July 2008 Vehicle Sales
07-30-08, 07:05 AM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
July 2008 Vehicle Sales
July 4cast: Another Dismal Month for Vehicle Sales Except Honda & Compact Vehicles
July 29, 2008
By Michelle Krebs
One doesn't need to be a fortuneteller gazing into a crystal ball to figure out that July vehicle sales, to be reported by automakers on Friday, continue to be in the tank. All one has to do is read recent headlines of downgraded 2008 sales forecasts, more production cuts and boosted incentives.
Edmunds.com released its July forecast Tuesday, predicting monthly sales will drop 10.7 percent from last July, adjusted for the difference in the number of selling days. The decrease is estimated at 3.3 percent on an unadjusted basis. Despite some last-ditch incentive efforts to save the month, all of the Big Six auto manufacturers, with the exception of Honda, are expected to report sales declines from a year ago. Similarly, sales of small compact vehicles continued to boom.
Even the venerable Toyota is likely to see another drop. Meantime, the combined market share of Detroit's three automakers is expected to hit a near-record low of 44.4 percent, down from 49.4 percent in July 2007 and from 46.4 percent in June 2008. The only time it was lower was in May when it fell to 44.3 percent.
"The combined market share for compact cars, compact trucks and compact SUVs is near its all-time high," observed Jesse Toprak, executive director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com. "We expect these three segments to make up around 35 percent of the total market in July, compared to just 23 percent in July of 2003."
Company-by-Company Forecast
In total, Edmunds.com forecasts July new vehicle sales (including fleet sales) to come in at 1.26 million units, a 3.3-percent decrease from July 2007 and a 6.3-percent increase from June 2008 on an unadjusted basis. July 2008 had 26 selling days, two more than last July 2007. When adjusted for this difference, sales decreased 10.7 percent from July 2007.
Edmunds.com forecasts the following sales results:
Chrysler will sell 117,000 units in July 2008, down 14.8 percent compared to July 2007 and up 0.2 percent from June 2008. This would result in a new-vehicle market share of 9.3 percent for Chrysler in July 2008, down from 10.6 percent in July 2007 and down from 9.9 percent in June 2008.
Ford will sell 176,000 units in July 2008, down 7.4 percent compared to July 2007 and up 3.1 percent from June 2008. This would result in a new-vehicle market share of 14.0 percent of new car sales in July 2008 for Ford, down from 14.6 percent in July 2007 and down slightly from 14.4 percent in June 2008.
GM will sell 266,000 units in July 2008, down 15.7 percent compared to July 2007 and up 1.3 percent from June 2008. GM's market share is expected to be 21.1 percent of new-vehicle sales in July 2008, down from 24.2 percent in July 2007 and down from 22.2 percent in June 2008.
Honda will sell 160,000 units in July 2008, up 13.3 percent from July 2007 and up 12.1 percent from June 2008. Honda's market share is expected to be 12.7 percent in July 2008, up from 10.8 percent in July 2007 and up from 12.0 percent in June 2008.
Nissan will sell 88,000 units in July 2008, up 0.2 percent from July 2007 and up 16.0 percent from June 2008. Nissan's market share is expected to be 7.0 percent in July 2008, up from 6.7 percent in July 2007 and up from 6.4 percent in June 2008.
Toyota will sell 217,000 units in July 2008, down 3.3 percent from July 2007 and up 12.1 percent from June 2008. Toyota's market share is expected to be 17.2 percent in July 2008, even from 17.2 percent in July 2007 and up from 16.3 percent in June 2008.
Change from July 2007 (Adjusted for more selling days)
Change from July 2007 (Unadjusted for more selling days)
Chrysler
-21.4%
-14.8%
Ford
-14.5%
-7.4%
GM
-22.2%
-15.7%
Honda
4.6%
13.3%
Nissan
-7.5%
0.2%
Toyota
-10.8%
-3.3%
Industry Total
-10.7%
-3.3%
Source: Edmunds.com
Last-Ditch Efforts Don't Save the Month
Some automakers signaled another weak sales month with enhanced incentives intended to end the month on a higher note and further production cuts to better position them going forward.
At the ribbon cutting for a new powertrain center, GM CEO Rick Wagoner signaled July sales would look similar to sales in June when GM reported at 15-percent decline from the year earlier.
In an effort to push month-end sales, GM said last week it would offer employee discounts to non-employees on a limited basis. GM employees can give one employee discount away through the end of July. That is in addition to already richened discount programs in effect.
Ford has been offering employee-financing to clear out its inventory of 2008 Ford F-Series pickups to make way for the new model, the introduction for which has been pushed into later fall.
On Monday, GM announced would slash another 117,000 SUVs and trucks from its upcoming production schedule. The automaker will eliminate shifts - and 1,760 jobs -- at truck plants in Moraine, Ohio, and Shreveport, La., which make trucks and SUVs. GM's goal is to cut a total of 300,000 units of truck and SUV capacity by year-end.
Also on Monday, Toyota announced a downward revision to its global sales forecast due to its lower sales in the U.S. Toyota recently said it would cut back its production of Tundra pickup trucks and Sequoia SUVs. At the same time, the Japanese automaker has opted to build the Prius hybrid at its new Mississippi plant instead of the Highlander SUV.
Chrysler announced last week that it would extend no-interest financing for six years to its Jeep Commander and Cherokee, Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs through month-end. It's the same deal Chrysler is offering on 2008 Dodge pickup trucks to clear inventory for the redesigned 2009 Ram. At the same time, however, Chrysler said it would no longer offer leasing through Chrysler Financial as of Aug. 1.
Honda Bucks Sales Trend But Struggles with Profits
As it has throughout the year, Honda is expected to buck the industry trend and report a gain in sales, according to Edmunds.com's forecast.
In June, Honda surpassed Chrysler to become the nation's fourth-largest automaker and it is closing in on Ford for the No. 3 spot. Last month, Honda's market share was 12%, less than three percentage points behind Ford's 14.6%. Last summer, Ford was 7 percentage points ahead of Honda, which sold nearly 100,000 more cars than Ford in the first six months of this year.
And Honda is prepping to produce and sell even more cars in the second half and into 2009. In September, Honda begins producing the hot-selling Civic, which was the nation's No. 1 selling vehicle in May, at its new plant in Greensburg, Ind. The plant has capacity to build 200,000 Civics a year.
But Honda has its struggles as well. The automaker recently said it would cut the production of its Honda Odyssey minivan and its newly redesigned Pilot SUV due to slow sales. And Honda's success --- and thus heavy dependence -- in the U.S., however, is a mixed blessing. Honda relies on North America for 70 percent of its operating profit, which is being hurt by currency exchange rates. To that end, Honda, which reported an unexpected higher profit in the just-ended quarter, cut its full-year operating profit last week. That caused Honda's stock to fall nearly 3 percent, the biggest drop since June 19, according to Bloomberg News.
July 29, 2008
By Michelle Krebs
One doesn't need to be a fortuneteller gazing into a crystal ball to figure out that July vehicle sales, to be reported by automakers on Friday, continue to be in the tank. All one has to do is read recent headlines of downgraded 2008 sales forecasts, more production cuts and boosted incentives.
Edmunds.com released its July forecast Tuesday, predicting monthly sales will drop 10.7 percent from last July, adjusted for the difference in the number of selling days. The decrease is estimated at 3.3 percent on an unadjusted basis. Despite some last-ditch incentive efforts to save the month, all of the Big Six auto manufacturers, with the exception of Honda, are expected to report sales declines from a year ago. Similarly, sales of small compact vehicles continued to boom.
Even the venerable Toyota is likely to see another drop. Meantime, the combined market share of Detroit's three automakers is expected to hit a near-record low of 44.4 percent, down from 49.4 percent in July 2007 and from 46.4 percent in June 2008. The only time it was lower was in May when it fell to 44.3 percent.
"The combined market share for compact cars, compact trucks and compact SUVs is near its all-time high," observed Jesse Toprak, executive director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com. "We expect these three segments to make up around 35 percent of the total market in July, compared to just 23 percent in July of 2003."
Company-by-Company Forecast
In total, Edmunds.com forecasts July new vehicle sales (including fleet sales) to come in at 1.26 million units, a 3.3-percent decrease from July 2007 and a 6.3-percent increase from June 2008 on an unadjusted basis. July 2008 had 26 selling days, two more than last July 2007. When adjusted for this difference, sales decreased 10.7 percent from July 2007.
Edmunds.com forecasts the following sales results:
Chrysler will sell 117,000 units in July 2008, down 14.8 percent compared to July 2007 and up 0.2 percent from June 2008. This would result in a new-vehicle market share of 9.3 percent for Chrysler in July 2008, down from 10.6 percent in July 2007 and down from 9.9 percent in June 2008.
Ford will sell 176,000 units in July 2008, down 7.4 percent compared to July 2007 and up 3.1 percent from June 2008. This would result in a new-vehicle market share of 14.0 percent of new car sales in July 2008 for Ford, down from 14.6 percent in July 2007 and down slightly from 14.4 percent in June 2008.
GM will sell 266,000 units in July 2008, down 15.7 percent compared to July 2007 and up 1.3 percent from June 2008. GM's market share is expected to be 21.1 percent of new-vehicle sales in July 2008, down from 24.2 percent in July 2007 and down from 22.2 percent in June 2008.
Honda will sell 160,000 units in July 2008, up 13.3 percent from July 2007 and up 12.1 percent from June 2008. Honda's market share is expected to be 12.7 percent in July 2008, up from 10.8 percent in July 2007 and up from 12.0 percent in June 2008.
Nissan will sell 88,000 units in July 2008, up 0.2 percent from July 2007 and up 16.0 percent from June 2008. Nissan's market share is expected to be 7.0 percent in July 2008, up from 6.7 percent in July 2007 and up from 6.4 percent in June 2008.
Toyota will sell 217,000 units in July 2008, down 3.3 percent from July 2007 and up 12.1 percent from June 2008. Toyota's market share is expected to be 17.2 percent in July 2008, even from 17.2 percent in July 2007 and up from 16.3 percent in June 2008.
Change from July 2007 (Adjusted for more selling days)
Change from July 2007 (Unadjusted for more selling days)
Chrysler
-21.4%
-14.8%
Ford
-14.5%
-7.4%
GM
-22.2%
-15.7%
Honda
4.6%
13.3%
Nissan
-7.5%
0.2%
Toyota
-10.8%
-3.3%
Industry Total
-10.7%
-3.3%
Source: Edmunds.com
Last-Ditch Efforts Don't Save the Month
Some automakers signaled another weak sales month with enhanced incentives intended to end the month on a higher note and further production cuts to better position them going forward.
At the ribbon cutting for a new powertrain center, GM CEO Rick Wagoner signaled July sales would look similar to sales in June when GM reported at 15-percent decline from the year earlier.
In an effort to push month-end sales, GM said last week it would offer employee discounts to non-employees on a limited basis. GM employees can give one employee discount away through the end of July. That is in addition to already richened discount programs in effect.
Ford has been offering employee-financing to clear out its inventory of 2008 Ford F-Series pickups to make way for the new model, the introduction for which has been pushed into later fall.
On Monday, GM announced would slash another 117,000 SUVs and trucks from its upcoming production schedule. The automaker will eliminate shifts - and 1,760 jobs -- at truck plants in Moraine, Ohio, and Shreveport, La., which make trucks and SUVs. GM's goal is to cut a total of 300,000 units of truck and SUV capacity by year-end.
Also on Monday, Toyota announced a downward revision to its global sales forecast due to its lower sales in the U.S. Toyota recently said it would cut back its production of Tundra pickup trucks and Sequoia SUVs. At the same time, the Japanese automaker has opted to build the Prius hybrid at its new Mississippi plant instead of the Highlander SUV.
Chrysler announced last week that it would extend no-interest financing for six years to its Jeep Commander and Cherokee, Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs through month-end. It's the same deal Chrysler is offering on 2008 Dodge pickup trucks to clear inventory for the redesigned 2009 Ram. At the same time, however, Chrysler said it would no longer offer leasing through Chrysler Financial as of Aug. 1.
Honda Bucks Sales Trend But Struggles with Profits
As it has throughout the year, Honda is expected to buck the industry trend and report a gain in sales, according to Edmunds.com's forecast.
In June, Honda surpassed Chrysler to become the nation's fourth-largest automaker and it is closing in on Ford for the No. 3 spot. Last month, Honda's market share was 12%, less than three percentage points behind Ford's 14.6%. Last summer, Ford was 7 percentage points ahead of Honda, which sold nearly 100,000 more cars than Ford in the first six months of this year.
And Honda is prepping to produce and sell even more cars in the second half and into 2009. In September, Honda begins producing the hot-selling Civic, which was the nation's No. 1 selling vehicle in May, at its new plant in Greensburg, Ind. The plant has capacity to build 200,000 Civics a year.
But Honda has its struggles as well. The automaker recently said it would cut the production of its Honda Odyssey minivan and its newly redesigned Pilot SUV due to slow sales. And Honda's success --- and thus heavy dependence -- in the U.S., however, is a mixed blessing. Honda relies on North America for 70 percent of its operating profit, which is being hurt by currency exchange rates. To that end, Honda, which reported an unexpected higher profit in the just-ended quarter, cut its full-year operating profit last week. That caused Honda's stock to fall nearly 3 percent, the biggest drop since June 19, according to Bloomberg News.
07-30-08, 07:09 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Stuck, thanks for starting it. Seems Honda is benefitting with higher gas prices, people trust them for fuel economy.
DIdn't know they passed Chrysler, wow.
June's sales thread here
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=364484
DIdn't know they passed Chrysler, wow.
June's sales thread here
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=364484
07-30-08, 09:21 AM
#4
Toyota can also attract ricers and soccer moms too. I think their sales are declining not because they dont make great vehicles, but more because they have A LOT of vehicles to choose from. When you have that many vehicles (especially SUVs), you're bound to sell less during the time like this. Not everyone wants SUVs and trucks so Toyota's sales will decline over the previous years. For Honda, their SUVs and truck never sold so you dont see a decline at all
07-30-08, 11:59 AM
#5
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
VW Passes Ford
VW Moves Ahead of Ford in 2008
Posted: July 30th, 2008
Volkswagen reported a 7.2 percent increase to 3.31 million cars and trucks, putting it a ahead of Ford as the world’s third-largest automaker by vehicle sales in the first of 2008. FoMoCo sales fell a total of 11 percent to 3.09 million. Ford lost its no.2 spot to Toyota in 2003.
Due to a significant drop in pickups and SUVs and high gas-prices Ford’s U.S. sales fell 14 percent. Its reporting excluded the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors.
Toyota moved ahead of GM in worldwide sales during the first half of 2008. Global production increased 1% to 741,873 units in June. However, the Japanese automaker dropped its 2008 sales outlook to 9.5 million vehicles from 9.85 million.
Posted: July 30th, 2008
Volkswagen reported a 7.2 percent increase to 3.31 million cars and trucks, putting it a ahead of Ford as the world’s third-largest automaker by vehicle sales in the first of 2008. FoMoCo sales fell a total of 11 percent to 3.09 million. Ford lost its no.2 spot to Toyota in 2003.
Due to a significant drop in pickups and SUVs and high gas-prices Ford’s U.S. sales fell 14 percent. Its reporting excluded the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors.
Toyota moved ahead of GM in worldwide sales during the first half of 2008. Global production increased 1% to 741,873 units in June. However, the Japanese automaker dropped its 2008 sales outlook to 9.5 million vehicles from 9.85 million.
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I'm well aware of the CR-V's sales. It's a hit for most consumers. Reasonably priced, good fuel economy, good amount of space to work with, and enough power to get moving in the city.
08-01-08, 08:13 AM
#9
Super Moderator
Volkswagen Reports July 2008 Sales
HERNDON, Va.— Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced July 2008 sales of 20,442 units, a 4.0 percent increase over the July 2007 sales of 19,653 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 1.1 percent ahead of 2007 sales through July.
“We’re pleased with our July sales results,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “For Volkswagen to be ahead of last year’s sales in this tough economy reflects the strength of our brand. Our new products launching later this year are sure to give us even greater momentum.”
The GTI, the original pocket rocket, posted its best sales month since March of 2006, with July sales of 1,619 units, up 31.4 percent over last July. Volkswagen’s innovative coupe-convertible-sunroof Eos continues to be a summertime top-seller with sales of 1,363 units, up 14.6 percent over last July.
“We’re pleased with our July sales results,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “For Volkswagen to be ahead of last year’s sales in this tough economy reflects the strength of our brand. Our new products launching later this year are sure to give us even greater momentum.”
The GTI, the original pocket rocket, posted its best sales month since March of 2006, with July sales of 1,619 units, up 31.4 percent over last July. Volkswagen’s innovative coupe-convertible-sunroof Eos continues to be a summertime top-seller with sales of 1,363 units, up 14.6 percent over last July.
08-01-08, 09:11 AM
#10
Super Moderator
Daimler AG
Daimler AG Reports a 25 Percent Increase for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for July 2008
- Total of 23,292 Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S.
- Mercedes-Benz USA Records 12 Percent Sales Growth for the Month with
20,733 New Vehicles Sold
- smart USA Records 2,559 Sales in July
NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI) today
reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart
combined) of 23,292 units in the U.S. for July 2008. All sales figures in
this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles
for July 2008, a 12 percent increase over last July. This brings the
year-to-date sales total for MBUSA to 140,012 units, marking the best
year-to-date sales for the period in the company's history. The most
significant gains for the month were in the C-Class and E-Class passenger
cars (45 percent and 38 percent respectively), while year-to-date growth
was achieved in the M-Class and GL-Class line-up of SUVs (12 percent and 1
percent respectively).
Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,559
for the month of July. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible
13,958 units in a little more than six months of being offered in the US
market. The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want
a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and
increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package
that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a powerful combination of
outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness
and low cost of ownership. There are currently 69 smart centers open in 31
states.
Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later
today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.
- Total of 23,292 Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S.
- Mercedes-Benz USA Records 12 Percent Sales Growth for the Month with
20,733 New Vehicles Sold
- smart USA Records 2,559 Sales in July
NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI) today
reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart
combined) of 23,292 units in the U.S. for July 2008. All sales figures in
this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles
for July 2008, a 12 percent increase over last July. This brings the
year-to-date sales total for MBUSA to 140,012 units, marking the best
year-to-date sales for the period in the company's history. The most
significant gains for the month were in the C-Class and E-Class passenger
cars (45 percent and 38 percent respectively), while year-to-date growth
was achieved in the M-Class and GL-Class line-up of SUVs (12 percent and 1
percent respectively).
Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,559
for the month of July. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible
13,958 units in a little more than six months of being offered in the US
market. The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want
a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and
increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package
that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a powerful combination of
outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness
and low cost of ownership. There are currently 69 smart centers open in 31
states.
Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later
today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.
Code:
Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. Sales Summary Through July 2008
Month Sales % Sales CYTD %
Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Mercedes-Benz USA 20,733 18,586 11.6 140,012 136,826 2.3
smart USA 2,559 n/a* n/a* 13,958 n/a* n/a*
Mercedes-Benz USA /
smart USA combined 23,292 18,586* 25.3* 153,970 136,826* 12.5*
* smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008
08-01-08, 09:22 AM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Ford Focus Continues to Surprise, Outpace Segment
Ford Focus Continues to Surprise, Outpace Segment
Friday August 1, 12:00 pm ET
- Ford Focus sales were up 16 percent in July and 26 percent year-to-date.
- Total car sales up 8 percent.
- Consistent with industry trends, crossover sales in July were down 8 percent, sport utilities were down 54 percent, and trucks and vans were down 18 percent.
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 156,406 in July, down 13 percent.
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford's (NYSE: F - News) redesigned Focus continues to surprise auto industry watchers and customers alike with strong sales, revenue growth, fuel economy and industry-first technology.
ADVERTISEMENT
While Ford and industry sales experienced a double-digit sales decline in July, Ford Focus sales climbed 16 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Focus sales were up 26 percent, compared with industry-wide small car growth of approximately 9 percent.
Focus has surprised in areas other than sales:
-- Transaction prices - Year-to-date, Focus transaction prices have increased $750 per unit compared with a segment-average increase of $100. Customers are purchasing more equipment, including Ford SYNC, and higher series levels.
-- Fuel Economy - In an independent test conducted by Edmunds.com called the Gas-Sipper Smackdown, Focus achieved 37.5 mpg on the highway. Focus has EPA highway fuel economy of 35 mpg -- better than the smaller 2008 Honda Fit and 2009 Nissan Versa SL.
-- Cool Technology - Focus was named one of Kelley Blue Book's 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 based on its safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, fun-to-drive and the "decidedly subjective coolness factor."
"Focus continues to surprise and delight customers throughout the country, but the bombshell is in Texas, where Focus retail sales have almost doubled," said Jim Farley, Ford, group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "If we can increase small car sales in Texas, we can increase them anywhere." Year-to-date, Focus retail sales were up 91 percent in Texas and 46 percent nationwide.
Total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury car sales were up 8 percent compared with a year ago. Consistent with industry trends, crossover vehicles -- which include Ford Escape, Edge and Flex -- were down 8 percent. Sport utility vehicles -- such as Ford Explorer and Expedition -- were down 54 percent, and trucks and vans -- including Ford F-Series and Econoline -- were down 18 percent.
Overall, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle sales totaled 156,406 in July, down 13 percent versus a year ago; year-to-date sales totaled 1.265 million, also down 14 percent. Ford estimates industry-wide sales were down 11 percent year-to-date.
"We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half as economic and credit conditions weaken," said Farley.
Ford's full-year industry sales forecast is a range from 14.0 - 14.5 million vehicles (including medium and heavy trucks). The first half sales rate was approximately 15 million.
Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit our website at www.ford.com .
Ford Focus Continues to Surprise, Outpace Segment
Friday August 1, 12:00 pm ET
- Ford Focus sales were up 16 percent in July and 26 percent year-to-date.
- Total car sales up 8 percent.
- Consistent with industry trends, crossover sales in July were down 8 percent, sport utilities were down 54 percent, and trucks and vans were down 18 percent.
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 156,406 in July, down 13 percent.
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford's (NYSE: F - News) redesigned Focus continues to surprise auto industry watchers and customers alike with strong sales, revenue growth, fuel economy and industry-first technology.
ADVERTISEMENT
While Ford and industry sales experienced a double-digit sales decline in July, Ford Focus sales climbed 16 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Focus sales were up 26 percent, compared with industry-wide small car growth of approximately 9 percent.
Focus has surprised in areas other than sales:
-- Transaction prices - Year-to-date, Focus transaction prices have increased $750 per unit compared with a segment-average increase of $100. Customers are purchasing more equipment, including Ford SYNC, and higher series levels.
-- Fuel Economy - In an independent test conducted by Edmunds.com called the Gas-Sipper Smackdown, Focus achieved 37.5 mpg on the highway. Focus has EPA highway fuel economy of 35 mpg -- better than the smaller 2008 Honda Fit and 2009 Nissan Versa SL.
-- Cool Technology - Focus was named one of Kelley Blue Book's 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 based on its safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, fun-to-drive and the "decidedly subjective coolness factor."
"Focus continues to surprise and delight customers throughout the country, but the bombshell is in Texas, where Focus retail sales have almost doubled," said Jim Farley, Ford, group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "If we can increase small car sales in Texas, we can increase them anywhere." Year-to-date, Focus retail sales were up 91 percent in Texas and 46 percent nationwide.
Total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury car sales were up 8 percent compared with a year ago. Consistent with industry trends, crossover vehicles -- which include Ford Escape, Edge and Flex -- were down 8 percent. Sport utility vehicles -- such as Ford Explorer and Expedition -- were down 54 percent, and trucks and vans -- including Ford F-Series and Econoline -- were down 18 percent.
Overall, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle sales totaled 156,406 in July, down 13 percent versus a year ago; year-to-date sales totaled 1.265 million, also down 14 percent. Ford estimates industry-wide sales were down 11 percent year-to-date.
"We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half as economic and credit conditions weaken," said Farley.
Ford's full-year industry sales forecast is a range from 14.0 - 14.5 million vehicles (including medium and heavy trucks). The first half sales rate was approximately 15 million.
Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit our website at www.ford.com .
Code:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY JULY 2008 U.S. SALES
---------------------------------------
July % Year-To-Date %
---- ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Sales By Brand
Ford 138,175 160,590 -14.0 1,117,746 1,285,606 -13.1
Lincoln 8,819 8,929 -1.2 65,713 82,262 -20.1
Mercury 9,412 10,852 -13.3 82,007 106,044 -22.7
----- ------ ------ -------
Total Ford,
Lincoln and
Mercury 156,406 180,371 -13.3 1,265,466 1,473,912 -14.1
Volvo 5,124 9,549 -46.3 51,305 63,357 -19.0
----- ----- ------ ------
Total Ford
Motor Company 161,530 189,920 -14.9 1,316,771 1,537,269 -14.3
Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury Sales By
Type
Cars 57,177 53,062 7.8 457,622 479,977 -4.7
Crossover Utility
Vehicles 27,336 29,645 -7.8 240,393 236,943 1.5
Sport Utility
Vehicles 10,213 22,393 -54.4 108,921 172,957 -37.0
Trucks and Vans 61,680 75,271 -18.1 458,530 584,035 -21.5
------ ------ ------- -------
Total Trucks 99,229 127,309 -22.1 807,844 993,935 -18.7
------ ------- ------- -------
Total
Vehicles 156,406 180,371 -13.3 1,265,466 1,473,912 -14.1
FORD BRAND JULY 2008 U.S. SALES
-------------------------------
July % Year-To-Date %
---- ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Crown Victoria 4,325 3,117 38.8 31,765 39,328 -19.2
Taurus 4,100 6,163 -33.5 36,016 42,433 -15.1
Fusion 10,607 9,347 13.5 98,530 88,042 11.9
Focus 15,200 13,144 15.6 138,649 109,876 26.2
Mustang 10,711 10,684 0.3 65,764 88,025 -25.3
GT 0 0 NA 0 231 -100.0
- - - ---
Ford Cars 44,943 42,455 5.9 370,724 367,935 0.8
Flex 2,204 0 NA 3,583 0 NA
Edge 8,508 9,096 -6.5 77,235 67,879 13.8
Escape 10,421 12,440 -16.2 102,486 104,645 -2.1
Taurus X 2,034 2,705 -24.8 16,803 22,483 -25.3
----- ----- ------ ------
Ford Crossover
Utility Vehicles 23,167 24,241 -4.4 200,107 195,007 2.6
Expedition 3,469 8,169 -57.5 35,760 58,503 -38.9
Explorer 5,404 11,212 -51.8 55,339 85,916 -35.6
----- ------ ------ ------
Ford Sport Utility
Vehicles 8,873 19,381 -54.2 91,099 144,419 -36.9
F-Series 44,829 56,488 -20.6 319,542 411,926 -22.4
Ranger 4,677 5,662 -17.4 45,980 48,632 -5.5
Econoline/Club
Wagon 11,146 11,210 -0.6 85,721 106,045 -19.2
Freestar 0 0 NA 0 2,390 -100.0
Low Cab Forward 81 221 -63.3 635 1,848 -65.6
Heavy Trucks 459 932 -50.8 3,938 7,404 -46.8
--- --- ----- -----
Ford Trucks and
Vans 61,192 74,513 -17.9 455,816 578,245 -21.2
------ ------ ------- -------
Ford Brand 138,175 160,590 -14.0 1,117,746 1,285,606 -13.1
LINCOLN BRAND JULY 2008 U.S. SALES
----------------------------------
July % Year-To-Date %
---- ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
MKS 2,279 0 NA 2,664 0 NA
MKZ 2,331 2,679 -13.0 20,978 19,732 6.3
Town Car 943 1,079 -12.6 9,982 24,114 -58.6
MKX 2,010 2,870 -30.0 19,573 19,724 -0.8
Navigator 768 1,543 -50.2 9,802 13,602 -27.9
Mark LT 488 758 -35.6 2,714 5,090 -46.7
--- --- ----- -----
Lincoln Brand 8,819 8,929 -1.2 65,713 82,262 -20.1
MERCURY BRAND JULY 2008 U.S. SALES
----------------------------------
July % Year-To-Date %
---- ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Grand Marquis 2,569 2,035 26.2 19,310 33,298 -42.0
Sable 2,276 2,589 -12.1 11,702 12,827 -8.8
Milan 1,836 2,225 -17.5 22,262 22,071 0.9
Mariner 2,159 2,534 -14.8 20,713 22,212 -6.7
Mountaineer 572 1,469 -61.1 8,020 14,936 -46.3
Monterey 0 0 NA 0 700 -100.0
- - - ---
Mercury Brand 9,412 10,852 -13.3 82,007 106,044 -22.7
VOLVO BRAND JULY 2008 U.S. SALES
--------------------------------
July % Year-To-Date %
---- ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
S40 431 1,538 -72.0 7,203 12,050 -40.2
V50 120 233 -48.5 1,151 1,750 -34.2
S60 409 2,134 -80.8 6,720 11,579 -42.0
S80 745 1,168 -36.2 7,657 7,330 4.5
V70 234 368 -36.4 2,336 2,082 12.2
XC70 668 966 -30.8 6,302 7,166 -12.1
XC90 1,546 2,693 -42.6 13,011 18,455 -29.5
C70 540 424 27.4 4,144 2,920 41.9
C30 431 25 NA 2,781 25 NA
--- -- ----- --
Volvo Brand 5,124 9,549 -46.3 51,305 63,357 -19.0
08-01-08, 09:35 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
NEWS OF SALES IN JAPAN!!!
Honda New Car Models Lead Gain in Japan Vehicle Sales (Update2)
By Makiko Kitamura
Enlarge Image/Details
Aug. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co., Japan's second- biggest carmaker, led a rise in domestic auto sales in July, after its new models spurred demand.
Sales of cars, trucks and buses rose 5.4 percent to 302,568 from a year earlier, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said in a statement today. The total excludes minicars.
Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's largest carmaker, and Honda are introducing new and revamped models to lure buyers to showrooms as higher gas prices and decade-high inflation squeeze consumer spending in Japan. Toyota brought out the Alphard and Vellfire minivans while Honda unveiled the Freed in May.
``The new models may provide a quick boost to sales,'' said Takashi Aoki, who helps manage about 130 billion yen at Mizuho Asset Management Co. in Tokyo. ``But the effect won't last.''
Honda gained 29 percent to 40,449 units. Nissan reported a 5.9 percent sales increase to 50,098 vehicles, while Toyota's increased 5.6 percent last month to 139,669.
There was one extra selling day last month compared with last year. Also, sales last year fell after an earthquake disrupted production.
Toyota, Honda, Mazda Motor Corp. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. have all introduced minivans in the past three months to boost sales.
Still, auto sales, including minicars, will likely fall 1.2 percent this year for a fourth consecutive decline to about 5.32 million units, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
Spending, Inflation
Japan's household spending has fallen for four straight months through June as inflation stays at a decade-high, boosted by soaring costs of food and energy.
Toyota fell 1.1 percent to 4,610 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Honda lost 0.3 percent to 3,480 yen, while Nissan fell 1.4 percent to 828 yen.
High gasoline prices have also deterred transport and tour companies from buying new trucks and buses. Truck sales fell 18 percent to 33,615 units in July. Bus sales dropped 15 percent to 1,228 units.
Sales of minicars, powered by engines no larger than 0.66 liters were little changed at 152,026 units last month, according to the Japan Mini Vehicles Association.
Daihatsu Motor Co., Japan's largest minicar maker, increased sales 6.5 percent to 52,235. Suzuki Motor Corp., the country's second-largest minicar maker, sold 48,785 units, up 1.5 percent.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=aQRbt0jg4wQo
Honda New Car Models Lead Gain in Japan Vehicle Sales (Update2)
By Makiko Kitamura
Enlarge Image/Details
Aug. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co., Japan's second- biggest carmaker, led a rise in domestic auto sales in July, after its new models spurred demand.
Sales of cars, trucks and buses rose 5.4 percent to 302,568 from a year earlier, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said in a statement today. The total excludes minicars.
Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's largest carmaker, and Honda are introducing new and revamped models to lure buyers to showrooms as higher gas prices and decade-high inflation squeeze consumer spending in Japan. Toyota brought out the Alphard and Vellfire minivans while Honda unveiled the Freed in May.
``The new models may provide a quick boost to sales,'' said Takashi Aoki, who helps manage about 130 billion yen at Mizuho Asset Management Co. in Tokyo. ``But the effect won't last.''
Honda gained 29 percent to 40,449 units. Nissan reported a 5.9 percent sales increase to 50,098 vehicles, while Toyota's increased 5.6 percent last month to 139,669.
There was one extra selling day last month compared with last year. Also, sales last year fell after an earthquake disrupted production.
Toyota, Honda, Mazda Motor Corp. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. have all introduced minivans in the past three months to boost sales.
Still, auto sales, including minicars, will likely fall 1.2 percent this year for a fourth consecutive decline to about 5.32 million units, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
Spending, Inflation
Japan's household spending has fallen for four straight months through June as inflation stays at a decade-high, boosted by soaring costs of food and energy.
Toyota fell 1.1 percent to 4,610 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Honda lost 0.3 percent to 3,480 yen, while Nissan fell 1.4 percent to 828 yen.
High gasoline prices have also deterred transport and tour companies from buying new trucks and buses. Truck sales fell 18 percent to 33,615 units in July. Bus sales dropped 15 percent to 1,228 units.
Sales of minicars, powered by engines no larger than 0.66 liters were little changed at 152,026 units last month, according to the Japan Mini Vehicles Association.
Daihatsu Motor Co., Japan's largest minicar maker, increased sales 6.5 percent to 52,235. Suzuki Motor Corp., the country's second-largest minicar maker, sold 48,785 units, up 1.5 percent.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=aQRbt0jg4wQo
08-01-08, 09:35 AM
#15
Speaks French in Russian
One of its biggest sellers (S60) has been on the market unchanged since 2000. The one thing I do not like about Volvo is that they do not update there vehicles nearly enough. Their sales always fluctuate greatly because of this.
But it could be a supply issue as well. Thats a HUGE drop for all of its vehicles. I dont think it was nearly as bad the past few months. ANd they make pretty fuel efficient cars as well.