US light vehicle sales last month plunged almost one fifth (19.9%) to 1,131,812 units, according to the Ward’s Auto data adjusted for selling days. Car sales were off 7.6% to 622,565 units and trucks sank 31.1% to 509,247.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Despite some upticks for popular models like the recently redesigned Chevrolet Malibu – up 78.6% year on year in July and 37.0% up for the year so far – and Ford’s (also recently redesigned) Focus – up 16% in July and 26% year-to-date – domestic car sales were down 13.6% to 392,638 while import brands hiked volume 4.9% to 229,927.
Toyota Corolla/Matrix sales were up 15.9% and the entry-level Yaris – soon to get a five-door option like Canada – was up 6% though the Prius hybrid was down 8.0% due to supply problems.
Volume of Honda’s little Fit (Jazz) was up 72.9% year to date in the year it gets a full redesign.
Year to date industry light vehicle volume was off 10.6% to 8,515,824 with trucks down 19% to 4,026,631 and cars off 1.4% to 4,489,193. Both domestic and import brand trucks were down 19.9% and 14.4% respectively, while domestic cars were down 4.4% and the import brands up 5.3%.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataAmongst individual automakers, only Nissan (just 0.1%) and Daimler (a healthy 15.7%) made gains last month.
Chrysler led the Detroit plunge, down 34.4% followed by GM (-31.8%) and Ford (-21.3%). Toyota was off 18.7%, Honda down 9.2%, Mazda down 20%, Mitsubishi off 14%, Hyundai down 13.6% and affiliate Kia off 3.1%. Grim.
Ford analyst George Pipas summed it all up: ” I think the important point now is that the industry has reached yet another new low level in terms of sales in 2008.”
He said the sales situation has deteriorated since the beginning of the year and month-by-month, there has been a slow, but steady decline in sales reflecting the slowing economy.
“The industry seemed to be travelling at [an] annual sales rate of about 15m in the first quarter – recall that for a period of about eight years we were around 17m – about 14m sales rate in the second quarter and now it looks like the sales rate in July is in the 12-13m range.
“We expect the second half of the year the sales rate will be about 13 and that the full year, including the 15 in the first quarter and the 14 in the second will be in the 14 to 14 and a half-million range.”
Leasing at Ford will continue according to Pipas, but changes will have to made to reflect the value of certain vehicles based on market conditions.
“Right now today, about 17% of the industry is involved in leasing; it has been trending down as manufacturers begin to understand what was going on in the truck and SUV market. It’s still going to be a part of our business, we want to offer leasing to customers, and… in certain regions of the country and for certain vehicles it’s a more important part of the proposition.”
Chrysler bright spots included Town & Country minivan (Grand Voyager for export) sales up 24% in July as long-wheel-base minivan retail sales increased 21%, a 4% rise in Jeep Patriot volumes and a 2% uptick for the Dodge Avenger sedan, all while acknowledging a 27% plunge in Ram pickup sales.
Toyota brand sales fell 17.9% to 175,242 units in July while Lexus was off 24.6%.
“Having the industry’s most fuel-efficient lineup is of value to us so long as we have the right product mix in our showrooms,” said Toyota Motor Sales president Jim Lentz. “That’s why we’re accelerating production of four-cylinder models and quickly responding to market conditions with repurposed US plants and plans for a US-built Prius.”
Mazda US chief Jim O’Sullivan said the company was shoer of 3, 5 and newly redesigned 6 models “and this month’s sales numbers reflect that.”
Year to date, Ford’s F-series pickup (319,542)is still the top selling model line in the US, ahead of Toyota’s Camry (282,012). GM’s Chev Silverado truck is next on 264,309 followed by Honda’s Accord (247,244) and Civic (234,086).
Graeme Roberts
 |
 |
 |
