Toyota Supplants Dodge in Truck Sales

Our sister site, PickupTrucks.com, made a pretty astonishing discovery when it broke down the sales figures for pickup trucks in 2008: Following GM and Ford, Toyota moved past Chrysler to become the third-largest seller of pickups in the country.

Even though Tundra sales fell sharply in the second half of 2008, that model and the Tacoma helped Toyota push past Dodge’s heavy hitters, the Dakota and Ram. Toyota snatched up 14.07% of the U.S. pickup truck market, while Chrysler held onto only 13.57%. GM and Ford controlled 37.11% and 29.25% of the market, respectively.

Already a rough year for Chrysler, this news comes as another tough blow. The Dodge brand was one of the automaker’s few (somewhat) bright spots in terms of sales and public opinion.

Check out all the numbers here.

Comments

I don't really consider it a surpriese. Toyota can incentive their trucks more now that Chrysler/Dodge is in a dire straight. I am hoping it meant Chryseler/Dodge made more per vehicle.

The Tundra is a fine truck and word is getting out as they are becoming more and more common around here.

That said, I've looked at the new RAM and I'd give it the nod if I were buying today. Haven't checked out the new F-150 yet, but the RAM is at the front of the pack in features, interior quality and ride. It may not tow as much as a Silverado or F-150, but it more than makes up for it in convenience and ride quality. I can't say enough about the build quality, it was really impressive and by far the best build Mopar on the market.

I am pulling for Dodge to hang on (No pun intended :) )