Automotive manufacturers overall reported substantial increases in sales for the month of March. Analysts from Edmunds.com provide insight.
On CHRYSLER…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “Chrysler posted another strong month with year-over-year increases that will continue to make headlines, but this pace will grow more difficult for Chrysler to maintain as 2012 marches on. Sales started to pick up steam last year around this time, so it will be hard for them to report these spectacular year-over-year gains from this point on.”
From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “Chrysler continues to amaze, especially without significant new product. How long will it last, though, with only the Dodge Dart as the only new product this year? The Chrysler 200 saw a huge gain, putting its sales more in line with other volume midsize cars. Chrysler minivans got a boost, with Edmunds.com data showing they are seen as a more fuel-efficient, less pricey alternative to some larger crossovers that also have three rows of seats. And, of course, Jeep continues to lead the way for Chrysler.”
ON GM…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Michelle Krebs: “General Motors sales in March failed to live up to expectations. Buick, despite new and freshened models, is a drag, with sales down 16 percent. Every model – including the Regal and LaCrosse – that now have the fuel-efficient eAssist systems, were down while the Verano kicked in additional sales, but still at a low volume. Cadillac sales also missed out on March’s industry rise as it awaits the arrival of two new models. Chevrolet again carried the load with GMC pitching in.”
From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “GM did well in compact, midsize and compact crossover SUV segments, and those are areas where the Japanese traditionally do better than domestic brands. But since those are important growing segments overall, it’s crucial for everyone – especially GM – to perform well with these vehicles.”
ON FORD…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “Ford had an outstanding month. The fact that they’re up so much over what March 2011 – which was their best month last year – is very telling. The new Focus is appealing to consumers who want the freshest product, and the Fusion is appealing to consumers looking for value, so Ford has two compelling vehicles to capture a large portion of the market.”
From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Michelle Krebs: “Ford’s performance shows how rising gas prices didn’t stifle March car sales. In fact, the quest for improved fuel efficiency clearly was a driver of sales last month. For example, Ford Focus sales set a new monthly record while sales of the large Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator were down. The EcoBoost engine in the Ford F-Series accounted for 41 percent of F-150 retail sales while 56 percent of F-Series sold in March were equipped with V6 engines.” As always, we’re available anytime at [email protected] or 310-309-4900. Reply Forward
On Volkswagen…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “This was a great month for Passat. It’s rare that it does 10K+ units, and it looks like it’s only happened twice before. This bodes well for the VW brand, since the midsize sedan is such an important segment in the US,. If VW wants to gain volume and grow share this is where it can be most effectively done.”
From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Michelle Krebs: “You have to dig deep into the history books to 1973 to find the last time Volkswagen did so well. The Chattanooga-built Passat is gaining good momentum, breaking the 10,000 unit sales mark and moving into the territory of other volume-leading midsize sedans. Volkswagen’s diesel engines are benefiting from high gas prices with TDI representing nearly a quarter of all of its sales, a number that could rise higher if the automaker could get more to sell.”
On Nissan…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “Altima alone made up 30% of Nissan/Infiniti. Last month was its best month and it still beat that by 25 percent. The downside is that it shows Nissan’s dependence on one model. That is definitely a weak spot; a car company’s sales should not ebb and flow based on the success of one model, especially when it have so many in its lineup.”
From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Michelle Krebs: “Nissan North America set a new sales record in March, with gains largely across the product portfolio, excluding its luxury brand Infiniti. Nissan’s core models – Altima, Rogue and Versa – set new records. Nissan has been aggressive with marketing and incentives to gain market share as Toyota and Honda have struggled to regain traction after last year’s earthquake and tsunami.”
On Subaru…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Michelle Krebs: ‘‘The revamped Subaru Impreza, with vastly improved fuel economy came along at the right time as gas prices rose. Its sales were up 214 percent from last March, helping to pave the way for another record-setting sales year for Subaru.“
On Kia…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Michelle Krebs: “Kia’s stunning sales growth soared to new heights in March with the Korean automaker surpassing the 50,000-unit mark. Kia’s strength is coming largely from its U.S.-built models – the Optima sedan and Sorento crossover – as well as its boxy Soul.”
From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “Kia has not been shy about its desire to grow US market share, and the Kia Soul, which had its best sales month ever in March, is an integral player in future sales targets. The thing that’s interesting about Soul’s sales success is that it’s not in a high volume segment where there are naturally a high number of customers out there. Instead, it’s a box car, which in itself is a dying segment, and competes with subcompact cars.”(For an in-depth analysis into the Kia Soul, please read Jessica’s popular Drive by Numbers column published last week at http://www.edmunds.com/industry-center/analysis/drive-by-numbers-where-are-the-souls-from-seoul-sold.html )
On Toyota…From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell: “High gas prices always help Toyota and this month was no exception. Prius did extremely well and we can attribute that to not only gas prices but also to its growing line up, with the addition of C and V. It also helps that Toyota has inventory, so customers are not discouraged by a lack of choices when they come in looking for fuel efficient vehicles.”(Jessaica also featured the Prius C in another recent Drive by Numbers column, available at http://www.edmunds.com/industry-center/analysis/drive-by-numbers-all-about-prius-c.html )
From Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Michelle Krebs: “Camry and the revamped Yaris seem to be gaining some traction at the expense of the Corolla. On the luxury side, Lexus car sales were up – especially for the new GS – but Lexus utility sales were off, likely due to higher gas prices.”
Below please click on the Automaker to find out more about their March 2012 sales numbers:
