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GM posts strong Q3 as EV and ICE demand keep momentum
July through September proved another winning quarter for General Motors. The Detroit giant delivered 710,347 vehicles in the U.S. market during Q3 2025, an 8% increase versus the same period last year. That performance helped lift the year-to-date tally to roughly 2.2 million units — up about 10% and the automaker's best nine-month result in a decade.
EVs accelerate but ICE remains the backbone
EV demand is receiving a clear boost as buyers rush to lock in the federal $7,500 tax credit before potential changes to eligibility. GM set a new quarterly EV delivery record with 66,501 units in Q3, and EV sales for the first nine months climbed 105% year-over-year to 144,668 vehicles.
Still, internal-combustion engine (ICE) models carried a large share of volume in Q3. The GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox (ICE version), Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Envista recorded their strongest third-quarter sales on record, underlining that mainstream SUVs and crossovers continue to dominate U.S. consumer demand.
Flagship EVs and luxury electrification
The Chevrolet Equinox EV emerged as GM's most popular zero-emissions model. Cadillac's Lyriq, Optiq and Vistiq also placed inside the top ten of luxury EVs, reflecting Cadillac's ongoing push to electrify its lineup and move upmarket. The mix of affordable EVs and premium electric offerings gives GM a wider reach across customer segments.
Pickup and SUV dominance
Combining sales of the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra family and the GMC Hummer EV, GM remains on track to lead the full-size pickup market for the sixth straight year. The company also claims the top spot in the full-size SUV segment for the 51st consecutive year — a remarkable streak that highlights GM's strength in large trucks and utility vehicles.
Highlights from the quarter:
- Q3 deliveries: 710,347 units (+8% YoY)
- Year-to-date: ~2.2 million units (+10% YoY)
- Q3 EV deliveries: 66,501 units (record)
- YTD EVs: 144,668 units (+105% YoY)
- Industry SAAR estimate: 16.7–16.9 million units
Brand-level momentum
Several GM brands posted notable gains. GMC is on pace for its best-ever retail year, the Chevy Trax was the top-selling small SUV in Q3, Buick is the fastest-growing mainstream brand in the family, and Cadillac reported its strongest Q3 and its best year-to-date performance since 2013.
"No one is in a stronger position for a changing U.S. market than GM," said Duncan Aldred, GM senior vice president and president, Global Buick and GMC. "We have the best lineup of ICE and EV vehicles we've ever had. Our brands have grown market share with consistently strong pricing, and low incentives and inventory."
Market context and rivals
GM retained a clear lead among U.S. automakers in Q3. Toyota Motor North America followed with about 629,000 deliveries, while Ford reported 545,522 units for the period. GM's better-than-expected share is notable given ongoing supply-chain and macroeconomic pressures that continue to influence production, pricing and dealer inventory across the industry.
For car buyers and market watchers, GM's 2025 first nine-month run confirms a dual strategy that pairs compelling ICE models with an expanding EV portfolio — helping the company defend market share and compete across mainstream, luxury and electrified segments.
Source: autoevolution
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