According to Autodata, industry sales increased 14%—compared to the same month last year—with the majority of automotive manufacturers achieving double-digit sales gains. In terms of overall volume, this translates to 12.3 million units when adjusted for annual comparisons. By comparison, total industry sales increased 28% in September compared to the same period in 2009.
Following are some highlights from the October sales increases:
- Audi: 10.5%
- BMW (including MINI): 12.6%
- Chrysler: 37%
- Ford: 19.3%
- GM: 13%
- Honda: 19.8%
- Hyundai: 38%
- Kia Motors: 38.7%
- Mercedes: 20.1%
- Mitsubishi: 32%
- Nissan (North America): 15.2%
- Subaru: 25%
- Toyota: (-4.4%)
- Volkswagen: 18%
- Volvo:( -9.9%)
Industry observerss attribute the high numbers to a bevy of stylish offerings but also rising consumer confidence. In GM’s case, sales were driven by strong demand for their popular crossovers and full-size pickup trucks, with combined sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands amounting to 183,392 units. Combined retail sales for the brands increased 13 percent compared to a year earlier and were 8 percent higher compared to September.
“Our October results show that our focused plan is working, as our four brands continue to grow,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “Our sales are up more than double the industry’s increase through October, and we’ve gained almost two points of market share.”
Year-to-date sales for GM’s four brands have increased 22 percent through October, while the industry has increased approximately 10.5%, Johnson noted.
Across town at Ford Motor Co., the results were similarly impressive. According to Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service, 157,935 units were sold compared to October 2009. He said Ford’s balanced portfolio of high-quality, fuel-efficient new cars, utilities, and trucks drove the sales gains. Moreoever, Czubay noted, Ford has shown consistent improvement in vehicle quality and reliability for several years running.
