The robust streak continues, with reporting OEMs showing some 650,000 U.S. sales.
Keep in mind, some manufacturers like Stellantis and General Motors still report on a quarterly basis. For those who publish data monthly, however, the April 2021 sales report shows a dramatic improvement from this point last year. Sales hit rock bottom after initial lockdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic went into effect. As we look into 2021, though, the general sense is that a rebound is underway. There are some areas to watch over the coming months, including the current semiconductor shortage affecting production. Nevertheless, every automaker reported at least a doubling of their April 2021 sales from this point last year.
Here’s how the numbers break down by brand:
| Brand | April 2021 sales | April 2020 sales | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura | 16,459 | 5,046 | +226.2% |
| Ford | 187,345 | 115,174 | +62.7% |
| Genesis | 3,294 | 806 | +308.7% |
| Honda | 140,023 | 52,705 | +165.7% |
| Hyundai | 77,523 | 33,968 | +128.2% |
| Kia | 70,177 | 31,705 | +121.3% |
| Lexus | 27,028 | 9,768 | +176.7% |
| Lincoln | 10,468 | 4,870 | +114.9% |
| Toyota | 212,283 | 74,926 | +183.3% |
| Volvo | 11,036 | 3,866 | +185.5% |
Setting monthly records
Many automakers as well as individual models set monthly records in the April 2021 sales report. Honda, for example, set monthly records with the HR-V and the Passport. CR-V and Pilot, for their part, set records specifically for the month of April. Subaru also set an April sales record, as did Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia and Volvo.
Update 5/4/21: Ford and Lincoln results also show a strong rebound. The Ford brand saw a major boon from the Bronco Sport, as well as the midsize Explorer SUV, the Escape and its entire truck lineup. On its revamped, all-SUV range, Lincoln also came back swinging, with sales picking up nearly 115% from this point last year.
