The end of 2011 turned out to be a good year for Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and the rest of the auto industry. According to The Detroit News, auto sales were up 10.6% with 12.78 million vehicles being sold in 2011. The story said the top sellers in 2011 was the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Camry, both selling over 300,000 units.

Chrysler reported their U.S. sales of 138,019, increased 37% compared with sales in December 2010 (100,702 units), the group’s best monthly sales since May 2008. Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs said: “When Chrysler came out of bankruptcy in 2009, its survival remained in question, but 2011 proved the doubters wrong. Chrysler increased sales in December – and in 2011 – by more than any major automaker selling vehicles in the United States. That is a phenomenal comeback from its 2009 bankruptcy. Having been starved of fresh models under previous ownership, Chrysler has done a remarkable job of replenishing its product pipeline. A major turning point for Chrysler came last February with its now-famous ad on the Super Bowl, which was rated one of the best of the year, convinced skeptics that Chrysler was a survivor, and truly helped sell cars.”

Traffic for the Chrysler brand overall shot up 267% on Edmunds.com in the hours after the commercial aired, including a 1619% spike for the Chrysler 200. In the week following the Super Bowl, consideration for Chrysler climbed 87 percent compared to the brand’s average on Edmunds.com during the prior four weeks.

Ford also had gains in December and 2011. “Ford had a tremendous year with sales of more than 2 million in 2011. Its strength was largely across the board with the F-150 retaining its sales crown as the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. The Fusion and Escape, both being replaced next year, left 2011 in a blaze of glory, which paves the way for their replacements. Ford’s small cars, the Fiesta and Focus, seem to be getting some stiff competition from Chevrolet, as well as others, including Hyundai. Lincoln continues to be a drag on the automaker,” said Krebs. 

Sales for the calendar year were up 14% year over year to more than 2.5 million units and the company gained market share.  “In December,Chevrolet carried General Motors as the only one of its four brands to post a year-over-year increase, though all were up for the year. Chevrolet has newest high-volume models and they are performing well, particularly the just-launched Chevrolet Sonic and the relatively new Cruze. And the Chevrolet Camaro soundly beat the Ford Mustang in the high-octane muscle car sales race in December as well as for the year. Cadillac should get a good boost this year when it completes the discarding of some old models and two promising new ones – the ATS and XTS – hit the market,” said Krebs.  

Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported 324,402 units sold in 2011, a 26.3% increase over prior year sales. December sales totaled 32,502, up 36.2% over 2010, marking the best December since 1972. Edmunds.com Analyst Ivan Drury said:  “Volkwagen’s momentum continues to be worth watching, as the brand had its best December sales since 1972. The recent launches of Jetta and Passat have certainly resonated well with consumers, given that both of these vehicles were engineered with the U.S. market in mind and included drastic reductions in starting MSRPs. The launch of the redesigned Beetle will also be interesting to watch to see if history repeats itself; during the initial late 90’s launch, Beetle sales made up one out four vehicles sold by VW dealers. In 2012, VW is likely to experience more stable growth and maybe gain a rank or two in the US.”

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. reported December 2011 sales results of 178,131 units, which is flat when compared to the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis and raw volume basis. “December’s more typical Camry sales numbers could be the sign that Toyota is finally getting back on track after having experienced so many disruptions to their business over the last two years.  It’s remarkable that after these challenges, Camry remained the U.S.’s best selling car in 2011. Camry finishes the year with 308,510 ranking first while the Nissan Altima (an aging platform) ranks second with 268,891 units, a difference of 39,529 units and a 14.7% lead by Camry,” said Drury.

Below find updated detailed information released by automakers on their December 2011 and 2011 sales numbers:

–UPDATED: Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 138,019, a 37% increase compared with sales in December 2010 (100,702 units), the group’s best monthly sales since May 2008.

For the year, Chrysler Group sales totaled 1.37 million units, up 26% versus sales in 2010, the largest percentage sales gain of any full-line manufacturer. The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, and Ram Truck brands each posted solid sales gains during 2011 compared with sales in 2010.

December marked Chrysler Group’s 21st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and seventh-consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20%.

The group’s 37% December increase was driven in part by strong sales of the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, Dodge Charger and Avenger sport sedans, Ram pickup truck, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Compass.

“Chrysler Group finished a year of growth on a strong note with our December retail sales soaring 45% to our highest dealer retail sales in four years,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of US Sales. “Looking back, we were the fastest-growing automaker in the country, increasing our market share 1.3 percentage points during 2011.”

The Chrysler brand’s 83% increase, driven by surging sales of the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 200 sedans, was the largest percentage sales gain of all the Chrysler Group brands and represents its best monthly sales since August 2008. The Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Truck brands each logged double-digit %age sales gains in December, while the FIAT brand posted a 44% increase compared with the previous month of November.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 64-day supply of inventory (326,087 units). U.S. industry sales figures for December are projected at an estimated 14 million SAAR.

December 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

Chrysler Brand : The Chrysler brand’s 83% sales increase in December represented the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand and its best monthly sales since August 2008. Brand sales were driven by the strong showing of its two sedans, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 full-size sedan and the mid-size 2012 Chrysler 200. Sales of the 200 were up a robust 661% in December, compared with sales of its predecessor the same month a year ago, while the 300 turned in a 242 % sales gain.

Jeep® Brand: Jeep brand sales were up 41% in December, the brand’s best monthly sales performance since December 2007 and its 20th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Compass significantly contributed to the brand’s 41% increase. The Compass’ 1,035% sales gain in December was the largest of any Chrysler Group model in December. Wrangler, the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world, set a new sales record for the month of December; the model’s seventh-consecutive monthly sales record this year. Grand Cherokee sales were up 36% in December, its best sales month since December 2005.

Dodge Brand: The Dodge brand posted a 28% sales increase in December compared with the same month in 2010. It was the brand’s seventh-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The 2012 Dodge Charger, America’s first domestic sport sedan to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission – delivering a best-in-class 31 mpg highway – led the brand with a 227% sales increase in December. It was the Charger’s best December sales since 2007. The 2012 Dodge Avenger, America’s most affordable and most powerful mid-size sedan, and the 2012 Dodge Journey, the most affordable mid-size crossover in America, each posted double-digit percentage sales increases in December compared with the same month a year ago. The 2012 Dodge Durango, with its best-in-class capability, style, spaciousness, interior craftsmanship and driving dynamics, also contributed to the Dodge brand’s sales gain in December. Sales of the Durango full-size SUV were up 22% versus the previous month of November.

Ram Truck Brand: The Ram Truck brand posted a 10% sales increase in December compared with the same month in 2010, its best monthly sales since August 2008. Ram pickup truck sales increased 12% in December, the model’s best sales month since March 2008. Both Light Duty and Heavy Duty trucks contributed to the increase. Despite the fluctuating gasoline prices during 2011, the Ram pickup truck logged a solid 23% sales increase for the year.

December 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights

• Chrysler brand sales (23,974 units) increased 83% in December versus the same month a year ago (13,132 units)
• Sales of the Chrysler 200 (9,213 units) were up 661% compared with sales of the model’s previous generation (1,211 units) in December a year ago
• Chrysler 300 sales (5,142 units) increased 242% versus the same month in 2010 (1,503 units)
• Jeep brand sales (43,577 units) increased 41% compared with the same month last year (30,910 units)
• Jeep Wrangler sales (11,415 units) were up 39% versus December 2010 (8,227 units)
• Jeep Liberty sales (6,161 units) increased 23% compared with December sales a year ago (5,009 units)
• Sales of the Jeep Compass (4,255 units) were up 1,035% versus the same month in 2010 (375 units)
• Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (17,346 units) increased 36% versus December a year ago (12,753 units)
• Dodge brand sales (41,548 units) were up 28% in December compared with the same month last year (32,390 units)
• Dodge Avenger sales (6,216 units) increased 77% versus December 2010 (3,510 units)
• Dodge Charger sales (7,211 units) were up 227% compared with the same month last year (2,205 units)
• Dodge Journey sales (4,710 units) were up 23% compared with the same month a year ago (3,830 units)
• Dodge Durango sales (4,806 units) were up 22% versus the previous month of November (3,947 units)
• Ram Truck brand sales (26,595 units) increased 10% versus December 2010 (24,270 units)
• Ram pickup truck sales (26,013 units) were up 12% compared with December 2010 (23,241 units)
• FIAT brand sales (2,325 units) were up 44% compared with the previous month of November (1,618 units)
• Chrysler Group truck sales (103,175 units) improved 19% compared with December 2010 (86,359 units)
• Chrysler Group car sales (34,844 units) were up 143% versus December last year (14,343 units)

–UPDATED: Ford Motor Company announced Ford brand 2011 U.S. sales increased 17%, totaling 2,062,915 vehicles, sealing the brand’s first three-point market share gain over three consecutive years since 1970. Total Ford Motor Company sales for the year increased to 2,148,806 vehicles, up 11% for the year.

• U.S. sales of the Ford brand totaled 2,062,915 vehicles in 2011, sealing its first three-point market share gain over three consecutive years since 1970
• Ford brand small car sales were up 25% in 2011, with 244,291 vehicles sold, while utilities increased 31% with 579,626 sales. Ford sold 584,917 F-Series pickups in 2011, making it the best-selling truck for 35 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle for 30 years
• Ford posts best December retail sales month since 2005; total company sales in December were up 10%
• Ford announces 2012 outlook for industry sales and economic growth

“The year finished on a high note, with industry sales momentum strengthening as the year came to a close,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We saw Ford sales strengthen as well, posting our best December retail sales month since 2005 and closing the year as America’s best-selling brand.”

Small car, utilities and truck sales drove Ford’s marketplace performance in 2011. Small car sales were up 25% in 2011 with 244,291 cars sold.

Ford Fusion had a record year with 248,067 vehicles sold.

Ford brand utility sales totaled 579,626 vehicles in 2011, up 31%, making it the best-selling utility brand in America. Sales were paced by the Explorer, up 124 %, with 135,704 sold, and record Escape sales of 254,293, up 33% for the year, including an all-time monthly sales record in December of 25,574 vehicles.

In December, Ford brand sales were 201,737, up 16% from a year earlier. Ford sold 68,278 F-Series pickups in December, representing its best December sales results since 2006. For the year, F-Series sales totaled 584,917 trucks, making it the only vehicle to break the 500,000 vehicle sales mark last year.

For 2012, Ford expects the global economy to expand in the 3% range, extending the global economic recovery to a third consecutive year. Global industry sales are projected to be in the range of 75 million to 85 million.

In the U.S., Ford expects the economy to expand 2 to 3% in 2012 and industry sales to be in the range of 13.5 million to 14.5 million.

Economies in Europe are tracking at different speeds. Ford expects industry sales in the European 19 markets to be in the range of 14.0 million to 15.0 million units in 2012.

–UPDATED: General Motors Co. reported total U.S. sales of 234,351 vehicles in December, up 5% compared with December 2010.  Sales for the calendar year were up 14% year over year to more than 2.5 million units and the company gained market share.

“GM’s balanced portfolio of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and crossovers helped us make the most of the U.S. economy’s slow but steady recovery in 2011,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “Importantly, we were able to grow all four of our brands and reestablish Chevrolet as a force to be reckoned with in the passenger car business.  This gives us a very solid foundation to compete in a market that we expect to keep growing.”

In December, retail deliveries were up 2% compared with a very strong December 2010, and accounted for 81% of GM sales.  Deliveries to fleets were up 17%.

GM’s total passenger car sales for the month increased 12%.  Crossover sales decreased 14%. Sales of trucks, which include full-size pickups, vans and SUVs increased 13%.

Highlights for the month include a 42% year-over-year increase in Chevrolet Sonic sales (compared with the Aveo), a 54% increase in Chevrolet Cruze sales, a 20% increase for the Chevrolet Camaro and a 13% increase for the Chevrolet Malibu.  The Chevrolet Volt sold more than 1,500 units, making December its best month ever.

Other highlights include double-digit sales increases for the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban, and the GMC Yukon XL.  In addition, Chevrolet Equinox had its best sales month of the year in December.

GM ended December with about 580,000 units in dealer stock, including approximately 180,000 full-size pickup trucks, as planned.

GM expects full-year 2012 light vehicle sales to be in a range of 13.5 million to 14.0 million units. In previous years, GM’s forecasts were based on total vehicle sales, which included medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, or about 300,000 additional units.

“Over the course of the fourth quarter of 2011, clear signs emerged that U.S. consumers are more confident and that other underpinnings of our economy are either stable or slowly improving,” Johnson said.  “When we add improving economic fundamentals to pent-up demand and an aging vehicle fleet, it’s now clear that auto sales should continue to grow in 2012, barring a shock to the system.” 

–UPDATED: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., reported December 2011 sales results of 178,131 units, flat compared to the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis and raw volume basis.

Toyota Division reported December sales of 152,776 units, up 1.9% over 2010. Lexus Division reported sales of 25,355 units, down 8.0 % from the year-ago month.

For the full year, TMS reported annual sales of 1,644,661 vehicles, down 7% from the same period in 2010 on a DSR basis, as inventory continued to recover from shortages due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. With 307 selling days in 2011 and 306 selling days in 2010, annual sales were down 6.7% on an unadjusted raw volume basis.

Toyota Division recorded year-end sales of 1,446,109 vehicles, a decrease of 6.1% from the prior year on a DSR basis and 5.7% on a volume basis. Lexus reported sales of 198,552 units in 2011, down 13.7% on a DSR basis from 2010. Volume-wise, Lexus Division year-end sales decreased 13.4%. Scion Division reported sales of 49,271 units for the year, up 7.5% over 2010 on a DSR basis and up 7.9% on a volume basis.

“We are encouraged by the strong close of 2011 as December was our best volume month of the year. We successfully launched several new vehicles, including the all-new Camry, which retained its number one position for the tenth straight year, along with the Prius v, which attracted new customers to the Toyota family,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We begin 2012 with high expectations fueled by a strengthening economy, increasing consumer confidence and the biggest surge of new and updated products in our history. We thank our customers, dealers and business partners for their continued support and loyalty.”

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded December sales of 83,422 units, up 5.6% over the year-ago month, and year-end sales of 796,133 units, down 6.5%. Camry and Camry Hybrid led passenger cars in December with combined sales of 33,506 units, an increase of 8.7%.

Camry and Camry Hybrid also led passenger car sales for the year posting combined sales of 308,510 units. Corolla reported monthly sales of 21,009 units and annual sales of 240,259 units. The Prius family posted December sales of 17,004 units, up 8.7% compared to the year-ago month. For the year, Prius family recorded sales of 136,463 units. Avalon sales increased 20% with monthly sales of 3,230 units, and increased 1.6 % with annual sales of 28,925 units.

Toyota Division light trucks reported December sales of 69,354 units, down 2.2% from the same period last year, with year-end sales of 649,976 units, a decrease of 5.5%. With monthly sales of 14,107, the RAV4 compact SUV led light truck sales for December 2011. For the year, light truck sales were also led by RAV4 with sales of 132,237 units. For the month, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid increased 4.5% with combined sales of 11,777. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined annual sales of 101,252 units, an increase of 9.6%. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded monthly sales of 9,042 units, and year-end sales of 82,908 units. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported sales of 12,140 for December 2011, up 10.7 % over last year. Annually, Tacoma recorded sales of 110,705 units for 2011. Sienna posted December sales of 11,564 units, an increase of 31.0 % versus the year-ago month. For the year, Sienna recorded sales of 111,429 units, up 12.9% over 2010.

Scion reported December 2011 sales of 4,159 units, an increase of 5.1%, and annual sales of 49,271 units, up 7.5% over 2010. The Scion tC sports coupe recorded monthly sales of 1,587, and annual sales of 22,433 units, an increase of 47.5 %. The xB urban utility vehicle recorded monthly sales of 1,587, and annual sales of 17,017 units. The xD posted sales of 880 units, up 6.8 % over the year ago month, and 9,573 units for 2011.

Lexus Division
Lexus Division passenger cars reported December sales of 12,304 units, down 2.9 % from December 2010, and year-end sales of 101,181 units, down 10.8% from 2010. For the month, the ES entry luxury sedan led Lexus passenger car sales of 4,882 units. The ES also led year-end sales with 40,873 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan recorded combined monthly sales of 3,629 units and annual sales of 29,669 units. The CT entry luxury hybrid sedan recorded monthly sales 2,259 units and annual sales of 14,381 units.

Lexus Division light trucks reported December sales of 13,051 units, down 12.3% from the year-ago month, and year-end sales of 97,371 units, down 16.5% on a DSR basis over the previous year. The RX luxury utility vehicle led monthly and annual Lexus light truck sales with combined sales of 11,508 units and 82,595 units, respectively.

TMS Hybrids
In December, TMS posted sales of 23,172 hybrid vehicles, up 12.9% over December 2010. TMS hybrid sales in 2011 totaled 178,587 units.

Toyota Division posted December sales of 19,364 hybrids, up 8.7%, and year-end sales of 150,253 hybrid units. Lexus Division posted sales of 3,808 hybrids for the month and 28,334 units for the full year, up 7.7% over 2010.

*Unless otherwise noted, all % change figures are reported on a daily selling rate basis.

—UPDATED: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., reported December monthly new-vehicle sales of 105,230, a decrease of 18.8% on a daily selling-rate* basis. American Honda’s 2011 annual vehicle sales totaled 1,147,285, a decrease of 7.1% compared to 2010.

The Honda Division’s December monthly sales of 92,101 represented a decrease of 19.3% compared to 2010. Honda Division’s 2011 annual sales of 1,023,986 decreased 6.9% compared to 2010. The three top-selling Honda models for 2011 were Accord, 235,625; Civic, 221,235; and CR-V, 218,373.

“As we eagerly close one of the most challenging years American Honda has weathered, we are well-positioned for a strong 2012,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. “Although we still had low inventory in December, our production levels are now back to normal. The new year brings the promise of positive momentum with the all-new CR-V now on sale and a concept version of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord Coupe to be unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show.”

Monthly Odyssey sales increased by 13.2% to 11,489, and Pilot sales increased 12.6% to 11,641. Additional models with monthly sales gains included Fit, up 5.7% to 5,138, setting a new December sales record, and Ridgeline with a sales increase of 21.2% to 1,468.

The Acura Division’s year-end sales totaled 123,299, down 8% compared to 2010 results. December Acura sales totaled 13,129, a decrease of 15.2%. The MDX led the division with annual sales of 43,271, followed by the TL with sales of 31,237 and the TSX with sales of 30,935.

*The annual Daily Selling Rate (DSR) is calculated with 307 days for 2011 and 306 days for 2010. December 2011 and December 2010 both included 27 selling days. All percentages represent DSR.

–UPDATED: Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) reported 324,402 units sold in 2011, a 26.3% increase over prior year sales. December sales totaled 32,502, up 36.2% over 2010, marking the best December since 1972.

• 2011 sales total 324,402 units, a 26.3% increase over prior year sales
• Best year in sales since 2002
• December sales total 32,502 units, a 36.2% increase over prior year sales and best December since 1972.
• Chattanooga-built Passat, finalist for North American Car of the Year, sold 22,779 units year-to-date, a 124% increase versus 2010;  6,884 units in December
• Jetta Sedan sales total 12,422 units in December, a 54.5% increase versus 2010.
• 2012 Beetle achieved 1,530 units in December as production continues to ramp up
• Notable annual increases include: Golf up 22.8%, GTI up 22.6%, Eos up 12.6 % and Touareg up 59.9% versus 2010.
• High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.6% of sales in 2011 and 18.4% in December.

“December capped off a successful year of growth for Volkswagen of America,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “In addition to strong sales performance, in 2011 we opened an award-winning manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., launched the all-new Beetle and Passat – which won the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year – and the brand made the biggest improvement in Sales Satisfaction in the industry.  We look forward to carrying this momentum into 2012.”

The Chattanooga-built Passat, one of the three finalists for North American Car of the Year, outsold 2010’s volume by 124% selling 22,779 units, including 6,884 units for the month of December 2011.

Jetta sedan sales totaled 150,515 for 2011 a 54.5% increase over 2010; in December 12,422 units were sold marking an 18% increase.

The 2012 Beetle sold 5,626 units for the year, 1,530 for the month of December. GTI sales increased 22.6% for the year and 24.6% increase in December sales. The Touareg saw an increase in sales of 59.9% for the year and 38.6% for December.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.6% of sales in 2011 and 18.4% in December.

–UPDATED: Audi of America, Inc. announced record U.S. sales of 117,561 vehicles sold in 2011, eclipsing the prior record of 101,629 vehicles sold in 2010. Marking the best year Audi has ever enjoyed in the U.S. market, year-end sales increased 15.7% over 2010. December 2011 also set a new all-time monthly record, with 12,655 vehicles sold, a 20% increase over the same period last year.

“Another record year of sales reinforces the Audi position in the U.S. market, as consumers increasingly choose Audi over other luxury competitors,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “In 2012, Audi will continue to capture a significant share of the premium luxury market with exceptionally engineered vehicles.”

December results were buoyed by strong performance in the C and D segments, with record December sales for the technologically advanced Audi A6, the design-forward Audi A7 and the flagship A8 sedan. A6 sales of 1,855 increased 124% over 2010, while sales of the A8 luxury sedan increased 35% to 678 vehicles sold. Sales of the all-new Audi A7 four-door coupe remained solid, with 887 vehicles sold in December.

Highlights:
• Best December ever, and best month ever, with 12,655 vehicles sold, a 20% increase over December 2010; December also marked the first month with over 12,000 vehicles sold in Audi of America history
• Record sales every month of 2011 for a total of 117,561 vehicles sold YTD, a 15.7% increase over last year
• A8 sales grew 275% YTD to 5,700 units sold in 2011
• A6 and A7 December sales marked the best month for both models in 2011
• C- and D-segment sales surged: 34% mix in December 2011 vs. 22% in December 2010
• The Audi TT continues its success, due mainly to strong sales of TT RS, with a 238% increase in December to 216 vehicles sold
• Demand for key models is exceptionally strong: days’ supply for Q5 and Q7 in single digits nationally
• TDI® mix remains very strong: 55% of total A3 sales YTD and 41% of total Q7 sales YTD were TDI clean diesel models
• December was a record month for Audi Certified pre-owned, surpassing the record in December 2007 of 2,889 sales, with 3,406 units sold; YTD sales set a new all-time annual record with a total of 37,259 units sold in 2011

–UPDATED: Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported record December U.S. sales of 100,927 units versus 93,730 units a year earlier, an increase of 7.7%. Nissan Division sales also set a new December record, increasing 10.7% for the month to 89,937 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased 12.1% from the prior year, to 10,990 units.

NNA finished the calendar year with 2011 sales totaling 1,042,534 units, with the Nissan Division seeing a record year with sales of 944,073 units and Infiniti closing the year with 98,461 deliveries.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan vehicles posted record December sales with 89,937 units, an increase of 10.7% over the 81,228 units sold in December 2010.
• In 2011, Nissan vehicles achieved a record, with sales of 944,073 units a 17.3% increase over 2010.
• The Nissan Altima continues to rank among the best-selling cars in the United States, with 25,976 units in December marking an increase of 12.9 % over the prior year. Altima sales totaled 268,981 in 2011, a 17.3% increase from 2010 deliveries.
• Versa, spurred by the all-new 2012 Versa Sedan, saw record yearly sales, totaling 99,730 for 2011.
• The Rogue crossover also delivered a December record, as well as a calendar year record, with sales of 12,286 units in December (up 18.6%) contributing to an annual total of 124,543 a 25.1% increase over last year.
• Nissan’s truck lineup showed significant gains over last December, up 27.5% led by Frontier (up 48.7%) and Murano (up 13.3%).
• Sales of the 100-% electric Nissan LEAF totaled 954 units in December, with deliveries totaling 9,674 since the vehicle’s December 2010 U.S. debut. With sales exceeding 21,000 globally, the Nissan LEAF is the world’s best-selling electric car.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti sales totaled 10,990 units for December, a decrease of 12.1% versus 12,502 a year earlier.
• Calendar year sales for Infiniti were down 4.8%, with sales totaling 98,461 units in 2011 versus 103,411 units in 2010.
• Infiniti QX sales of 1,735 showed an increase of 7.8 % for December, its best month in more than seven years, and the full-size luxury SUV had an increase of 12.7% 13,428 units for the year.
• With sales of 5,399 in December, the Infiniti G Sedan had its best month in 2011, contributing to an increase of 5.1 % for the year.

“Although 2011 had some unique challenges stemming from natural disasters in Japan and Thailand and uncertain economic conditions around the globe, Nissan managed the crisis better than most, allowing our lineup to gain momentum throughout the year,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Sales. “Strong consumer demand for vehicles like the Altima, Rogue, Versa and LEAF helped propel us to a record 2011. With new core Nissan models on the way, we expect 2012 to be even better.”

–UPDATED: HyundaiMotor America announced sales of 50,765 vehicles in December, a 13% total sales increase and 18% retail sales increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago.

For the year, Hyundai sales were up 20% versus 2010 in total, with sales to retail customers up 29%.  Sales to fleet accounts represented just 10% of total sales for 2011 and three % for the month of December.

“We are encouraged by the present market fundamentals combined with consistent signals including brisk holiday selling that indicates a broader industry recovery,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s executive vice president of national sales.  “We finished 2011 with solid momentum and much improved inventory levels and are enthusiastic about our prospects for 2012 as we continue to launch a broad array of new product entries.”

The Alabama-built Sonata and North American Car of the Year finalist Elantra both set full-year records with sales of 225,961 units (up 15%) and 186,361 (up 41%) respectively. The all-new Accent saw an incredible year-over-year sales increase of 91% for the month of December and finished the year up seven % over 2010.

Hyundai’s premium models also performed well, with Genesis delivering 32,998 sales for the year, an increase of 13% over 2010, setting an all-time yearly record.  In its very first year, Equus found 3,193 very satisfied owners, delivering over five percent market share of the premium sedan segment with residual values and J.D. Power APEAL ratings unsurpassed by Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi.  Equus is powered by the 5.0L Tau GDI V8 429-horsepower engine, a 2011 Ward’s Ten Best engines winner.

“December was another record-setting month and 2011 a record-setting year for Hyundai,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.  “Hyundai sold a record 645,691 units this year, built over 420,000 cars right here in the U.S., and achieved an industry-leading 36.1 miles per gallon CAFÉ level doing it.

“Sonata’s retail sales performance in 2011 was a real highlight for us. Along with Camry, Accord, Civic, and possibly Altima, the Hyundai Sonata was one of only five cars in the entire industry with retail sales (excluding fleet) over 200,000 units. Consumers tell us they have segment-leading levels of satisfaction with the bold design and real-world fuel economy of the Sonata – this recipe has been extremely successful for all of our new Hyundai products.”

Hyundai achieved a corporate average fuel economy level of 37 MPG (27.9 MPG label value) in December, and 36.1 MPG (27.2 MPG label value) year-to-date, while selling 18,920 vehicles (Elantra sedan, Sonata Hybrid, Accent and Veloster) with 40 MPG window label highway fuel economy ratings. Year-to-date, Hyundai has sold 214,132 40 MPG vehicles, representing one-third of total sales.

–UPDATED: Kia Motors America (KMA) after surpassing its all-time best annual sales total in the first nine months of 2011, Kia Motors America (KMA) reported record December sales of 43,390 units, a 42.5% increase over the same period in 2010, which contributed to the brand’s best-ever full-year sales of 485,492 vehicles.  Kia, one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.[1], has achieved 16 straight monthly sales records, and 2011’s 36.3-% sales increase over 2010 far outpaced the industry.  KMA’s unprecedented gains follow an aggressive three-year sequence of new vehicle introductions that began with the Soul in 2009.  In 2011, the popular urban passenger vehicle became KMA’s second vehicle to exceed sales of 100,000 units.  Kia’s U.S.-built* products – Optima and Sorento – continued to be the brand’s best performers for the third consecutive month, with Optima topping the sales chart for the first time since its introduction in late 2010.  Kia’s U.S. market share has risen for 17 straight years, including a 78% increase since 2008 to today’s 3.8%[2].

“Kia is a much different company than just three years ago, and with one of the youngest and most acclaimed vehicle lineups in the industry, Kia’s customer loyalty rate has dramatically improved and at the same time, more new car shoppers are looking at Kia than ever before as evidenced by our substantial sales and market share gains in 2011,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.  “The Kia brand is built on a commitment to offering our customers high-quality, stylish, fun-to-drive and fuel efficient vehicles that are packed with the latest technologies, amenities and safety features, and we will continue to deliver on that promise in 2012 and into the future with the introduction of more new models.”

Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[3] and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking[4].  Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[5].  Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

1] Based on comparison of 12-month retail sales from September 2007 to September 2011 of all U.S. automotive brands and 5-year average sales growth.

[2] Through Nov. 2011.

[3] Source:  Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study

[4] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis

[5] Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG

–UPDATED: Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported 264,460 vehicles sold in 2011, representing the highest annual volume on record with a 17.5% increase over the 225,007 vehicles sold during the same period in 2010.  On a month-to-date basis, 28,006 vehicles were sold in December, a 30.4% improvement over December 2010 (21,469).

The all-new sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – was the volume leader for the year with sales of 69,314, up 17.9% over its year-to-date volume in 2010.  The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 62,736, and the all-new versatile M-Class rounded out the top three with sales of 35,835.  Total diesel units sold in 2011 numbered 14,358, an 85.2% increase over the same period last year.

For December, sales at the high-end continued strong as the 2012 CLS-Class posted an increase of 155.2% for the month.  The company also sold 86 of its supercar — the SLS AMG — up 79.2% from December 2010, bringing its year-to-date sales to 722.

Separately, sales of Sprinter Vans also increased by 15.7% in December with sales of 1,595 – bringing a year-to-date total of 16,577 (up 93.7 % for the year).

Sales of the smart fortwo totaled 710 vehicles in December, up 24.6% for the month (compared to the 570 vehicles sold in December 2010).  For the year, smart brand sales were 5,208 (compared to 5,927 sold in 2010).

Additionally, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,112 vehicles in December 2011, a decrease of 3.5%.  On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 74,571 vehicles, a decrease of 7.6% over the comparable period last year.

–UPDATED: In 2011, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) achieved its best sales since the record year of 2007 retailing 305,418 vehicles, up 14.9 percent compared to the 265,757 vehicles sold in 2010. BMW Group reported December sales of 32,545 vehicles, an increase of 17.9% from the 27,600 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.

“BMW Group sales momentum has been increasing all year and this new burst of consumer confidence filled our dealer showrooms putting both BMW and MINI over the top,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “I have great confidence that 2012 will be even better especially with the all-new BMW 3 Series arriving in the U.S. in February with more new and refreshed models coming in the months after.”

BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 15.3% in December for a total of 26,834 compared to 23,280 vehicles sold in December, 2010. For the year, BMW brand sales were up 12.6% to 247,907 vehicles compared to 220,113 sold 2010.

For 2011, best performing vehicles included the 5 Series, up 30.4 percent to 51,491 units; the 6 Series, up 61.4 percent to 3,903 units; the X3, up 357.5 percent to 27,793 units and the X5 up 13.3 percent to 40,547 units.  Overall, the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment (X3, X5, X6) continued to show incredible growth with sales up 54.9 percent for the year to 74,532 units compared to 48,108 in 2010.  SAV sales combined with its all-wheel-drive (AWD) passenger cars have made BMW the best selling manufacturer of premium AWD vehicles in the U.S. in 2011.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
In December, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) totaled 16,264, an increase of 3.5% from the 15,714 sold in December 2010.  In 2011, BMW pre-owned once again was leader in its segment.  December proved to be the second best month ever and 2011 was the third best year ever for BMW pre-owned.

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported sales of 5,711 automobiles in December, up 32.2% from the 4,320 sold in December 2010.  For the year 2011, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 26% on volume of 57,511 compared to 45,644 sold in 2010.

“MINI’s record setting sales results in 2011 prove that small is a success in its own right even without the prodding of rising fuel prices,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA.  “Our U.S. customers have found they can have a great motoring experience even while enjoying strong fuel economy and a smaller footprint.  Motor On!”

–UPDATED: Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported December U.S. sales of 22,353 vehicles, an increase of 4.1% versus last year.  On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda’s December 2011 sales also were up 4.1%.  December 2011 represented Mazda’s best December since 2007, the strong sales showing attributable to the launch of the company’s innovative SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-Drive and –MT transmissions in the 2012 Mazda3 compact sedan and 5-door hatch.

Closing out an up-and-down 2011 that saw consumers starting to return to showrooms, although still shopping as much as they were actually buying, Mazda’s U.S. sales were up 9.1 % over 2010, with 250,426 vehicles sold.

Key December sales notes:

• Mazda2 sales were up 60.9%, with 1,342 vehicles sold in December.
• Mazda5 sales were up 52.5%, with 1,206 vehicles sold.
• CX-9 crossover SUV sales were up 27.8%, with 4,206 vehicles sold.  This represented the best-ever December for the award-winning three-row, seven-passenger CX-9.
• Mazda3 sales of 9,264 vehicles accounted for a 2.7% increase over last year.  The new 2012 Mazda3 features Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission that achieves 40 MPG on the highway, all without sacrificing driving performance.

Rounding out December sales for the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported its best-ever month with sales of 3,660 vehicles, accounting for a 10% increase versus last year.  MMdM also celebrated its best-ever year in 2011 as sales surged 19% with 29,860 vehicles sold.

–UPDATED: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) reported December 2011 sales of 5,032 units, up 3.2% from December 2010.  Mitsubishi’s 2011 sales finished 41.9% more than sales in calendar year 2010. This marks Mitsubishi’s highest full-year sales total since 2008.

“The combination of fuel efficiency and performance presented by products like the Outlander Sport, Lancer, and Mitsubishi i are definitely resonating with customers,” said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa.  “We are pleased that more consumers are choosing Mitsubishi products as they are beginning to feel more confident in the economy.”

The first retail sales of the all-new, all-electric Mitsubishi i began in December in California, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.  At the certified Mitsubishi i dealers in those four states, the Mitsubishi i is currently available for test drives.

In response to tremendous consumer interest, Mitsubishi has decided to bring forward the national rollout of the Mitsubishi i by 9 months.  Therefore the Mitsubishi i will be available for customer test drives at i-certified Mitsubishi dealerships across the U.S. in March, and the Mitsubishi i will be available for customer purchase across the U.S. by summer 2012.

Customers can reduce their wait time by preordering the Mitsubishi i now at i-certified Mitsubishi dealerships or online at www.mitsubishicars.com.

Other December sales highlights:

• The Outlander Sport model had its best month since July with an increase of 57.8% compared to December 2010.  Outlander Sport production at Mitsubishi’s plant in Normal, Illinois, will begin later this year.
• Lancer sales were up 4.6% compared to December 2010.

Stay tuned here for updates and detailed information as it is released by automakers throughout the day today.