Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Pickup Truck Inventory Drops to Extreme Lows

Full-size pickups trucks had only a 69 days’ supply as of July 6, 2020. Mid-size trucks were fewer at 45 days’ supply.

July 21, 2020
Pickup Truck Inventory Drops to Extreme Lows

 

Photo: Cox Automotive.

2 min to read


U.S. inventories of new pickup trucks, large and small, have dropped to extreme lows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Available Inventory data.

Low inventories are creating pressure for manufacturers to get products to dealerships, and with fleet sales being lower, this has helped the retail side of the business, according to Cox Automotive. However, as fleet sales return to pre-pandemic norms there will be huge pressure on manufacturers to satisfy both sides of the industry.

Ad Loading...

Full-size pickups trucks had only a 69 days’ supply as of July 6, 2020, according to Cox Automotive data. Mid-size trucks were fewer at 45 days’ supply. Typically, automakers prefer to have a higher days’ supply of trucks than cars or SUVs because trucks come in so many variations. A days’ supply of 80 to 90 is considered healthy.

Buyers were scooping up pickups when the business shifted to zero-percent financing deals as the pandemic started and, even though plants are now up and running, automakers are having a tough time catching up,” said Charlie Chesbrough, Cox Automotive senior economist.

For Toyota, the full-size Tundra is down to a 26 days’ supply. Meanwhile, the Tacoma has only a 19 days’ supply. Both trucks are built at Toyota’s plant in San Antonio, Texas, a state recently hit hard by the coronavirus. Toyota announced a major investment in the plant and will move all Tacoma production to Mexico in 2021 to make room for the Sequoia SUV at the Texas plant.

Meanwhile for General Motors, both the full-size Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are down to 56 days’ supply. The midsize Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have even less inventory, with days’ supply of 46 on the Chevy and 53 on the GMC.

The situation could worsen as General Motors temporarily halted the third shift at its Wentzville, Mo., plant, which makes the popular Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, due impacts from COVID-19, Cox said.

Ad Loading...

Meanwhile, Ford and Ram are reported to have higher inventories.

More Vehicle Research

Johan Verbois, executive director of CARA, stands outdoors in a blue blazer with arms crossed, with blurred vehicles and greenery in the background.
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

CARA Appoints Johan Verbois as Executive Director

CARA recently opened up a part-time executive director position and appointed Johan Verbois for the role.

Read More →
Subaru electric SUV driving along a coastal highway at sunset, representing the 2027 Getaway with three-row seating and all-electric performance.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

Subaru Unveils New Electric SUV, a Three-Row 2027 Subaru Getaway

Subaru introduces the all-electric 2027 Getaway, a three-row SUV with 420 hp, over 300 miles of range, and fast-charging capability, expanding its EV lineup.

Read More →
Vehicle Researchby StaffApril 21, 2026

GM Envolve Changes Name to GM Fleet

The GM Fleet name aligns to how customers identify us and it also helps with discoverability, the company said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Electric vehicle charging in a home garage with wall-mounted charging and energy systems, illustrating WEX EV At-Home fraud protection and fleet charging verification technology.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WEX Launches Solution to Close EV At-Home Charging Visibility Gap

At NAFA I&E 2026, WEX debuted an EV solution that adds a layer of verification to help fleets track, validate, and trust every at-home charging dollar.

Read More →
Mechanic working under a car hood with diagnostic tool; overlay text reads “Fleet repair isn’t too expensive. It’s unpredictable.” highlighting cost uncertainty in fleet maintenance.
Vehicle ResearchApril 20, 2026

The Hidden Pain in Fleet Repair

BBM research insights reveal that budget headaches might be less about costs than fleet pros think.

Read More →
Silver Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV driving on a winding mountain road, showcasing updated exterior design and performance in a scenic landscape.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 16, 2026

The New Mercedes-Benz GLE Brings More Power and Intelligence

Mercedes-Benz updates the 2027 GLE with revised powertrains, expanded electrification, updated suspension systems, and a new software platform, while retaining its core SUV lineup and capabilities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Art Kinsman, newly appointed NETS Chief Strategy Officer, smiling in a suit jacket against a neutral background.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 16, 2026

NETS Appoints Art Kinsman as Chief Strategy Officer

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) has tapped Art Kinsman for a new leadership role as Chief Strategy Officer.

Read More →
Vehicle Researchby StaffApril 15, 2026

Agero Aquires Urgently

Agero is acquiring Urgently, combining two tech-driven roadside assistance providers. The deal expands AI-powered dispatch, data capabilities, and service scale across fleet and mobility markets.

Read More →
Teaser image of 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-POWER, a dark SUV with LED lighting, representing Nissan’s new series hybrid with dual-motor AWD and no plug-in charging.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e‑POWER's Technology Explained

Nissan's hybrid powertrain with dual-motor all-wheel drive adds refinement and updated driving characteristics in the Rogue.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Side profile of a dark Volkswagen Atlas SUV in a studio setting with blue lighting, highlighting updated design and exterior styling.

All-new 2027 Volkswagen Atlas debuts at the New York International Auto Show

Volkswagen revealed the redesigned 2027 Atlas, featuring updated styling, new in-cabin technology, and a more powerful turbocharged engine ahead of its launch later this year.

Read More →