Swedish automaker Volvo’s U.S. sales surged 11 percent last year, propelled by demand for its electrified vehicles. Volvo delivered 122,173 vehicles in 2021. And sales of the brand’s Recharge models — vehicles with fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains — more than tripled, with 22,820 cars representing 19 percent of U.S. sales.
Chip crisis notwithstanding, Porsche Cars North America had its best year ever, powered by robust demand for the battery-powered Taycan. Taycan sales more than doubled last year and nearly overtook Porsche’s flagship 911.
The sports car brand delivered 70,025 vehicles, up 22 percent from last year and 14 percent above the previous record set in 2019.
Audi rounded out the top five, reporting 196,038 deliveries last year, up 5 percent.
Infiniti, Lincoln and Alfa Romeo ended the year down, with Infiniti sales sliding the furthest, by 26 percent. The biggest luxury-brand gain was posted by Genesis, which tripled sales to 49,621.
But the gorilla in the room remains Tesla: Sales were up 65 percent, Automotive News estimated last week in the absence of official data.
“Tesla has made its mark as an industry disrupter but has also shown that a compelling product can even turn the heads of buyers who may have been long-term lessees of big luxury nameplates,” said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at Edmunds.
“Buyers with high incomes want a vehicle that stands out or shows status, and that is something that new EV brands like Lucid or even Rivian can capitalize on this year,” Caldwell said.
