GMC Denali models combined for their best sales month of 2012 in May as demand continues for versatile and luxurious versions of the Acadia midsize crossover, Sierra and Sierra HD fullsize pickups, and Yukon and Yukon XL fullsize SUVs. A total of 5,514 Denali vehicles were sold in May, representing 18 percent of total GMC sales for the month and a year-over-year gain of 26 percent.
The Denali name, borrowed from the native word (translated to “The High One”) for Mt. McKinley in Alaska, debuted in 1999 on a luxury-appointed Yukon model. Since then, Denali has grown to represent a majority of Yukon sales, with nearly two-thirds of the units sold in May wearing the badge. Retail sales of the Yukon increased by 37 percent year-over-year, while Yukon XL sales increased by 52 percent.
May’s total sales for the GMC brand increased by 19 percent year over year, with retail sales – those sold to individual customers – up 15 percent. In terms of retail sales, it was the best month of May for GMC since 2007.
For the 23rd consecutive month, total year-over-year sales of Sierra HD ¾-ton and 1-ton pickups increased, up 47 percent. Total Sierra sales, including ½-ton models, grew by 23 percent.
GMC’s Acadia midsize crossover, which in April was named “Best Retained Value” in its segment by Edmunds.com, had a year-over-year retail sales increase of 8 percent in May, while Terrain small SUV retail sales increased by 4 percent.
