Alexandria, VA – The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released February 2012 sales figures for the international nameplate automobile industry. AIADA represents America’s approximately 10,000 international nameplate franchises whose brands accounted for 54.9 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States last month.
Despite rising gas prices, the U.S. auto industry continued its upward trend in February. The rise is largely attributed to pent-up demand in the auto market, as well as a strengthening economy. Overall sales, including domestic brands and unadjusted for business days, rose 15.7 percent over February 2011 and 25.9 percent over last month. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for light vehicles was estimated by AutoData Corp. at 15.1 million units – the highest since February 2008.
International brands made a strong showing in February. Volkswagen led the pack – logging its strongest February for sales since 1973 – with sales up 42.5 percent over February 2011. Mazda also demonstrated a 32.3 percent sales increase, while Hyundai improved by 17.5 percent, and Subaru was up 17 percent. Honda and Toyota both continued their recovery, with sales up 13.3 percent and 11.5 percent, respectively. Overall, international brand sales were up 18 percent from February 2011. Domestic automakers were up 13.1 percent.
“New products are converging with pent up demand and an improving economy, resulting in strong sales for international dealers,” said AIADA President Cody Lusk. “I am confident 2012 will continue to be the best year our industry has seen in quite awhile.”
In February, international brands accounted for 631,152 units sold, up from 509,793 in January. Asian nameplates occupied 46.2 percent of the U.S. auto market, up from 45.8 percent in January, and sold 530,686 units. European nameplates held an 8.7 percent share, down from 10 percent in January, and sold 100,466 units. Domestic brands finished the month with a 45.1 percent share of the market, up from 44.2 percent in January.
Read AIADA’s complete coverage of February’s international nameplate auto sales here.
About AIADA:
Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America’s international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.