MENU
SEARCHThe latest report shows U.S. new car dealers are on pace for yet another 17 million-unit year, led by gains at Japanese and Korean factories, increased incentive spending, and fleet sales.
Honda reported a 7.6% year-over-year sales increase in October, propelled by sales of light trucks, including the Ridgeline pickup as well as its lineup of SUVs and crossovers.
Photo courtesy American Honda Motor Co.
(Bobit) — The seasonally adjusted annualized rate of U.S. new vehicle sales could exceed 17 million units for the fifth straight year, according to reports and estimates compiled by Automotive News. That would register as a mild surprise for the industry, for which most forecasters predicted at least a slight dropoff for 2019.
Sales were down 1.8% year-over-year in October and were down 1.6% through September, according to the Automotive News Data Center.
Each of the Detroit 3 manufacturers has ceased issuing monthly sales reports; Q4 numbers are expected in the first week of January. Analysts estimate a prolonged United Auto Workers strike dinged General Motors to the tune of a 12% year-over-year decline and that Ford (-1.9%) and Fiat Chrysler (-2.8%) also suffered minor setbacks in October.
Read: Average New Vehicle Prices Up Nearly 3% in October
Hyundai and Kia (11.1%), Honda (7.6%), and Subaru (0.2%) registered year-over-year gains. Those factories were joined in the winners’ circle by Volvo (20%), Audi (19%), Porsche (13%), Mazda (4.5%), and Land Rover (3.1%). Genesis topped them all with a 420% increase from October 2018.
On the decline was Nissan (-5.8%), Volkswagen (-3.2%), and Toyota (-1.2%). Mini (-18%), Jaguar (-11%), and Mitsubishi (-7.9%) also registered year-over-year losses.
“Although OEM incentives growth has diminished, deals remain plentiful.”
Analysts say much of the credit for a strong October should go to high incentives and sustained fleet sales. ALG reports incentives were up 4.7% overall, led by GM and Fiat Chrysler (both 11%), Honda (10%), and Subaru (6.6%).
“Auto consumers continue to benefit from available incentives and credit levels. Although OEM incentives growth has diminished, deals remain plentiful,” said Chris Hopson, manager of the North America light vehicle sales forecast for IHS Markit. “Additionally, interest rates are not expected to meaningfully rise through the end of the year. Therefore, consumers looking for a new vehicle are still being presented with a fruitful environment.”
Read: Detroit, Japan Factories Suffer in Short September Sales Report
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
The North Miami store features the brand’s signature Destination Porsche design concept, combining contemporary architecture and technology to create what the auto group calls an ultra-luxury experience.
Read More →
The two-story Cadillac dealership is being constructed at the former Lincoln Yards site, owned and operated by Canada-based Jack Carter Auto Group.
Read More →
A growing Maryland automotive group is only the 93-year-old dealership’s third owner after its longtime proprietors retired.
Read More →
Barrington Porsche will be the new location for Murgado Automotive Group’s existing Porsche dealership currently in the Motor Werks of Barrington auto mall.
Read More →
Feldman Automotive Group added two new brands, Honda and Toyota, to its portfolio with its latest acquisition of four Fireside dealerships in Ohio.
Read More →
The franchisees’ state-level actions follow a California auto dealers trade group lawsuit against the VW affiliate last year, both efforts to stop the EV maker’s plan to sell direct to consumers.
Read More →
First-quarter auto sales increased as more consumers took advantage of government incentives. Hybrid deliveries are leading the way on the electrifieds boom.
Read More →
At nearly 14%, California had the lowest zero-emission vehicle market share in the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.
Read More →
EREVs, also known as ‘series hybrids,’ may catch on in the U.S., where they currently have barely a toehold, as automakers tilt away from some purely electric models and consumers crave more range.
Read More →
Hybrids in particular lead not only EV market share but all power trains on the continent so far this year as gas and diesel continue their decline.
Read More →