US automotive big Normal Motors has misplaced its title as America’s high automotive vendor for the primary time in 90 years.

Japan’s Toyota claimed the highest spot, promoting greater than 2.3 million automobiles final yr, up 10%.

GM mentioned its gross sales, which fell 13%, have been harm by the widespread scarcity of semiconductor elements that has been affecting the automotive trade.

The Detroit firm had ranked because the primary US automotive vendor since 1931 and vowed it will bounce again.

“I would not rush out if I have been (Toyota) and get a ‘We’re No 1’ tattoo,” spokesman Jim Cain mentioned, in line with Reuters.

General, analysts anticipate the variety of new vehicles offered within the US to have elevated roughly 2% in 2021 in comparison with 2020, when consumers have been reeling from the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

However purchases stay depressed in comparison with their pre-pandemic ranges, as corporations grapple with provide chain woes, issues which have additionally pushed costs greater for customers.

“The important thing constraint for gross sales continues to be decreased stock ranges on account of the semiconductor scarcity,” GM chief economist Elaine Buckberg mentioned in a press release discussing the agency’s gross sales and outlook for 2022.

GM offered roughly 2.2 million automobiles final yr down from 2.5 million in 2020, counting on its worthwhile pick-up vans and SUVs to spice up its backside line.

Toyota, which noticed robust gross sales of its hybrids and different fashions, has been much less affected than another automotive makers by the scarcity of chips, due to its resolution to construct up a stockpile after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. However it has additionally been compelled to chop manufacturing amid the shortages.

However America’s high automotive corporations have been ceding floor to worldwide rivals effectively earlier than the pandemic-related snarls.

Ford, Normal Motors and Chrysler as soon as accounted for as a lot as 90% of all US automotive gross sales and nonetheless claimed greater than half as lately as 2008. However that has slid decrease.

Toyota’s Camry has been the top-selling passenger automotive within the US for 20 years, whereas its Rav4 has ranked because the best-selling SUV for 5 years.