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Ford Transit Sales Continue To Dominate Segment During Q1 2021

By Francisco Cruz

June 30, 2021 3:18 pm

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Ford Transit sales decreased in the United States while increasing in Canada, Mexico, and Argentina during the first quarter of 2021.

Ford Transit Sales - Q1 2021 - United States

In the United States, Ford Transit deliveries totaled 27,451 units in Q1 2021, a decrease of about 25 percent compared to 36,836 units sold in Q1 2020.
MODEL Q1 2021 / Q1 2020 Q1 2021 Q1 2020
TRANSIT -25.48% 27,451 36,836

Ford Transit Sales - Q1 2021 - Canada

In Canada, Ford Transit deliveries totaled 4,311 units in Q1 2021, an increase of about 46 percent compared to 2,962 units sold in Q1 2020.
MODEL Q1 2021 / Q1 2020 Q1 2021 Q1 2020
TRANSIT +45.54% 4,311 2,962

Ford Transit Sales - Q1 2021 - Mexico

In Mexico, Ford Transit deliveries totaled 1,432 units in Q1 2021, an increase of about 27 percent compared to 1,131 units sold in Q1 2020.
MODEL Q1 2021 / Q1 2020 Q1 2021 Q1 2020
TRANSIT +26.61% 1,432 1,131

Ford Transit Sales - Q1 2021 - Argentina

In Argentina, Ford Transit deliveries totaled 253 units in Q1 2021, an increase of about 416 percent compared to 49 units sold in Q1 2020.
MODEL Q1 2021 / Q1 2020 Q1 2021 Q1 2020
TRANSIT +416.33% 253 49

Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)

Despite the nearly 26 percent decrease in Ford Transit sales, the van range maintained its leadership position in its segment by sales volume during Q1 2021. The Transit outsold all other rivals including the Chevrolet Express (see running Chevy Express sales), Ram ProMaster, Ford E-Series (see running Ford E-Series sales), GMC Savana (see running GMC Savana sales), and lastly, the Nissan NV.

From a segment share standpoint, the Transit accounted for 36 percent, while the Express saw 22 percent, Ram ProMaster and Ford E-Series accounted for 14 percent each, and the GMC Savana and Nissan NV held 8 and 5 percent each, respectively.

Sales Numbers - Full-Size Vans - Q1 2021 - United States

MODEL Q1 21 / Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 20 Q1 21 SHARE Q1 20 SHARE
FORD TRANSIT -25.48% 27,451 36,836 36% 47%
CHEVROLET EXPRESS +26.81% 16,877 13,309 22% 17%
RAM PROMASTER +13.51% 10,880 9,585 14% 12%
FORD E-SERIES +4.70% 10,573 10,098 14% 13%
GMC SAVANA +39.81% 5,847 4,182 8% 5%
NISSAN NV +9.28% 4,074 3,728 5% 5%
TOTAL -2.62% 75,702 77,738

It’s also worth noting that combined deliveries of the Ford Transit and E-Series totaled 38,024 units, accounting for 50 percent segment share during the quarter. That was significantly higher than the combined total of the runner-up, General Motors, whose Chevy Express and GMC Savana saw cumulative deliveries of 22,724 units for a 30 percent combined segment share.

Sales Numbers - Ford Transit & E-Series - Q1 2021 - United States

MODEL Q1 21 / Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 20 Q1 21 SHARE Q1 20 SHARE
FORD TRANSIT -25.48% 27,451 36,836 72% 78%
FORD E-SERIES +4.70% 10,573 10,098 28% 22%
TOTAL -18.98% 38,024 46,934

The full-size mainstream van segment, which includes passenger, cargo, and cutaway/chassis cab models, contracted nearly 3 percent to 75,702 units in Q1 2021. Ford Transit sales during the quarter fell at a faster pace than the segment average.

Sales Numbers - GM Vans - Q1 2021 - United States

MODEL Q1 21 / Q1 20 Q1 21 Q1 20 Q1 21 SHARE Q1 20 SHARE
CHEVROLET EXPRESS +26.81% 16,877 13,309 74% 76%
GMC SAVANA +39.81% 5,847 4,182 26% 24%
TOTAL +29.92% 22,724 17,491

The Ford Authority Take

Ford Transit sales continued to dominate their segment during the first quarter, outselling all rivals and accounting for the largest share of full-size van sales volume in the U.S. The next best-selling offering, GM’s old Chevrolet Express, sold roughly half as many units as the Transit.

Transit sales felt the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during Q2 2020 and Q3 2020, but saw a slight increase during Q4. Ford still managed to move a significant number of vehicles despite the decline in sales. We believe that the reason for the decline is reduced availability of the van as a result of negative impacts presented by COVID-19.

Going forward, we expect the Transit to continue dominating the segment and retain its substantial lead, both in terms of sales and market share, despite ongoing competition. Meanwhile, Nissan will withdraw from this segment and discontinue the NV van range, giving Ford an opportunity to take over the Japanese automaker’s (relatively small) customer base and associated sales volume.

We should also mention that electrified Transit models are on the horizon, with Ford planning to launch an all-electric Transit as well as a Transit PHEV.

About The Numbers

  • All percent change figures compared to Ford Transit sales for Q1 2020, unless noted otherwise
  • In the United States, there were 74 selling days in Q1 2021 and 76 selling days in Q1 2020
  • Sales numbers for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van are not available, since the Mercedes-Benz Vans division does not break out sales by model. Requests to provide the sales data have been continuously declined.

More Information & Sales Reporting

Transit News

All Transit News

By Francisco Cruz

Frankie's first favorite car was a 1968 Ford Mustang, and he's had a strong appreciation for the nameplate ever since. Later in his youth he became infatuated with Eleanor, thanks to Nicholas Cage's stellar performance. Frank's a real jokester, too.

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