GMC Crossovers Set Records

The ascendancy of the GMC crossover continues. In September, the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain combined to post company’s best total and retail crossover sales ever. Individual customers purchased 13 percent more Terrains year-over-year, while sales to individual customers of the three-row Acadia went up 22 percent over the same period.

As recently as the 2006 model year, GMC was strictly a line of trucks, SUVs, and vans. Then, in 2007, the brand entered the crossover market with the introduction of the Acadia. With a capacity of up to eight adults and best-in-class cargo space, the all-new vehicle debuted to very positive reviews. Optional features like all wheel drive, power lift gate, and a towing package further expanded its audience.

A few years later, GMC expanded its commitment to the crossover segment with the addition of the smaller two-row Terrain. Today the Terrain is rated a best-in-class 32 mpg on the highway. Now, the upscale Denali versions of each crossover further propel sales for GMC. The Terrain Denali was just introduced in August and it already represents about 20% of Terrain sales. The Denali version is equipped with a 301 hp V-6.

From just 2007 to the present, crossover sales have soared to the point that they represent 43% of all GMC sales. Brian Sweeney, vice president of GMC Sales and Service, asserts, “Crossovers continue to play an ever-more important role for GMC as more customers look for space-efficient, yet capable vehicles. With Terrain and Acadia, we cover a wide range of needs and wants in terms of seat count, versatility, advanced technology and available equipment.”

This success has helped to lift the entire brand. If present sales trends continue, GMC will have its best year since 2007. Year-over-year retail sales in September were up one percent for GMC, while total sales are unchanged.

GMC began to build trucks in 1902. For many years, the Sierra full-size pick up has represented much of GMCs identity, followed by the large Yukon SUVs. In September, year-over-year sales of the popular Sierra half ton remained fairly steady, down 2 percent. GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 retail sales were down 1 percent for the same period. The Sierra HD pick ups continue to be some of the most powerful and capable in the market.

In addition to the many innovations present in the Terrain and Acadia lines, GMC also has committed to the use of hybrid gas-electric technology in large pick ups and SUVs. In offering hybrid Yukons, Yukon Denalis, and Sierras, GMC has emerged as the brand with the most available large hybrid vehicles.

From the 32 mpg Terrain to the big hybrids, GMC continues to forge an impressive partnership between fuel efficiency and performance.