March 2011 Sales Thread
03-31-11, 06:28 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
March 2011 Sales Thread
DETROIT (Bloomberg) -- U.S. automobile sales probably lost some momentum in March as the crisis in Japan and the highest gasoline prices in more than 2 years hurt consumers’ confidence.
March sales results, to be released Friday, may have run at a 12.9 million annual rate, the average estimate of 9 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. While higher than a year ago, it would be less than February’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of 13.4 million, according to Autodata Corp. The SAAR has been climbing or staying even with previous-month levels since August.
The conflict in Libya helped push gasoline prices to the highest level since September 2008, slowing truck and SUV sales. Confidence among U.S. consumers fell more than forecast to a 3-month low this month, the Conference Board said March 29. The group said 3.6% of Americans plan to buy a new auto in the next 6 months, down from 3.9% in February.
“A lot of uncertainty in the geopolitical environment, with the crisis in Japan and Middle East unrest, affects consumers’ tendency to make big-ticket item purchases,” said Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends at TrueCar.com. “There’s hesitancy by consumers to pull the trigger on car purchases.”
A 12.9 million rate this month would be an increase from the 11.7 million pace in March 2010, and all major automakers except Toyota Motor Corp. may report gains in deliveries from a year earlier, according to analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.
Light-vehicle sales in 2010 rose to 11.6 million from a 27- year low in 2009. Deliveries still were 31% fewer than the 16.8 million annual average from 2000 to 2007, according to Autodata.
Toyota down?
Deliveries at Toyota may have slipped 3.6% from a year earlier, the average of four analysts’ estimates, as the world’s largest automaker offered smaller discounts. Toyota boosted sales incentives 46% in March 2010 after it began record recalls earlier that year.
Sales may have gained 24% at Honda Motor Co., and Nissan Motor Co. deliveries may have increased 16%, the average of 4 analysts’ estimates.
Global automakers may lose production of 585,000 vehicles this month after the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami damaged factories of manufacturers and their suppliers, according to researcher IHS Automotive.
Toyota said last week it has lost output of more than 140,000 vehicles. Honda said it had lost 46,600 vehicles, while Nissan said it lost 42,000 units of production from March 14 to March 27.
GM, which closed its Shreveport Assembly plant in Louisiana the week of March 21 because of a Japan-related parts shortage, may report a 20% gain in March deliveries, the average of 5 analysts’ estimates.
Ford may top GM
Ford Motor Co. may report a 13% increase for March, the average of 5 estimates. Ford’s increased sales of small cars such as the Fiesta and Focus may help the 2nd-largest U.S. automaker outsell GM, which offered smaller discounts during the month, said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst at industry researcher Edmunds.com.
“The GM and Ford race will be really tight,” said Caldwell. “GM came out really strong in the beginning of the year with incentives. When you do that, you’re going to pull ahead sales from later months.”
Automakers may cut incentives and sales to fleet customers to conserve inventories as parts shortages threaten the loss of as much as 100,000 units of production in North America in the near term, said Jeff Schuster, an analyst at J.D. Power & Associates.
“It feels like it’s going to be a little bit more of an impact than just a few vehicle shortages,” said Schuster, who expects the lost output to be made up by the end of the year. “The depletion of inventory of some key imported models could happen a lot faster than we expected entering this month.”
Chrysler Group may say sales rose 20%, the average of 5 analysts’ estimates. Chrysler and Ford said last week they are restricting dealers’ orders on some vehicle colors after Merck KGaA, a producer of a paint pigment for automakers, lost access to its Japanese factory near a crippled nuclear reactor.
Market shifting
Higher gas prices may drive a shift in market share to cars from trucks and SUVs, according to J.D. Power. The average price of regular unleaded gasoline in the U.S. was $3.54 a gallon this month through March 29, according to AAA.
GM’s Chevrolet brand has doubled the share of sales it gets from vehicles with 4-cylinder engines since 2007, to 46% of its retail deliveries this year, the automaker said March 16. Ford, which set monthly records in February for sales of its Fiesta and Fusion cars, sees consumers changing buying patterns, said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas.
“There is a natural kind of water level that if a gallon of gas goes over, that may shift the market mentality,” Fields said at a factory in Wayne, Mich., on March 17, after the redesigned Focus small car began production.
For every $1 a gallon increase in U.S. gas prices, the more-profitable light-truck segment may lose 5 percentage points of market share to lower-margin cars, Himanshu Patel, a New York-based analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co., wrote in a March 22 research note. That would translate to a $0.56 decrease in annual earnings per share at GM, and a $0.15 drop at Ford, he said.
“Given the magnitude of recent stock price declines, it appears much of this math has been discounted into both stocks, though market concerns are likely that oil could trend even higher medium-term,” Patel wrote.
GM stock has fallen 14% since Feb. 18, before intensifying violence in Libya sent crude oil prices to the highest in more than 2 years, to close at $31.55 Wednesday in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. Ford has dropped 5.8% in that span and closed at $14.86 on Wednesday.
March had 27 selling days, 1 more than a year earlier.
04-01-11, 12:27 PM
#2
April 01, 2011
Toyota Reports March and First Quarter Sales
Click here for March 2011 Sales Chart
TORRANCE, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2011) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March sales results of 176,222 units, a decrease of 9.2 percent compared to the same period last year, on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in March 2011 compared to 26 selling days in March 2010, TMS sales were down 5.7 from the year-ago month.
The Toyota Division posted March total sales of 155,540 units, a decrease of 10.1 percent on a DSR basis from March 2010, a month in which TMS reported record-high market share for the year. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were down 6.7 percent from the year-ago month. The Lexus Division reported total sales of 20,682 units, down 1.5 percent from March 2010, on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 2.3 percent over last March.
"Our thoughts are with our employees, business partners and their families in Japan during this difficult time. All of us at Toyota pledge our full support to the relief efforts and I thank our associates, dealers and suppliers for their generous donations, which, combined with Toyota Motor Corporation’s donation, have reached over $5 million to date,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "Our sales momentum continued in March and contributed to a strong first-quarter close. With improving purchase intentions and healthy inventory levels heading into April, we feel confident about our sales outlook for the month ahead."
For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 433,924 vehicles, an increase of 11.0 percent over the same period in 2010, on a DSR basis. With 75 selling days in the first quarter of 2011, compared to 74 selling day in the first quarter of 2010, sales were up 12.5 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis.
Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined sales of 91,324 units, down 1.2 percent from last March. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 31,464 units for the month, and Corolla reported combined March sales of 30,234 units. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted March sales of 18,605 units, up 52.0 percent over the year-ago month.
Toyota Division light trucks recorded March sales of 64,216 units, a decrease of 20.4 percent year-over-year. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV, which posted monthly sales of 16,082, while Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined sales of 9,828 units for the month. The 4Runner mid-size SUV recorded sales of 4,369 units; the Tacoma mid-size pickup posted sales of 10,144 units; and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 7,515 units. The Sienna minivan recorded sales of 10,449, an increase of 29.4 compared to March 2010.
Scion posted March sales of 5,540 units, an increase of 57.8 percent year-over-year. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,481 units, up 113.7 percent over last March. The xB urban utility vehicle posted March sales of 1,970 units, an increase of 16.4 percent over the year-ago month. The xD reported sales of 1,089 units for the month, up 37.4 percent over last March.
Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 10,503 units, up 0.5 percent over last March. The entry luxury sedan ES led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 3,732 units, while the IS lineup reported combined sales of 2,956 units. The all-new CT 200h hybrid posted 2,199 units in its first month of sales.
Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 10,179 units, down 3.5 percent from last March. Lexus light truck sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined March sales of 8,600 units, up 2.7 percent over the year-ago month. The GX mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,238 units.
TMS Hybrids
TMS posted March sales of 24,739 hybrid vehicles, an increase 42.5 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted sales of 20,839 hybrids for the month, up 44.1 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus Division reported sales 3,900 hybrids in March, an increase of 34.8 percent over March 2010.
Toyota Reports March and First Quarter Sales
Click here for March 2011 Sales Chart
TORRANCE, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2011) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March sales results of 176,222 units, a decrease of 9.2 percent compared to the same period last year, on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in March 2011 compared to 26 selling days in March 2010, TMS sales were down 5.7 from the year-ago month.
The Toyota Division posted March total sales of 155,540 units, a decrease of 10.1 percent on a DSR basis from March 2010, a month in which TMS reported record-high market share for the year. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were down 6.7 percent from the year-ago month. The Lexus Division reported total sales of 20,682 units, down 1.5 percent from March 2010, on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 2.3 percent over last March.
"Our thoughts are with our employees, business partners and their families in Japan during this difficult time. All of us at Toyota pledge our full support to the relief efforts and I thank our associates, dealers and suppliers for their generous donations, which, combined with Toyota Motor Corporation’s donation, have reached over $5 million to date,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "Our sales momentum continued in March and contributed to a strong first-quarter close. With improving purchase intentions and healthy inventory levels heading into April, we feel confident about our sales outlook for the month ahead."
For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 433,924 vehicles, an increase of 11.0 percent over the same period in 2010, on a DSR basis. With 75 selling days in the first quarter of 2011, compared to 74 selling day in the first quarter of 2010, sales were up 12.5 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis.
Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined sales of 91,324 units, down 1.2 percent from last March. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 31,464 units for the month, and Corolla reported combined March sales of 30,234 units. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted March sales of 18,605 units, up 52.0 percent over the year-ago month.
Toyota Division light trucks recorded March sales of 64,216 units, a decrease of 20.4 percent year-over-year. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV, which posted monthly sales of 16,082, while Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined sales of 9,828 units for the month. The 4Runner mid-size SUV recorded sales of 4,369 units; the Tacoma mid-size pickup posted sales of 10,144 units; and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 7,515 units. The Sienna minivan recorded sales of 10,449, an increase of 29.4 compared to March 2010.
Scion posted March sales of 5,540 units, an increase of 57.8 percent year-over-year. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,481 units, up 113.7 percent over last March. The xB urban utility vehicle posted March sales of 1,970 units, an increase of 16.4 percent over the year-ago month. The xD reported sales of 1,089 units for the month, up 37.4 percent over last March.
Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 10,503 units, up 0.5 percent over last March. The entry luxury sedan ES led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 3,732 units, while the IS lineup reported combined sales of 2,956 units. The all-new CT 200h hybrid posted 2,199 units in its first month of sales.
Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 10,179 units, down 3.5 percent from last March. Lexus light truck sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined March sales of 8,600 units, up 2.7 percent over the year-ago month. The GX mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,238 units.
TMS Hybrids
TMS posted March sales of 24,739 hybrid vehicles, an increase 42.5 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted sales of 20,839 hybrids for the month, up 44.1 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus Division reported sales 3,900 hybrids in March, an increase of 34.8 percent over March 2010.
04-01-11, 02:20 PM
#7
Trending Topics
04-01-11, 03:26 PM
#8
Breaking: Ford beats GM in March sales
Breaking: Ford beats GM in March sales
General Motors posted its seventh consecutive sales gain for the month of March, with 206,621 total sales. A good month, no doubt, but Ford had a better month for just the second time since 1998. Ford last bested GM in February, 2010. The Blue Oval posted sales of 212,295, thanks in part to a 21-percent jump in truck sales.
That's a victory of 5,674 units for the Dearborn, MI-based automaker, but the real drubbing came in the ongoing battle of Ford Vs. Chevrolet. The Bowtie brand moved 148,197 units, compared to 203,794 for Team Ford. That's a 28-percent sales jump for the Blue Oval, which admittedly amped up fleet sales for the month, but retail sales were also up 14 percent.
Ford had plenty of hot products moving off dealer lots, with 53,272 F-Series trucks sold, a record 9,787 Fiestas and record March sales for the Escape and Fusion. One factor holding back GM sales was a $700 per vehicle cutback in incentive spending, though that will probably help the automaker's bottom line more than a few extra Malibu sedans rolling off the line.
While Ford was victorious in March, GM is still up for the year by 97,000 units. Stay tuned to Autoblog for our monthly By the Numbers update, which will lay out sales totals for all of the major automakers selling in the U.S.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/01/b...n-march-sales/
04-01-11, 05:25 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
Honda/Acura
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted March sales of 133,650, an increase of 18.9% based on the daily selling rate*, the company announced today. March marks the 6th straight month of double-digit sales increases for American Honda. Year-to-date sales of 307,978 represent an increase of 18.5% based on the daily selling rate*.
Sales of fuel-efficient Honda vehicles led the division to March sales of 121,039, an increase of 20.7% compared to March 2010. March sales of Honda cars increased by 29.1% to 74,168, led by the Accord, up 11.2% to 33,616; the Civic, up 33.8% to 31,213; and the Fit, up 43.4% on record March sales of 6,955. Honda hybrids also posted strong sales, with the Insight up 62.2% on record March sales of 2,782. The CR-V, the best-selling SUV in America, posted record sales for the 2nd straight month, up 42.7% to 21,998.
"While we are extremely pleased with this month's sales performance, our foremost thoughts are with the Japanese people during this difficult time," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We know there will be challenges in the coming months as we continue to deal with supply chain issues resulting from the devastating earthquake in Japan, and we continue to appreciate everyone's patience and understanding."
Acura Division posted sales of 12,611 for March, an increase of 3.6%. The Acura MDX led the division with sales of 4,113, an increase of 20.7%, followed by the TL with sales of 3,995.
04-01-11, 05:27 PM
#10
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Thread Starter
Nissan/Infiniti
Download Sales Chart
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported March U.S. sales of 121,141 units versus 95,468 units a year earlier, an increase of 26.9 percent, and a record for any month in the company’s history. Nissan Division sales also set a new sales record, up 28.4 percent for the month at 109,854 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles rose 13.5 percent over the prior year, to 11,287 units.
Nissan North America also achieved record market share for the 2010 fiscal year, which ended March 31 with total sales of 965,699 units, up 17.3 percent from FY09’s sales of 823,565 units.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
Nissan Division posted a record March with 109,854 sales, an increase of 28.4 percent over 85,526 units sold in March 2010. This marks record sales volume for any month in the division’s history.
Nissan Rogue also set an all-time volume record in March, with sales of 14,174 units up 68.8 percent over the prior year.
Nissan Sentra sales rose 104.7 percent versus last year, with sales of 17,851 units.
Market reception of the Nissan Juke continues to be enthusiastic, with 4,089 Juke sales posted in March.
Nissan LEAF all-electric vehicle posted sales of 298 units, for a total of 452 units in the United States since its December launch.
“Nissan enjoyed our best month ever, with the foundation of our fuel-efficient vehicles such as Altima, Sentra and Rogue leading the way,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “Despite market conditions, our full lineup of innovative cars, trucks and crossovers helped Nissan achieve this all-time record. Nissan is well-positioned to take advantage of the shifts in the market.”
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
Infiniti today reported sales of 11,287 units for March, an increase of 13.5 percent versus 9,942 units a year earlier, marking the 14th straight month of double-digit sales gains for the Infiniti division.
Infiniti G Line continued to grow, with G Sedan sales up 27.3 percent on sales of 5,119 units, and G Coupe sales increasing 14.5 percent, with sales of 1,890 cars.
Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury sport utility vehicle set a new March record with sales of 1,355 units, up 30.2 percent.
04-01-11, 05:29 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
Audi
• March 2011 marked third-best month ever with sales of 9,818, easily eclipsing previous March record of 8,589 set in 2010
• 2011 Audi A8 flagship sales help fuel 14.3% year-over-year jump in month
• Certified Pre-Owned sales of 3,318 vehicles marks the second-best month for Audi CPO, second only to May 2008 with 3,364 vehicles sold
Audi today sustained its 2011 momentum with a series of record setting achievements. March U.S. sales of Audi cars and SUVs not only marked the third-straight monthly record for 2011, but also the best-ever March in company history and the best first quarter of all-time. Additionally, the March 2011 results rank as the third-best monthly sales overall for the brand in its U.S. history. The strong March sales represented a month-to-month sales increase of more than 25% over February 2011, and a 14.3% improvement from March 2010. The 2011 best first quarter in company history comes on the heels of Audi posting its best annual U.S. sales for 2010.
Overall, Audi sold 9,818 vehicles in March 2011 compared to the 8,589 vehicles sold in March 2010 to set the old record for the month. The strong sales results were buoyed by the continued extraordinary public response to the 2011 Audi A8 flagship model with a 788.9% increase in sales from a year earlier. March 2011 was the best month for Audi A8 sales in more than five years. Sales of the Audi A4 recorded more than a 20% month-to-month sales increase over February 2011 and climbed 12.1% compared to March 2010.
Audi models have already earned significant awards in the U.S., including the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award to the 2011 Audi A8, four category winners in the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index and the EyesOn Design “Best Production Vehicle” awarded to the Audi A6, which is scheduled to arrive this Fall.
In March 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases exceeding 20% with five of its models: the Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi R8 and the Audi TT. Audi Q5 crossover and Audi Q7 full-size luxury crossover sales posted 22.5% and 36.6% increases over March 2010 sales, respectively. Moreover, due to improved availability and seasonality, the Audi R8 and Audi TT recorded a combined 56.9% year-over-year sales increase compared to March 2010. Despite limited availability for the Audi A5 in the month of March, the A5 posted a month-to-month sales gain of more than 20% compared to February 2011 sales. Moreover, the Audi S5 registered a 30% sales mix, compared to the 2010 average of 26%.
“Having ended 2010 on such a high note, it was important to ensure that we continue our momentum well into 2011,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “As first quarter sales figures clearly reinforce the notion that consumers are eager to drive the superior lineup of Audi vehicles, we are optimistic that 2011 will be another banner year for us.”
Audi sales highlights – March 2011
• March 2011 ranks as the best-ever March sales in Audi of America history; also ranks as the third-best month ever in company history, behind December 2006 and December 2010.
• Best first quarter ever with 25,383 vehicles sold, topping the previous first quarter record of 2010 by 19.1%.
• Five models within Audi lineup post gains of over 20% YOY.
• Month-to-month Audi sales increase of more than 25% over February 2011, and 14.3% YOY increase.
Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 March sales and news notes
• Audi Q5 sales in March second only to A4; Q5 with less than 20 day supply of dealer inventory.
• Audi Q5 sales up 22.5% for March YOY.
• Audi Q7 sales up 36.6% for March YOY; Q7 with less than 15 day supply of dealer inventory.
Audi A3, A6, R8 and TT March sales and news notes
• Audi A3 sales increase by 200 units over February 2011.
• Audi A6 sales increase by 130 units over February 2011.
• R8 sales record 103.8% uptick over March 2010.
• TT sales up 40.8% YOY compared to March 2010.
Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes
• March 2011 CPO sales of 3,318 units represent 30.1% YOY surge from 2,551 vehicles a year earlier; increase in sales fueled by strong A4 sales mix.
• Second best March for Audi CPO of all-time, second only to May 2008 with 3,364 vehicles sold.
• Record-setting CPO markets in March: East up 30% year-to-date growth compared to 2010; South up 34% YTD growth compared to 2010; and West up 40% YTD growth compared to 2010.
04-01-11, 05:31 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
Bmw
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 26,382 vehicles, an increase of 21.7 percent from the 21,670 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.
Year-to-date, BMW Group is up 18% on sales of 64,958 in the first three months of 2011 compared 55,051 in the same period in 2010.
“Three months into 2011, we’re now seeing our consumer base becoming increasingly comfortable with the moderate pace of economic recovery,” said Jim O’Donnell, President and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. “Those with attractive vehicles, such as the new BMW 5 Series and X3 and the MINI Countryman, are right in the sweet spot of opportunity as we are seeing with the X3 and the Countryman accounting for more than 9,000 year-to-date sales of the BMW Group in the U.S.”
BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 12.4% in March for a total of 20,295 compared to 18,060 vehicles sold in March, 2010.
Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 13.6% on sales of 52,617 January to March compared to 46,323 sold in the first three months of 2010.
In March, best performing vehicles included the new X3 SAV – now on sale in the U.S. for two full months – up 270% to 2,648 units; the 5 Series, up 55.6% to 4,491 units and the 7 Series, up 40% to 1,027 units. The BMW SAV segment (X3, X5, X6) continues to show growth with sales up 36.5% from the previous March.
BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
In March, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) totaled 14,773, a decrease of 7.3% from the 15, 938 sold in March 2010.
Year-to-date, BMW used vehicle sales are down 1.6% on volume of 39,214 compared to 39,848 in the first three months of 2010.
MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported sales of 6,087 automobiles making it the best March and the 2nd best sales month ever in the U.S. March 2011 sales are an increase of 68.6% over the 3,610 sold in March, 2010.
Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 41.4% on volume of 12,341 compared to 8,728 in the first three months of 2010.
04-01-11, 05:37 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Ford
Ford’s March sales totaled 212,777, up 19 percent versus a year ago
Fiesta sets U.S. record as monthly sales reach 9,787, up 56 percent versus February
Fusion and Escape also set monthly sales records, up 21 percent and 25 percent, respectively, versus a year ago
Explorer sales up 111 percent year over year
F-Series sales up 25 percent; new V6 engines account for 37 percent of 2011 F-150 retail sales
Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)
DEARBORN, Mich., April 1, 2011 – Consumer demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles continues to grow as March sales increased 19 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Ford sales totaled 496,720, up 16 percent.
“With gasoline prices eclipsing $3.50 a gallon, consumers are placing a high priority on fuel efficiency in every size and kind of vehicle,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Customers are rewarding Ford for our investment in new products as well as more efficient engines and transmissions, which save them money at the pump whether they drive Fiestas or F-Series trucks.”
Ford offers 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four vehicles with EPA certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.
Cars
Ford’s new Fiesta set a record in March as monthly sales reached 9,787, up 56 percent from February. Fiesta’s retail share of its segment has increased every month since it was introduced last summer, and Los Angeles continues to be the No. 1 sales region for Fiesta.
Fusion also set a new record with sales of 27,566, up 21 percent versus a year ago.
The Ford Mustang (up 47 percent) and Lincoln MKZ (up 28 percent) also posted higher sales than a year ago. Sales of the MKZ Hybrid reached a record 615, accounting for 20 percent of MKZ retail sales.
Total Focus sales were lower than a year ago (down 12 percent) as the all-new model is just starting to arrive at Ford dealers, but the nameplate’s retail sales were up 16 percent.
Utilities
Sales of Ford’s utility vehicles were paced by the all-new Ford Explorer, which had its best sales month since June 2007. Explorer sales totaled 12,482, up 111 percent, making the new Explorer Ford’s fastest-turning vehicle in the showroom for a third straight month.
Explorer’s class-leading EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 25 mpg is attracting owners of other makes. Its current conquest rate is 43 percent.
The Escape set a new March sales record – and its second best month overall – with sales of 23,975, up 25 percent versus a year ago. Sales of the new Ford Edge (up 21 percent) and Lincoln MKX (up 12 percent) also were higher as were sales of the Ford Expedition (up 40 percent) and Lincoln Navigator (up 10 percent).
Trucks
Strong sales to commercial fleet customers as well as higher sales to retail customers powered Ford truck sales growth in March. Sales of Ford’s F-Series truck totaled 53,272, up 25 percent versus a year ago.
In January, Ford launched the 2011 F-150 with four all-new powertrains including two V6s – a 3.7-liter and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost. In March, V6-equipped F150s accounted for 37 percent of all 2011 F-150 retail sales.
“The No. 1 unmet need for full-size pickup truck owners has been fuel economy,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “The good news is the 2011 Ford F-150 has best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, plus more powertrain choices to suit customers’ different needs.”
Ford’s commercial vehicles also posted strong year-to-year increases. Econoline sales totaled 11,827 (up 13 percent) and Transit Connect sales were 2,690 (up 47 percent).
Sales Summary
In March, total sales were 212,777, up 19 percent. Retail sales were up 14 percent and fleet sales were up 29 percent (commercial was up 50 percent, government was up 33 percent and daily rental was up 13 percent).
In the first quarter, total sales were 496,720, up 16 percent. Retail sales were up 20 percent and fleet sales were up 8 percent (commercial was up 34 percent, government was up 11 percent, and daily rental was down 8 percent).
Two independent market research studies cited the growing strength of the Ford brand in March. Ford was named the most considered auto brand among new-car shoppers in Kelley Blue Books’ Market Intelligence Brand Watch study, and Ford was named top full-line automotive brand in the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend study.
“Our newest products are helping Ford to connect with customers beyond our traditional geographic areas of strength,” said Czubay. “In the first quarter, our largest retail sales increases were on the west coast and in the northeast with major contributions from the Fiesta and Edge. We believe the new Focus and Explorer will help us to achieve further growth in these and other key markets as even more customers look for fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles with technology they truly value.”
04-01-11, 06:45 PM
#15
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Thread Starter
Mitsubishi
CYPRESS, Calif. (AP) -- Mitsubishi Motors North America said its U.S. sales rose 39 percent in March from the same month last year as demand rose for its sedans and crossover vehicles.
BY THE NUMBERS: Mitsubishi sold 7,560 vehicles last month, compared with 5,434 in March 2010.
TOP SELLERS: Mitsubishi sold 1,715 of its Galant sedans, up 11 percent from the same time a year ago.
HOT MODELS: Sales of the Endeavor crossover vehicle nearly tripled from March 2010. Sales of its new Outlander Sport rose 9 percent from February, hitting 1,401 in March, and they've risen each month since the vehicle was introduced in October.