Carmakers reported healthy sales in May as buyers continued to sign for new vehicles ahead of price Increases promised when the Trump tariffs take hold.
Ford sales rose 16.3%, led in part by the F-150 and its 14.9% jump.
With Ford Motor Co. posting a double-digit sales increase, monthly sales reports for May show consumers continue to make purchases ahead of the price hikes anticipated under tariffs planned by the Trump administration.
South Korean carmakers posted solid sales results for May, according to the latest sales reports, with Genesis posting a double-digit increase.
Japanese carmakers also reported healthy sales numbers with Toyota, Honda and Subaru all posting sales increases.
Ford leads the way
Ford, aided by promotional pricing during the month and an increase in sales for its hybrid vehicles and Ranger pickup truck, saw sales jump 16.3% in May to 220,959 units.
Ford utility vehicles enjoyed strong results last month, rising 25%.
Hybrids remain the most popular Ford vehicles with sales surging 28.9% in May, followed by a 17.2% increase in vehicles with an internal combustion engine, both of which offset a 25% drop in EV sales.
Sales of Ford’s utility vehicles increased by 25%, followed by an 11.2% increase in truck sales. Car sales fell 3.2%.
The popular F-150 pickup truck posted a 14.9% sales increase, but the electric version saw sales drop 41.7%. Sales for the Ford Ranger were up 34.4%.
More Industry News
- Trump Gives Some Tariff Relief to Automakers
- GM Reports Q1 Earnings
- Automakers Find Ways to Offset Tariffs
Toyota, Honda, Subaru healthy
Toyota Motor North America reported a 10.9% sales increase for the month of May on a volume basis as its sales of electrified vehicles jumped 35%.
Toyota brand sales rose 7.3% while Toyota Motor North America saw an overall jump of 10.9%.
Sales of the Toyota brand increased by 12.3% while the Lexus brand rose 2.4%. When sales results are computed on the daily sales rate, Lexus sales dipped 1.4%, and Toyota brand sales grew 8.2%.
The Honda brand totaled 122,743 in May sales, up 7.3% over May 2024 and 8.3% YTD, with passenger cars and light trucks posting strong sales, and electrified models achieving a new May record. Acura brand sales totaled 12,689 units in May, powered by a strong performance of the all-new Acura ADX premium SUV.
Korean brands continue rise
South Korean manufacturers also enjoyed a month as Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia all reported sales increases for the month.
Genesis products like the G70 have been gaining momentum.
Genesis reported the biggest gain, reporting a 14% increase. Hyundai, the largest of the South Korean brands said its sales increased 8%.
“Retail sales held steady this month, and that consistency reflects the strength of our lineup, and the trust customers continue to place in the Hyundai brand,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. “
The delivery of our first Ioniq 9 marks a powerful step forward in Hyundai’s EV journey at our Georgia Metaplant. We’re not just meeting demand; we’re shaping the future of electrification in the U.S.”
Kia America delivered 79,007 total units in May — up 5 % over the same period last year — and extended a streak of consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth to eight. Retail sales at Kia dealerships increased by 8% over May 2024 and are up 15% year-to-date, reinforcing the company’s continuous growth trajectory in the marketplace.
Kia sales rose 5% in May, extending its streak of increases to eight months.
Tariff uncertainty an issue
Trump’s tariff policy remains unclear as negotiations continue with the European union, and the lack of clarity has helped bolster sales of new vehicles throughout the first part of 2025 as consumers move to avoid future price hikes, according to analysts.
An increase in tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, the basic materials used in manufacturing parts for new cars and trucks, is scheduled to go into effect this week and is likely to have a bound to have impact on the cost of new vehicles. observers have noted.
The economic uncertainty created by Trump’s policies have unsettled the bond market, leaving interest rates on new car loans at relatively high levels.
I can’t understand why Ford isn’t killing GM in sales. They have gas, EV, and plug-in hybrids. Only thing missing is small cars (any cars!).