The rivalry between Ford Motor Company and General Motors (GM) in the U.S. automotive market raises an important question does Ford outsell GM? This question touches on brand strength, vehicle portfolios, market trends, and strategic choices in a changing auto sector. To answer it, one must look closely at annual sales numbers, segment performance, and the broader context of electrification and consumer behaviour. While Ford and GM both achieved strong results in recent years, the data shows that GM maintains a lead in overall volume, though Ford has notable areas of strength.
Annual U.S. Vehicle Sales Comparison
Reviewing the fullyear U.S. sales figures for both automakers gives a clear indication of where each stands. In 2024, the U.S. market recovery facilitated improved volumes for legacy automakers, yet the relative positions of Ford and GM remained distinct.
GM’s 2024 Results
GM reported selling approximately **2.70 million vehicles** in the U.S. in 2024, marking a 4.3% yearonyear increase and the highest annual total for the company since 2019. contentReference[oaicite2] The company estimated a U.S. market share of around 16.5% for the year. contentReference[oaicite3]
Ford’s 2024 Results
By comparison, Ford reported about **2.08 million vehicles** sold in the U.S. in 2024, up roughly 4.2% from 2023. contentReference[oaicite4] Although this represented growth, it remained below GM’s total volume.
Does Ford Outsell GM?
Based on the available data, the straightforward answer is no Ford does not outsell GM in terms of overall U.S. vehicle volume. GM retains the lead in total units sold. However, the story is more nuanced when you examine specific segments, growth rates, and strategic priorities.
Volume Comparison
- GM ~2.70 million vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024. contentReference[oaicite5]
- Ford ~2.08 million vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024. contentReference[oaicite6]
The gap of around 600,000 units indicates GM held a stronger volume position in that year.
Segment and Brand Considerations
Even though Ford trails GM in total units, Ford has made gains in certain segments such as electrified vehicles (hybrids, plugin hybrids and EVs) and strong performance in select truck markets. Meanwhile, GM has cornered the lead in fullsize trucks and maintained broad brand diversification across Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac.
Key Drivers Behind the Numbers
Understanding why these differences exist requires a look at the strategic and market factors driving Ford and GM performance.
Vehicle Portfolio and Brand Mix
GM benefits from a diversified brand portfolio with multiple distinct marques, which allows it to appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers. In contrast, Ford is more focused on its core Ford and Lincoln brands. This diversification gives GM an edge in capturing more segments and thus higher volume.
Electrification and Growth Areas
Ford’s growth momentum in electrified vehicles is notable. The company reported selling **285,291 electrified vehicles** in the U.S. in 2024 (hybrids, PHEVs and full EVs), up 38% yearonyear and reportedly exceeding GM’s comparable figure. contentReference[oaicite7] Meanwhile, GM announced strong increases in EV sales but still trails broad electrified volume compared to Ford in certain counts.
Trucks and FullSize Vehicle Leadership
In the crucial fullsize truck segment, which is a high margin and volumesensitive market, GM’s fullsize truck sales in 2024 reached nearly **884,998 units**, while Ford’s FSeries combined with the F150 Lightning reached about **765,649 units**. contentReference[oaicite8] This performance highlights GM’s strength in a key segment where Ford has traditionally been dominant for decades.
Regional and MarketSpecific Factors
Beyond total U.S. sales, regional market dynamics and market share shifts also play a role in the Ford vs GM competition.
Dealer Networks and Brand Loyalty
Both companies benefit from extensive dealer networks and loyal customer bases, but GM’s broader brand lineup allows for nuanced segmentation. Ford’s narrower focus may offer depth in select models (such as trucks and SUVs) but less breadth overall.
Pricing, Incentives and Inventory
Market conditions such as inventory levels, interest rates, and incentives affected both automakers in 2024. While both reported growth, analysis suggests that incentives may have been more significant in certain segments. contentReference[oaicite9] Ford’s price structure, especially in electrified vehicle categories, is still evolving compared to GM’s longstanding dominance in large trucks and traditional vehicles.
Implications for Future Competition
The fact that Ford does not currently outsell GM overall does not mean Ford is losing. It signals that Ford’s strategy is more selectively designed, while GM leverages volume, segmentation and diversification. What matters going forward is how each company adapts to electrification, supply chain shifts, and changing consumer preferences.
Ford’s Opportunities
Ford has several promising areas growth in electrified vehicles, strong truck and SUV lineup, and potential to leverage new models and technologies. At the same time, improving production scale, global presence and margin management remain critical.
GM’s Challenges and Strengths
GM’s strengths include breadth of brands, strong pickup and SUV sales, and a large volume base. Challenges include navigating the transition to electric vehicles, maintaining profitability as volumes shift, and adapting to global supply chain pressures.
In summary, Ford does not outsell GM in terms of total U.S. vehicle sales in the latest fullyear data; GM leads with approximately 2.70 million units sold in 2024 compared to Ford’s 2.08 million. However, the story is not just about the numbers. Ford has built momentum in key strategic areas such as electrified vehicles and continues to maintain a strong profile in trucks and SUVs. GM’s broader brand portfolio and volume advantage give it an edge in total sales, particularly in segments like fullsize trucks. For consumers, investors and industry watchers, the question does Ford outsell GM is best answered by understanding both volume data and strategic context. As both automakers evolve, future years may yet shift the balance but for 2024, GM holds the volume lead while Ford remains competitive and increasingly focused on growth niches.