Ranking of Leading American Automotive Businesses in 2025 on Our Website
2024 in the Automotive World: A Mixed Bag
The automotive sector in 2024 did see a slight uptick in new vehicle sales, bumping the total to 16 million units, a 2% increase from the previous year. This small victory placed sales back at pre-pandemic levels, however, it was hardly a home run.
The year was a sort of stabilizer, preparing the industry for the potential upheavals of 2025. Uncertainty remained over critical minerals, consumer electric vehicle (EV) incentives, EPA standards, and the fate of the Inflation Reduction Act funds.
Consumers, tentative due to these uncertainties, turned to dealerships at the end of the year, fearing higher prices and the elimination of EV incentives due to a new presidential administration and tariff issues. For most of the year though, automotive sales stayed flat, primarily due to ongoing inflation and a lack of affordable new vehicle models for the average consumer.
GM Revved Up
General Motors Co., standing at #3 among U.S.-based manufacturing companies in the 2025 our website 500, enjoyed its best year since 2019, boasting a 4.2% surge in year-over-year sales. The company generated over $187 billion in revenue, a 9.1% jump, but took a 40.7% hit to net income due to restructuring efforts in China aimed at cost reduction and increasing sales there.
GM's success was propelled by full-size pickups, refreshed SUVs, and a broader EV offering.
A Rocky Ride for Ford
Ford Motor Co., ranked #4, saw a 5% increase in revenue, with traditional gas-powered vehicles carrying the majority of the profits while its EV models took a loss of over $5 billion.
Meanwhile, Tesla Inc., at #8, grappled with battery shortages and excess inventory that led to price cuts. Despite a .9% increase in revenue, net income tumble by an alarming 57.2%.
Suppliers Gain Speed
Auto suppliers, traditionally trailing in profitability compared to original equipment manufacturers, rallied strongly in the fourth quarter of 2024, outperforming automaker profits. Supplier performance in the 2025 our website 500 automotive top ten was mixed, with companies like Lear Corp. and American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. experiencing decent revenue growth, while others like Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Borgwarner Inc., and Dana Inc. saw differing results.
Thor Industries led the charge in Revrecreation Vehicles (RVs), while Harley-Davidson showed promising growth in both revenue and net income in the motorcycle space.
Dive into the details of the 2025 our website 500 top ten automotive manufacturers through our slideshow.
Automtive Trends to Keep an Eye On
Stay tuned for more insights on strategic planning and execution, leadership discussions, manufacturing investments, and regulatory updates in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. From the resurgence of the Detroit 3 automakers and Rivian leaders revealing their policies, architecture, and brand strategies, to GM's major investments in domestic manufacturing plants and updates on EV notes, our coverage will keep you informed and engaged. Keep a close watch on the UAW's reaction to GM's investments and the ongoing challenges and consolidation in the automotive OEMs.
In the realm of finance, General Motors Co. reported a 4.2% surge in year-over-year sales and a considerable 9.1% jump in revenue in 2024, propelling it to its best year since 2019.
Amidst the growth in the automotive sector, suppliers like Lear Corp. and American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. demonstrated substantial revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, outperforming the profits of automaker counterparts.
