USA May 2023: Mazda (+117.2%), Acura (+112.2%), Ford F-Series (+42.7%) shine in recovering market

Ford sells over 70,000 units of the F-Series in May.

New light vehicle sales in the U.S. rise 22.8% year-on-year in May to 1,374,910 units. Keep in mind May 2022 was down -29.6% on the year prior, so we are still not back up to May 2021 levels. As far as the SAAR is concerned, it is down -6.5% on April to 15.1 million. The average daily selling rate is up from 46,169 in May 2022 to 54,481 this month. For once Passenger cars evolve similarly to the market at +22.4% while light trucks are up 23.1% but account for 79% of sales.

Among manufacturers sharing monthly data, Toyota Motor is up 6.4% while Ford Motor is up 10.5%, both trailing the market. Hyundai-Kia (+20.8%) also, with American Honda soaring 58.2%. Brand-wise, Ford (+11.8%) remains on top ahead of Toyota (+3.7%) while Honda (+53.2%) is very dynamic. Below, Mazda (+117.2%), Acura (+112.2%) and to a lesser extent Subaru (+28.2%) and Lexus (+25.1%) all outpace the market. Kia (+23.4%) is just below just as Lincoln (-14.4%) endures the only year-on-year drop of all brands unveiling monthly figures. 

As for models, the Ford F-Series (+42.7%) manages a very impressive score to end the month over 70,000 sales. For its part the Toyota RAV4 (+2.4%) is back above its archenemy the Honda CR-V (+95.4%) for just 156 units. The Toyota Camry (+12.7%) is by far the best-selling passenger car again above the Honda Accord (+80.8%) in outstanding shape, the Toyota Corolla (-31%), Honda Civic (+97.7%) and Hyundai Elantra (+101.8%). The Toyota Tacoma (+25.8%) remains solid as does the Toyota Highlander (+28.2%). Other notable progressions include the Subaru Forester (+92.5%), Mazda CX-5 (+74.2%) and Toyota Tundra (+56%).

Previous month: USA April 2023: Honda, Lexus, Acura shine, registrations up 13%

One year ago: USA May 2022: Market sinks -29.6%, Ford strong (-4.3%), Toyota bZ4x lands

May 2023 data for selected groups, brands and models below.