, much of the pickup market has always been and still is businesses. Of course profit is much greater on the "toy" trucks with leather interiors, etc. I've always bought the XL or Work model anyway for my personal use so I can get it dirty inside and out and not worry about it. Why cover up carpeting with rubber mats to protect it from snow when you can just get rubber floors to begin with?

With construction in the crapper, the truck market is depressed. Im surprised trucks did as well as they did compared to passenger cars in 2009.

Jim