GM retains top spot in 2024 US auto sales

General Motors reported a rise in US sales for all of 2024 Friday, retaining its top spot in the industry with a boost from electric vehicles.

The major American automaker sold more than 2.7 million vehicles last year, four percent up from 2023, on the back of a rise in fourth-quarter sales as well -- reaching 755,160 units.

This put it ahead of its competitors, with an overall market share of around 16.5 percent.

In particular, it saw sales increase for several models like the Trax compact SUV Colorado pickup from the Chevrolet brand, and the Sierra pickup from GMC.

"We're carrying significant momentum into 2025," said GM president of global markets Rory Harvey.

Toyota Motor North America meanwhile clocked US sales of 2.3 million vehicles last year, with the company's fourth-quarter sales slipping to 603,104 units.

But Toyota struck an optimistic note for 2025, saying it was preparing to introduce new vehicles and start battery production at its $13.9 billion North Carolina facility to meet future demand.

Ford, which also released its sales results on Friday, sold nearly 2.1 million vehicles last year with a full-year sales gain of four percent.

All three companies touted their electric vehicle sales, with GM selling 43,982 units in the quarter and 114,432 for the full year.

Toyota sold more than a million electrified vehicles last year, representing 43.1 percent of its total sales volume.

Although GM said it had its "best-ever EV sales," electric vehicles still only account for a small portion of the company's sales in the country.

Ford, meanwhile, sold 285,291 electrified vehicles last year, spanning hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models.