The sales of SUVs, pickups, and crossovers were more resilient for most automakers but the passenger-car sales are plunging.
According to USA Today, this proves that the American preferences have already shifted toward larger vehicles despite the low gasoline prices and fuel economy improvements. As expected, the shift undeniably had a significant effect on the mix of sales at the major automakers. One scenario that can demonstrate this was almost two-thirds of vehicles sold in October by Toyota, which are pickups, crossovers, and SUVs.
At the moment, the Japanese automaker known for iconic sedan has increased to become a truck and SUV brand in the US. This is no surprise when in fact; the other automakers have chosen to be one. It can be recalled Ford has recently announced discontinuing most of its passenger cars, as well as the Fiat Chrysler.
However, at least one car bucks the trend and it is the number one on the hottest vehicles' list too in the U.S. last October. For the assurance of many, the list that will be revealed is not based purely on volume. Ford F-series pickup would always be in the No. 1 spot if it did. This was since it is the perennial best-seller of the industry.
1. Tesla Model 3
It is undeniable Tesla Model 3 has given negative impact in the automaking industry. Tesla reportedly sold over 55,840 Model 3 cars during the third quarter. This covered the months of July, August, and September. Unfortunately, the company does not report sales on a monthly basis.
Tesla only had three models for sale but these outsold luxury rival Mercedes-Benz during the third quarter in the U.S. Moreover, the company CEO Elon Musk said the Model 3 electric sedan has become the third-best-selling car in the United States during that period.
2. Toyota Highlander
The pivot of Toyota from passenger cars to SUVs and pickups were definitely striking for a brand that capitalized on the American lack of small cars in the auto industry in the past. However, this is a sign of the adaptability of Toyota after nearly two out of three vehicles sold to Americans in October were crossovers, pickups, and SUVs.
3. Toyota Tacoma
While the auto industry waits for its fierce competitor's arrival, the midsize pickup racks up sales: the comeback of the long-gone Ford Ranger. Tacoma's sales rose to over 24.9 percent in October to 20,534 units. Of course, this was no coincident as the Tacoma is up 25.3 percent this year.
The earlier mentioned source said the list is based on a subjective but analytical assessment of the buzz, momentum, and sales volume.
