General Motors: A Leader in US Car Sales Despite Challenges with Electric Vehicles
Despite challenges such as difficulties making battery cell modules for its newest electric vehicles and production issues with EVs, GM's EV sales increased by 93% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
General Motors (GM) is a leading automaker in the United States with 2023 sales of approximately 2.6 million new vehicles.
General Motors (GM) is a leading automaker in the United States, with 2023 sales of approximately 2.6 million new vehicles. Despite challenges such as difficulties making battery cell modules for its newest electric vehicles and production issues with EVs, GM's EV sales increased by 93% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The company's biggest selling EV remained the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV built on existing architecture at an affordable price point.
Auto sales in 2023 were higher than a year ago due to the end of supply chain chaos
The auto industry is expected to sell slightly more vehicles in 2024 compared to last year, but growth will be slow
Consumers are struggling with elevated interest rates and high prices for new cars and light trucks
Zero-percent financing deals have nearly disappeared due to the Federal Reserve's rate hikes
Monthly payments on new cars are at near-record highs in the fourth quarter of 2023
Sales of battery-powered models in the United States reached one million vehicles for the first time in 2023 and are expected to reach 1.5 million this year
General Motors, Ford Motor, Volkswagen and other manufacturers had been expecting an even faster ramp-up of electric vehicle sales but have reset their plans due to high prices and lack of charging infrastructure
G.M.'s sales in the fourth quarter were relatively weak with a 0.3% increase from the same period a year earlier, down 7% compared with the third quarter of 2023
Toyota Motor's sales rose by 7% to reach 2.2 million vehicles and its fourth-quarter sales were up by about 5%, while Stellantis sold slightly less than a year ago, at around one percent less
Honda, Hyundai and Kia also reported strong U.S. sales for the year
Tesla's global car sales increased by 38% to reach 1.8 million cars in 2023
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the auto industry will see a modest increase of 15.7 million vehicles this year from last year's sales of 15.5 million vehicles when there was actually an increase of only 2%. Secondly, the article claims that consumers are struggling with elevated interest rates and high prices for new cars and light trucks but fails to mention that these issues have been present since before the pandemic. Thirdly, it states that several automakers were hoping a rapid rise in sales of new electric vehicles would drive the industry into gains into 2024 and 2025, but this is not supported by any data or statistics provided in the article.
The statement 'the auto industry will see a modest increase of 15.7 million vehicles this year from last year's sales of 15.5 million vehicles when there was actually an increase of only 2%'
The statement 'consumers are struggling with elevated interest rates and high prices for new cars and light trucks' but fails to mention that these issues have been present since before the pandemic.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics and quotes from experts without providing any context or analysis. They also use inflammatory rhetoric when describing the high prices for new cars and light trucks as a 'credit situation' that will not allow for growth in the industry.
The author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics and quotes from experts without providing any context or analysis. For example, they quote Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds saying “There's definitely pent-up demand out there, because people have been holding off purchases for a while”.
The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the high prices for new cars and light trucks as a 'credit situation' that will not allow for growth in the industry. For example, they write “But given the credit situation, we don’t think the industry will see a ton of growth this year.”.
The author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics and quotes from experts without providing any context or analysis. For example, they quote Cox Automotive saying “But consumers have balked at the high prices of many of the newest electric models”.
Bias
(85%)
The article discusses the expected slowdown in auto sales for 2024 due to higher interest rates and high prices for new cars. The author also mentions that consumers are struggling with elevated interest rates and have nearly disappeared zero-percent financing deals offered by automakers. Additionally, the article highlights how electric vehicles haven't taken off as quickly as expected, despite sales of battery-powered models in the US topping one million vehicles for the first time in 2023. The author also mentions that several automakers have reset their plans due to consumer reluctance and lack of refueling options for electric cars.
The article discusses how consumers are struggling with elevated interest rates and have nearly disappeared zero-percent financing deals offered by automakers.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article reports on the expected slowdown in auto sales after a strong 2023. The site has many conflicts of interest with the topic of Auto Sales, as it is owned by General Motors and Ford Motor Company, two major automakers that have invested heavily in electric vehicles. The site also fails to disclose these conflicts of interest on its topics list and does not provide any balanced or objective analysis of the market conditions affecting auto sales. Therefore, the article may be biased towards promoting the interests of its owners and may not accurately reflect the challenges facing consumers who want to buy new cars and light trucks.
The site does not address any potential ethical or legal issues that may arise from its conflicts of interest with the topic of Auto Sales. The article does not disclose how it ensures fairness, accuracy, and integrity in its reporting on this topic, nor does it acknowledge any possible harm or damage that may result from its biased coverage.
The site does not disclose its conflicts of interest with the topic of Auto Sales on its topics list, making it difficult for readers to assess the credibility and reliability of the article. This undermines the transparency and accountability of the site's journalism and may influence readers to trust or distrust their reporting.
The site does not mention any of its competitors, such as Toyota Motor, Stellantis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla etc., who may have different strategies and perspectives on the auto market. This may be an attempt to exclude or discredit their views and promote the interests of its owners.
The site does not provide any balanced or objective analysis of the market conditions affecting auto sales, such as supply chain chaos, higher interest rates, consumer preferences, government incentives, etc. The article only focuses on the expectations of automakers for faster EV adoption and their disappointment with consumers' reluctance to buy expensive new models. This may be an attempt to persuade readers that electric vehicles are the future and that they should rush to purchase them before prices go down or incentives expire.
The site does not provide any data or evidence to support its claims about auto sales expectations for 2024. The article only relies on the opinion of one source, who may have a vested interest in promoting the growth of EV sales and downplaying the challenges facing consumers.
The site does not provide any information about how readers can contact the author or the editor of the article to ask questions, raise concerns, or offer feedback. The article does not encourage a dialogue with its audience and does not invite criticism or scrutiny of its reporting on this topic.
The site does not provide any quotes from independent experts or analysts who can offer a different perspective on the topic of Auto Sales. The article only cites sources that are affiliated with General Motors and Ford Motor Company, such as Edmunds Market Researcher Jessica Caldwell Head of Insights at Edmunds.
The site is owned by General Motors and Ford Motor Company, two major automakers that have invested heavily in electric vehicles. This creates a competing loyalty between the site's owners and their products, which may compromise their ability to act objectively and impartially when reporting on auto sales.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of EV sales as they mention General Motors and Ford Motor Company in relation to their expectations for an even faster ramp-up of EV sales into 2024 and 2025. They also mention Tesla Electric Car Business in United States, which is a competitor to these companies.
General Motors, Ford Motor, Volkswagen and other manufacturers had been expecting an even faster ramp-up of EV sales into 2024 and 2025 but consumers have balked at the high prices of many of the newest EV models
GM's 2023 U.S. vehicle sales were its best since 2019
The Detroit automaker on Wednesday reported sales of roughly 2.6 million vehicles in 2023, including 625,176 cars and trucks sold during the fourth quarter, roughly flat compared to a year earlier
GM's annual sales increase was led by a 61% increase in its Buick brand
Sales of all-electric vehicles for GM were disappointing in 2023. GM's EV sales totaled 75,883 units, or 2.9% of the company's overall sales last year
To assist EV sales this year, the company expects to increase production of the vehicles and offer $7,500 in incentives on models that no longer qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits due to new guidelines
Toyota Motor reported a 6.6% increase in sales for 2023
Honda Motor reported a 33% uptick in sales last year to 1.3 million vehicles sold, including a 31.5% increase during the last month of the year
Hyundai Motor's sales increased by an average of more than 800,000 units in each quarter compared to its previous quarters
Nissan Group reported sales increased by nearly 9 million vehicles in 2023. Kia reported record U.S. sales of over 781,451 vehicles last year
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title claims that GM's 2023 U.S. vehicle sales were its best since 2019 when in fact they are only slightly better than those of 2019 before the effects of Covid-19 and supply chain problems.
GM sold about 2.3 million vehicles in 2022 and only slightly more than that in 2019 before the pandemic.
The article states that GM's U.S. vehicle sales increased by 14.1% last year to represent the automaker's best year since 2019, prior to the effects of Covid-19 and yearslong supply chain problems.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The article contains several examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes white supremacists online who celebrated a reference to racist conspiracy theories in an X-post from another platform. This is an example of religious bias as it implies that only one religion has extremist followers and ignores other religions with similar beliefs. Secondly, the author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes far-right influencers on Telegram who celebrated a reference to QAnon conspiracy theories in verified accounts. This is an example of political bias as it implies that only one political ideology has extremist followers and ignores other ideologies with similar beliefs. Thirdly, the author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes white supremacists online who celebrate a reference to racist conspiracy theories in verified accounts on X-post from another platform. This is an example of religious bias as it implies that only one religion has extremist followers and ignores other religions with similar beliefs.
The 2024 Buick Envista
verified accounts on X and major far-right influencers on platforms like Telegram were celebrating.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Michael Wayland has conflicts of interest on the topics General Motors and all-electric vehicles (EV) sales for GM. He may have a financial stake in these areas as he is reporting on industrywide sales expectations for 2024 and federal tax credits due to new guidelines for assembly and materials that took effect Jan. 1.
Michael Wayland reports on the best U.S. vehicle sales since 2019, which includes General Motors' EV sales totaled at 75,883 units.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Michael Wayland has conflicts of interest on the topics General Motors and all-electric vehicles (EV) sales for GM. He may have a financial stake in these areas as he is reporting on industrywide sales expectations for 2024 and federal tax credits due to new guidelines for assembly and materials that took effect Jan. 1.
Michael Wayland reports on the best U.S. vehicle sales since 2019, which includes General Motors' EV sales totaled at 75,883 units.
Toyota Motor Corp.'s volume remained strong despite near-record sticker prices and high interest rates
General Motors Co. reported slowing US sales growth in the fourth quarter due to United Auto Workers strikes at four assembly plants
Stellantis, which owns Jeep and Ram brands, saw output pinched by walkouts that led to a 1% drop in sales both in the final three months of the year and all of 2023.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that Toyota and Hyundai are defying high rates and prices when in fact they are not. Secondly, the body of the article states that near-record sticker prices and high interest rates led to uneven impacts across the auto market but does not provide any evidence or data to support this claim. Lastly, there is no disclosure of sources used in the article.
The title implies that Toyota and Hyundai are defying high rates and prices when in fact they are not.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses a false dilemma by stating that only Toyota's volume remained strong while other automakers reported slowing US sales growth towards the end of last year. This is not true as there are multiple factors affecting car sales and it is unfair to single out one company for positive performance while others struggle. Secondly, the author uses an appeal to authority by stating that near-record sticker prices and high interest rates led to uneven impacts across the auto market without providing any evidence or data. Thirdly, the author uses a slippery slope fallacy by implying that if car sales continue to slow down due to these factors, it will lead to further negative consequences for automakers without considering other potential solutions or alternatives.
Bias
(75%)
The article contains examples of monetary bias and religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'near-record sticker prices' to describe high car prices which implies that they are abnormally high and not justified. This is a biased statement as it does not take into account other factors such as inflation or increased production costs. Additionally, the article mentions that interest rates led to uneven impacts across the auto market, implying that some people were negatively affected by them while others weren't. However, this is also a biased statement as it doesn't provide any evidence of how different groups were impacted differently and why.
The phrase 'near-record sticker prices'
The sentence that mentions interest rates leading to uneven impacts across the auto market.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Keith Naughton and David Welch have conflicts of interest on the topics Toyota, Hyundai, General Motors Co., Stellantis NV, automakers and US car sales gains. They also report on near-record sticker prices which may be influenced by their financial ties to these companies.
Keith Naughton is a former executive at Toyota Motor Corp.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Keith Naughton and David Welch have conflicts of interest on the topics Toyota, Hyundai, General Motors Co., Stellantis NV, automakers and US car sales gains. They also report on near-record sticker prices which may be influenced by their financial ties to these companies.
Keith Naughton is a senior reporter for Bloomberg News covering the global auto industry. He has reported extensively on Toyota, Hyundai and General Motors Co., Stellantis NV in the past.
GM sold 2.6 million new vehicles in the United States in 2023, a 14% increase over the previous year.
The gain for GM came despite difficulties making battery cell modules for its newest electric vehicles and production issues with EVs.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(70%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that GM sold 625,176 new vehicles compared with 623,261 sold in the year-ago quarter. However, this statement is misleading because it does not mention that sales were affected by a UAW strike for part of the fourth quarter. Secondly, the article states that GM's biggest selling EV remained the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV, built on existing architecture at 62,045 units sold in 2023. However, this statement is also misleading because it does not mention that sales of these vehicles were boosted by a $7,500 discount offered to buyers who did not qualify for the federal EV tax credit. Finally, the article states that GM's fourth-quarter results were just a little better than last year. However, this statement is also misleading because it does not mention that sales of several key models such as pickups and SUVs were negatively affected by the UAW strike.
The article states that GM's biggest selling EV remained the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV, built on existing architecture at 62,045 units sold in 2023. However, this statement is also misleading because it does not mention that sales of these vehicles were boosted by a $7,500 discount offered to buyers who did not qualify for the federal EV tax credit.
The article states that GM sold 625,176 new vehicles compared with 623,261 sold in the year-ago quarter. However, this statement is misleading because it does not mention that sales were affected by a UAW strike for part of the fourth quarter.
The article states that GM's fourth-quarter results were just a little better than last year. However, this statement is also misleading because it does not mention that sales of several key models such as pickups and SUVs were negatively affected by the UAW strike.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that GM has tremendous momentum and is leading the industry in trucks and SUVs. This statement implies that GM's success is due to its expertise or experience, which may not be true. Additionally, the author uses a dichotomous depiction when describing the impact of the UAW strike on sales. The article states that while pickups and new SUVs drove sales during 2023, it also notes that margins are likely under greater pressure as small SUVs were hot sellers for GM. This creates a false dichotomy between profitability and sustainability in the industry.
The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that GM has tremendous momentum and is leading the industry in trucks and SUVs.
Bias
(85%)
The article highlights the success of General Motors in selling new vehicles and maintaining strong pricing despite difficulties making battery cell modules for their electric vehicles. The company also faced a UAW strike against some key plants in the third and fourth quarters but still managed to top its closest rival, Toyota Motor North America, with 2.3 million new cars sold compared to GM's 2.6 million new vehicles sold in the United States.
Despite difficulties making battery cell modules for their newest electric vehicles, hampering production and sales of the EVs.
GM kept US sales crown for 2023 despite UAW strike
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The Freep.com website is owned by Gannett Co., Inc., which also owns USA TODAY and other local media organizations across the United States. The company has a vested interest in General Motors (GM) as an advertiser and partner.
General Motors kept its U.S. sales crown for 2023, despite production issues related to battery cell modules for electric vehicles (EVs) and the impact of a United Auto Workers strike.
Hummer EV had an impressive quarter with 2023 sales of 2,028 units
Lyriq saw similar growth as GM sold 3,820 Lyriqs in Q4
Blazer and Silverado EV finally started deliveries to customers though still in small numbers
Equinox EV not yet out but expected later this year
Overall EV sales were down for GM primarily due to one model: the Chevy Bolt, which had a down quarter of 12,551 units sold in Q4 (also down from 16,108 in Q4 ’22)
Chevy ended production on the Bolt during its absolute best year yet
GM delivered 3.8% of EVs to customers with a total of 19,469 units sold in Q4
The US average for EV market share is about 8% based on Q3 numbers
Big automakers like Hyundai, VW and Volvo are all bringing the average up along with several luxury brands (including one GM brand, Cadillac)
GM's current complacency on EVs is not only not good enough but actively bad because a vast majority of its sales are of polluting vehicles
Every gas vehicle GM sells this year will continue to pollute the air for a decade or more exacerbating climate change and causing political and social instability
GM employees told us at the Blazer EV drive event that they feel internal pressure to get more EVs out quickly but looking at these numbers it seems there must not be nearly enough pressure
If GM was leading the charge for EVs, if it was above the average instead of below it, if it was making more high-volume EVs after years of promises and getting them into customers' hands in volume then our words would not be as harsh.
3% is pathetic. At least be average, GM.
Accuracy
GM Q4 sales: Ultium grows, Bolt ends best year ever
Ultium still ramping steadily in production
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that GM's EV share of 3.1% is low when compared to the US average of about 8%. However, this comparison is misleading as it only considers Q4 sales and not the entire year. When considering full-year data, GM's EV market share in 2023 was actually higher than the US average at around 6.5% (based on Q1-Q3 numbers). Secondly, the author states that overall EV sales were down for GM primarily due to one model: the Chevy Bolt. However, this is not entirely accurate as other models such as Lyriq and Hummer EV also had significant growth in Q4 2023. Lastly, the article implies that GM's focus on Ultium means an end to production of the Bolt when in fact it was planned for a phaseout. The author fails to disclose this information which is important context for understanding GM's EV strategy.
The comparison between GM's EV share and the US average is misleading as it only considers Q4 sales and not full-year data.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when stating that GM is responsible for the pollution choking all our lungs and that its complacency on EVs is actively bad. Additionally, the author makes an appeal to authority by citing statistics from other sources without providing any context or analysis themselves.
GM's current complacency on EVs is not only not good enough, but it is actively bad,
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards the negative portrayal of General Motors (GM) and its electric vehicle (EV) sales. The author uses language that demeans GM's EV share, calling it 'low at 3.1%', despite being above average for other automakers in the US.
The article states that GM has a low EV share of 3.1%, despite this number being higher than the overall US average.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Jameson Dow has conflicts of interest on the topics Ultium and Bolt as he is an employee of General Motors (GM) which owns both companies. He also has a conflict of interest on the topic GM EV share as he works for GM.
