No one's about to say that the automotive industry is out of the woods just yet (certainly not with current unemployment rates), but October 2009 sales numbers give reason for optimism, mainly because they look a lot like the October 2008 numbers.
General Motors recorded its first year-over-year increase in nearly two years, selling 177,603 vehicles (up 4 percent from October 2008). GM also notes that 95 percent of those sales came in its "core" brands (Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick) -- not terribly surprising given that it doesn't build Pontiacs, Saturns, Saabs and Hummers anymore.
Ford was up 3 percent with 132,483 units sold, though its optimism was tempered by the fact that the Fusion is still the only Ford passenger car in positive territory for 2009. Chrysler sales weren't as bad as September's, but were still down 30 percent from Oct. 2008.
Toyota sold 152,165 vehicles, which is nearly identical to October 2008. And just like old times, the Lexus RX was one of the hottest sellers. Honda continues to struggle, though, as the Fit and Insight just aren't doing well.
Auto Observer: October Auto Sales Uptick May Presage the 'New Normal'
Nissan was up 6 percent at 60,115. Surprisingly strong truck and SUV sales helped, as did the Sentra and 370Z, but 62 percent of all vehicles sold were 2009s -- not a good inventory mix.
Hyundai/Kia continues to coast. Its 53,495 units represent its lowest-volume month since February, but this is still a 47 percent year-over-year increase. Also doing well are Mercedes-Benz (18,193, +21 percent) on the strength of the E-Class; Subaru (18,169, +41 percent) on the strength of the Forester, Legacy and Outback; and Volkswagen (17,037, +7 percent) on the strength of the CC and Jetta TDI.
inlinesix says:
06:34 PM, 11/ 4/09
These little updates on sales are always interesting. Its good to see GM and Ford back in the plus even if its only one month's y-o-y.
subytrojan says:
07:20 PM, 11/ 4/09
Instead of automakers being up, I view it as October 2008 being that bad.
estreka says:
05:03 AM, 11/ 5/09
Keep in mind that last October was when sales really started to drop. This just means things are still awful but not getting worse. I'm surprised Honda dipped so little as their sales numbers stayed healthy until sometime in January. I'm also shocked by Hyundai's success. I can't wait to see their market share for the year.
brn says:
07:33 AM, 11/ 5/09
"This just means things are still awful but not getting worse."
Which is a very good sign. Hopefully, we're at the beginning of a turnaround.