For the better part of 2012, it seemed like non-stop party time in the sales departments of all the major automakers, and for truck sales especially. While June sales were a solid performance, the full-throttle year-over-year gains seem to be cooling, with percentage gains dropping compared to May, and overall unit sales dropping off from May's totals, Ford's preeminent F-Series notwithstanding.
The biggest percentage gainer was the Honda Ridgeline, with sales up a huge 101.9 percent over June 2011, but the overall total of 1185 units still barely enough to move the truck sales seismometer. That total did put it ahead of both the Ford Ranger, which despite being discontinued for the better part of a year, still managed to move 916 units still remaining on lots, and the GMC Canyon, which sold 880 for the month.
1. Ford F-Series – 55,025, Up 10.9 Percent
The F-Series' year-over-year June percentage gain dropped to 10.9 percent from May's 29.3 percent, but overall unit sales still managed to top May's total by 189 units. March 2012 was still the record-setter for the year for the
F-Series, with 58,061 units sold.
2. Chevrolet Silverado – 33,566, Up 3.0 Percent
The Silverado's sales pace cooled off considerably from May's year-over-year increase, going from 21.6 to 3 percent. However, overall unit volume was respectable, falling just 989 units short of May.
3. Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 – 23,951, Up 12 Percent
Ram showed a double-digit year-over-year June gain, but not like May's 29 percent. Monthly unit sales for June were off 2089 from May, but were up 2825 units over April 2012. A thorough
refresh of the Ram 1500 is coming in the fall, so we may see a sales surge in the fourth quarter.
4. GMC Sierra – 12,479, Up 0.8 Percent
The Sierra's modest 0.8 percent year-over-year June gain stands in stark contrast to its 22.7 percent increase for May. Overall unit sales are also down 717 from May.
5. Toyota Tacoma – 11,864, Up 45.9 Percent
The Tacoma's year-over-year percentage gain for June is nearly double what it was in May, but unit sales are down 432 units from May. Regardless, the Tacoma remains the best-selling midsize truck by a considerable margin, outselling the Nissan Frontier by more than two-to-one for the month.
6. Toyota Tundra – 8693, Up 31.4 Percent
The Tundra's 31.4 percent year-over-year gain for June is respectable on its own, but can't compare to the 103.5 percent increase seen in May. Sales for the month are down a scant 72 units compared to May.
7. Nissan Frontier – 5651, Up 27.6 Percent
Although no direct threat to its closest rival, the Toyota Tacoma, in overall sales, June proved to be a good month for the Frontier, with sales up on both a year-over-year percentage basis, as well as up slightly month-to-month. June's total came out 171 units above May's performance.
8. Chevrolet Colorado – 4124, Up 37.0 Percent
June was a solid month for the Colorado from both a year-over-year, and total units sold standpoint. Its June total topped May's by 346 units.
9. Nissan Titan – 2332, Up 41.6 Percent
The Titan's year-over-year gain for June is roughly half that of May's 86.7 percentage gain, but overall unit sales for the month are up by 166. The almost decade-old design looks increasingly dated next to newer, more efficient rivals, but the Titan still has its fans.
10. Honda Ridgeline – 1185, Up 101.9 Percent
Honda's unconventional pickup entry nearly doubled its sales compared to June 2011, but fell a scant 14 units short of May's total. Despite many media critics and analysts openly questioning the reasoning for the Ridgeline's existence, Honda remains committed to its segment-busting pickup…for now.
11. Ford Ranger – 916, Down 85.9 Percent
For fans of Ford's smaller pickup, the Ranger's prolonged, steady decline is a sad one, with leftover 2011 models slowly rolling off dealer lots, not to be replaced anytime soon. The Ranger's double-digit downward percentage trajectory continues, with year-over-year June sales off a steep 85.9 percent.
12. GMC Canyon – 880, Up 19.1 Percent
Although always a niche player relative to its more popular Colorado brother, it's only a matter of time before Canyon sales surpass the dwindling Ford Ranger. As is the case with the smaller players in this segment, small unit volumes can equate to big percentage moves. Its year-to-year June percentage gain is less than one-third of its 60.8 percent gain for May, but unit sales were down by only 30 units compared to last month.