General Motors closed 2025 with higher overall U.S. vehicle sales, even as late-year demand softened across much of the American auto market.
The Detroit-based automaker reported a 5.5% increase in full-year U.S. sales, despite a notable decline during the final quarter of the year.
Fourth-quarter deliveries fell 6.9%, reflecting broader industry pressures tied to affordability concerns, interest rates, and shifting consumer priorities.
EV growth and SUV demand drive annual gains
GM’s annual performance was supported by continued momentum in electric vehicles, alongside steady demand for large SUVs and lower-priced entry-level models.
Vehicles such as the Buick Envista played a meaningful role in attracting cost-conscious buyers seeking newer features at more accessible price points.
Electric vehicle sales climbed sharply over the year, helping offset weaker volumes in certain traditional combustion-engine segments.
Industry analysts had anticipated a modest recovery across the U.S. auto sector, with overall sales expected to rise roughly 2% to 16.3 million units.
Against that backdrop, General Motors‘ results positioned the company among the strongest performers in the domestic market.
Competitive landscape shows mixed outcomes
Several rival automakers also recorded annual sales gains, highlighting uneven but improving conditions across the industry.
Toyota posted an 8% increase in U.S. sales, while Hyundai and Kia each achieved record results for a third consecutive year.
Honda reported a modest 0.5% gain, underscoring stability rather than rapid growth.
By contrast, Stellantis saw U.S. sales fall 3.3% as the company worked through a broader turnaround strategy.
Within Stellantis, Jeep stood out by posting its first annual U.S. sales increase since 2018, albeit by less than 1%.
Stellantis cites early signs of progress
Stellantis executives pointed to recent momentum as evidence that restructuring efforts are beginning to take effect.
“With consecutive quarterly sales increases and market share growth, it’s clear that we are taking the right steps to reset our business in the U.S.,” Jeff Kommor, head of Stellantis U.S. retail sales, said in a release.
“There is still work to do, but we made progress this year with a diversified powertrain lineup.”
The company’s comments reflect cautious optimism rather than a full recovery, as pricing pressures remain elevated across the sector.
GM retains U.S. sales leadership
Despite increased competition, GM maintained its long-held position as the largest vehicle seller in the United States.
The company delivered more than 2.85 million vehicles domestically in 2025, including roughly 703,000 units during the fourth quarter.
Toyota followed with approximately 2.52 million U.S. sales, remaining GM’s closest challenger.
GM has held the top U.S. sales spot for decades, aside from a single year when supply chain disruptions altered market dynamics.
Market share and EV positioning strengthen
Beyond volume leadership, GM reported gains in market share, which rose by half a percentage point to 17%.
Electric vehicle sales jumped 48% year over year, making GM the second-largest EV seller in the U.S. behind Tesla.
“Demand for our brands and products is strong at every price point, and we are well-positioned to build on this momentum in the year ahead,” GM President of North America Duncan Aldred said in a statement.
The automaker enters 2026 facing ongoing affordability challenges but with a broader portfolio than at any point in its recent history.
