Work Truck Logo
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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Vehicle Research

White utility service truck equipped with a Stellar crane and service body, parked on grass with trees in the background.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 18, 2026

Stellar Products Now Available Through Sourcewell

Eligible public agencies can purchase Stellar Industries’ mechanic trucks, fuel/lube trucks, hooklifts, and tire service trucks through Sourcewell.

Read More →
Work Truck Week 2027 promotional graphic over a trade show floor, announcing the March 9–12 event and Future Truck Summit on March 9.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 14, 2026

NTEA Adds Future Truck Summit to Work Truck Week 2027

NTEA is replacing the long-running Green Truck Summit with something new: Future Truck Summit. The event, in collaboration with NAFA Fleet Management Association, is scheduled at the start of Work Truck Week 2027, March 9–12.

Read More →
Covered vehicle body suspended from orange overhead production equipment inside Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant.
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherAugust 13, 2026

Ford Fathom Production Takes Shape at Louisville Assembly Plant

Ford is rebuilding Louisville Assembly Plant around an entirely new EV manufacturing process. Here’s how the Universal EV Production System will change the way the Ford Fathom midsize electric truck comes together.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck Solutions logo centered over a faded background featuring commercial work trucks.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 13, 2026

Second-Quarter 2026 Commercial Vehicle Data Signals Key Shift in Fleet Turnover and Market Velocity

Work Truck Solutions’ Second-Quarter 2026 Commercial Vehicle Market Analysis reported positive indicators suggesting fleet managers are now rotating aging units, relieving pre-owned inventory friction as business owners move quickly to secure assets.

Read More →
Fleet manager stands near an EV charging station and looks toward a row of white cargo vans in a rainy fleet yard. Text reads “EV Fleet Reality Check?”
Green FleetAugust 11, 2026

EV Fleet Reality Check: What Operators Wish They Knew Before Electrifying Their Work Vans

Electric work truck upfits bring new compatibility questions. Learn how parts availability, OEM guidance, power demands, and route planning can affect fleet performance.

Read More →
Black Fathom nameplate mounted on a dark textured wall, illuminated by soft directional lighting that creates subtle highlights and shadows, emphasizing the brand’s minimalist, modern aesthetic.
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 7, 2026

Ford Unveils Name for Under-$29K Midsize Electric Truck

Ford has unveiled the name of its new midsize electric truck: Fathom. It will have a starting MSRP of $28,350, and preorders will begin in early 2027.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Industrial manufacturing facility with multiple robotic arms assembling a heavy-duty truck cab on an automated production line, while workers observe from an elevated platform above the assembly area.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 7, 2026

DTNA Plans to Build New U.S. Manufacturing Facility

Daimler Truck North America plans to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the United States to strengthen its production capabilities across North America. The location has not been disclosed.

Read More →
Pavement background with double yellow lines and large text that says Recall, August, and Work Truck logo.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamAugust 5, 2026

Recalls You Need to Know About in August 2026

If you have Altec, Autocar, Chrysler, Daimler Truck, Ford, Heil, International, Orange EV, Paccar, Shyft Group, Volvo Trucks, or Wabash vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.

Read More →
Graphic showing vocational and medium-duty trucks over a Portland, Oregon map, highlighting Daimler Truck North America's Portland manufacturing operations and diverse commercial vehicle lineup.
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 4, 2026

DTNA to Close Portland Facility, Move Manufacturing to the Carolinas

Daimler Truck North America will shift production of the Western Star X-series, Freightliner eCascadia, and Freightliner eM2 from its Portland, Oregon, manufacturing facility to its manufacturing operations in the Carolinas.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck Trucks, Tips & Tours YouTube thumbnail featuring a presenter beside a Kenworth T880 vocational truck with the headline, “Power for Every Application,” plus the subhead, “Kenworth T880: Configured Your Way,” and a Truck Chat Watch Now button.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamAugust 4, 2026

Kenworth T880: Powertrain & Customization Options

Vocational fleets often require trucks tailored to specific applications, and the Kenworth T880 is designed with flexibility in mind. In this video walkaround, Rachel Woods explains how the T880 can be configured to support a broad range of industries and operational requirements.

Read More →