Deals include full-size Ram, Sierra and Silverado pickups as new F-Series spurs pricing pressure
Buyers seeking a new full-size truck this month are in luck as deals abound, with FCA’s Ram 1500 pickup topping the list of best savings on new vehicles in May, according to TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling mobile marketplace.
Ford’s top-selling F-Series, redesigned for 2015, has sparked both consumer demand and pricing pressure for competing trucks. As a result, the Ram 1500 is selling at an average of 14 percent off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) this month. The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 follow, selling at respective discounts off MSRP of 13.6 percent and 13 percent. Deals on the full-size pickups come after a solid 8 percent retail sales increase for F-Series trucks in April.
“The initial success of the all-new aluminum body F-Series is undeniable,” said John Krafcik, president of TrueCar. “We project that positive sales and revenue momentum will continue and expect automakers within the full-size segment to offer larger-than-usual discounts to remain competitive.”
Ford’s benchmark truck holds a 37 percent share of the full-size pickup market so far this year. Dealers appear to be having a hard time keeping the 2015 model in stock given its current 20 days-to-turn rate, compared with a segment average of 54 days. F-Series is also generating increased revenue, with average transaction prices around $42,500, up $3,200 from a year ago.
TrueCar’s analysis of the three most recent years of new vehicle transactional data indicates that May is the fourth-best month to purchase a new vehicle in terms of savings off MSRP, behind December, June and August.
“Consumers should pay attention to upcoming Memorial Day weekend sales events,” said Krafcik. “Our vast transactional data show that the holiday weekend is the best time to buy in the second quarter, making the summer kick-off a little sweeter for savvy shoppers.”
Published monthly, the “TrueSavings” report analyzes recent transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.
A snapshot of some of the best savings (compared to MSRP) on new vehicles in May 2015 includes:
| Year/Make/Model/Trim | Segment | MSRP | Market Average | $ Savings /% Savings | Est. Monthly Payment* | City / Hwy / Comb MPG |
| 2015 Ram 1500, Sport Reg. Cab, 4×2, Std. Bed | Large Truck | $36,900 | $31,746 | $5,145/ 14.0% | $456 | 15/22/18.2 |
| 2015 GMC Sierra 1500,Crew Cab, Short Box 2WD SLT | Large Truck | $44,555 | $38,481 | $6,074/ 13.6% | $553 | 16/23/19.2 |
| 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Reg. Cab, Std Box, 2WD 1WT | Large Truck | $27,465 | $23,900 | $3,565/ 13.0% | $344 | 18/24/20.9 |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee, Latitude 4×4 | Midsize Utility | $28,090 | $24,746 | $3,344/ 11.9% | $356 | 21/28/24.3 |
| 2015 Buick Enclave, Premium AWD | Midsize Utility | $50,230 | $44,721 | $5,509/ 11.0% | $643 | 16/22/18.8 |
*Estimated monthly payments are based on a 3% APR for 60 months with 20% down on the current market average price, and excludes sales tax and other fees and charges that may vary by region or state. These examples are for informational purposes only, and are not offers to lend. See dealer/lender for details, including actual available offers.
