Valu Ford and Chrysler

Jan 19, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes on the mainstream auto market and in the auto industry as a whole. In order to adapt to stay-at-home orders as well as social distancing and sanitization requirements, major automakers have had to switch up how they do business as the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched out for almost a full year and still has no clear end in sight. While changes in the way people shop are something that dealers are forced to adapt to, other trends show that truck sales are up and the F-150 truck is a favorite during this time.

How Did Automakers Adapt During the COVID-19 Pandemic? 

Faced with forced shutdowns and stringent restrictions on customer capacity on their dealership lots, major automakers have made many accommodations to sell as many vehicles as possible and keep their dealerships afloat through COVID-19.

F-150 Truck Becomes A Fave During Pandemic

F-150 Truck Becomes A Fave During Pandemic

Many major automakers began to expand their online inventories to allow customers to browse vehicle models from home, streamline their financing process to minimize the face-to-face time customers have to spend at the dealership lot itself and even allow drivers to perform their entire car-shopping process from the comfort of their own living room with home delivery options for vehicles. 

Now, more people are shopping for cars online than ever before. Many drivers even complete their car-shopping process from start to finish online, thanks to expanded online shopping and financing options from many major automakers. 

How Has Consumer Demand for Vehicles Shifted Since the Onset of COVID-19? 

In addition to changing the way drivers shop for cars, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted consumer demand for different types of vehicles. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, consumer demand on the mainstream auto market was already shifting away from passenger sedans and toward crossover SUVs and pickup trucks.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic simply increased the percentage of consumers who are in the market for an adventurous vehicle and opted to choose a crossover SUV or pickup truck over a passenger sedan or other option. Restrictions resulting from COVID-19 dangers have caused many people to be laid off from their jobs or—for those lucky enough to keep their jobs through the pandemic—switch from working in an office to working from home. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased in-person obligations for many people and has made travel via airplane or public transportation much more dangerous. These changes have inspired many drivers to embark on road trips, which has, in turn, increased drivers’ purchases of more spacious and adventure-ready vehicles such as pickup trucks. 

The increase in demand for pickup trucks on the mainstream auto market has been most apparent among younger drivers who are members of the Millennial and Gen Z generations. This is likely because younger drivers tend to be more adventurous and have fewer responsibilities at home, so they are eager to get out on the road and have adventures when presented with the opportunity to do so. 

Why is the Ford F-150 Such a Popular Choice During COVID-19? 

Pickup trucks are now at or near the top of the list when it comes to best-selling vehicle classes. Among drivers who have opted to purchase pickup trucks since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ford F-150 pickup truck has stood out within its vehicle segment as one of the most popular and top-selling pickup truck models throughout 2020. 

What is it about the F-150 that has made this classic Ford truck such a popular option among drivers who are in the market for a pickup truck during the COVID-19 pandemic? It is true that drivers have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to pickup trucks, but the Ford F-150 is a reputable, familiar, and reliable option that offers a high level of comfort and certainty in the midst of an uncertain world that is caught in the eye of the seemingly never-ending storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Ford F-150 is an icon on the mainstream auto market. It is high-performing, extremely reliable, and off-road-ready with a spacious cabin and a host of infotainment tech and advanced safety and driver-assist features as well. For drivers who are in the market for an adventure-ready vehicle to drive through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the Ford F-150 is an excellent option.