Welcome to Desperation December, the month when car dealers face the challenge of moving their slowest-selling vehicles off the lot. With the year coming to a close, these sluggish sellers highlight the trends shaping the auto market—luxury vehicles struggling to find buyers while affordable, practical options dominate sales charts. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the slowest and fastest-selling cars in the United States right now, as analyzed by the Dal-Motors editorial team.
What is Market Day Supply?
Before diving into the lists, it’s important to understand the metric used to measure how quickly cars are selling: Market Day Supply. This figure represents the number of days it would take for dealers to sell all available inventory at the current sales rate. Automakers aim to keep this number below 90 days to avoid stockpile issues. When the number creeps above 90, especially into the triple digits, it signals trouble for both manufacturers and dealers.
The 10 Slowest Selling Cars of December 2024
These vehicles are moving at a snail’s pace, creating opportunities for buyers to negotiate steep discounts.
#10: Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Market Day Supply: 234 days
- Available Inventory: 3,479 units nationwide
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 670 units
- Average Price: $52,000
The CLA, Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level sedan, may be suffering from its hefty price tag. Buyers might balk at spending $52,000 for a car considered “entry-level” in the luxury segment.
#9: Lincoln Navigator
- Market Day Supply: 236 days
- Available Inventory: 9,000+ units nationwide
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 1,740 units
- Average Price: $104,000
This luxury SUV faces slow sales, likely due to its six-figure price tag.
#8: Audi A7
- Market Day Supply: 243 days
- Available Inventory: 578 units
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 7 units
- Average Price: $82,000
The Audi A7, a large luxury sedan, exemplifies the challenges sedans face in today’s SUV-dominated market.
#7: Jaguar XF
- Market Day Supply: 249 days
- Available Inventory: 548 units
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 99 units
- Average Price: $59,000
Despite a relatively lower price, the Jaguar XF remains a tough sell in December 2024.
#6: Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
- Market Day Supply: 257 days
- Available Inventory: 1,000+ units
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 181 units
- Average Price: $110,000
As Jeep’s largest SUV, the Grand Wagoneer L is packed with features but comes with a staggering price tag.
#5: Volkswagen ID.4
- Market Day Supply: 273 days
- Available Inventory: 4,087 units
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 673 units
- Average Price: $42,000
The ID.4 struggles to gain traction, reflecting challenges in the EV market for certain brands.
#4: Nissan Z
- Market Day Supply: 278 days
- Available Inventory: 2,000 units
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 329 units
- Average Price: $55,000
Nissan’s new sports car hasn’t captured the imagination of buyers in this price range.
#3: Chrysler Voyager
- Market Day Supply: 283 days
- Available Inventory: 655 units
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 104 units
- Average Price: $46,000
Revived as an economical option, the Chrysler Voyager has yet to hit its stride with budget-conscious shoppers.
#2: Land Rover Discovery
- Market Day Supply: 300 days
The Discovery’s steep price and niche appeal contribute to its slow sales performance.
#1: Audi A3
- Market Day Supply: 926 days
Flooded with inventory, Audi dealers are struggling to move the A3, even as incentives pile up.
The 10 Fastest Selling Cars of December 2024
At the other end of the spectrum, these vehicles are flying off the lot thanks to their affordability, practicality, and high demand.
#10: BMW X4
- Market Day Supply: 28 days
- Available Inventory: 706 units
- Sales (Last 45 Days): 1,147 units
Toyota Dominates: Models #9 to #3
Toyota’s reputation for reliability and value shines here:
- Toyota Sequoia: 28 days
- Toyota Camry: 27 days
- Lexus RX Hybrid: 26 days
- Toyota Corolla: 24 days
Top 5 Fastest Selling Cars
- #5: Toyota Sienna: 23 days
- #4: Toyota RAV4: 22 days
- #3: Kia Forte: 21 days
- #2: Toyota Corolla Cross: 20 days
- #1: Toyota Highlander: 18 days
Affordability Drives Demand
A striking trend emerges when comparing the slowest and fastest-selling vehicles. The average price of the slowest sellers is nearly $67,000, while the fastest sellers average just $45,500—a $21,000 difference. This affordability gap underscores the growing importance of practical, budget-friendly vehicles in today’s market.
December: The Best Time to Buy
If you’re in the market for a car, December is the time to act. Dealers are eager to clear inventory, especially on the slowest-selling models. Take advantage of significant discounts, manufacturer incentives, and favorable financing to secure a great deal.
Let us know which of these trends surprised you the most in the comments below!
