Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[More Americans paying their car loans on time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/more-americans-paying-their-car-loans-on-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/more-americans-paying-their-car-loans-on-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/more-americans-paying-their-car-loans-on-time/#commentsFiled under: ,

Female car buyer signing documents at dealership

Nearly everyone in America with a car loan is making the payment on time, the Detroit Free Press is reporting.

A scant .36 percent of people with a car loan are 60 or more days behind on making their payment, according to a TransUnion report looking at the January through March quarter of auto loan payments. That means more than 99-percent of customers borrowing cash for cars are on time.

The tiny percentage, which represents a drop of about 27 percent year-over-year is the lowest since TransUnion started tracking it in 1999.

The fall in loan delinquency, however, may not be great news for banks overall. TransUnion attributes some of the on-time payments to recession weary consumers placing a priority on their car payment while foregoing payments on credit cards and underwater homes.

More Americans paying their car loans on time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto loansauto salesbankcar loancar paymentcar salesdelinquencyfinanceloanloan delinquenciespaymentrecessionThu, 24 May 2012 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243424/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/more-americans-paying-their-car-loans-on-time/20243424/article-detail.xml 20243424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/female-car-buyer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/female-car-buyer.jpg <![CDATA[Auto sales credited with half of U.S. economic growth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/auto-sales-credited-with-half-of-u-s-economic-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/auto-sales-credited-with-half-of-u-s-economic-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/auto-sales-credited-with-half-of-u-s-economic-growth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Car lot with American flags

The auto industry has long been a cyclical business, and though this last trough was a deep one, the coming boom has economists excited. According to Bloomberg, the auto industry's comeback contributed fully half of the 2.2 percent national economic growth in the first quarter of this year. Auto sales are on target to top 14 million vehicles this year, the best pace in four years.

Production is up at all three domestic carmakers, which has a ripple effect throughout the economy. Bloomberg cites Chad Moutray, chief economist of the National Association of Manufacturers, who estimates that every dollar spent on a new vehicle leads to an addition $2.02 in economic activity. The industry's share of gross domestic product for the quarter was 2.8 percent, which is nearly as high as it was in 2007, before the economic crisis that devastated the industry, according to the report.

Yet despite the rise in fortunes for carmakers, stock prices have yet to follow suit. A key automotive index is up just 1.5 percent so far this year, but is down 31 percent in the past 12 months, according to the report. The U.S. Treasury Department recently indicated that because of lagging stock prices, it would not be divesting its share of General Motors stock anytime soon.

Auto sales credited with half of U.S. economic growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salescar saleseconomic growtheconomic recoverygross domestic productnew car salesu.s. economyMon, 14 May 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/auto-sales-credited-with-half-of-u-s-economic-growth/20237593/article-detail.xml 20237593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/car-dealer-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/car-dealer-opt.jpg <![CDATA[German automakers defy analyst predictions by earning huge profits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/german-automakers-defy-analyst-predictions-by-earning-huge-profi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/german-automakers-defy-analyst-predictions-by-earning-huge-profi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/german-automakers-defy-analyst-predictions-by-earning-huge-profi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible and CoupeEurope's financial situation is, well, bad. So no one was surprised to see analysts' low expectations for German carmakers. But the numbers are out, and whaddya know? Three German auto companies have reported better results than predicted.

BMW reported this week that its first quarter profit rose 19 percent. BMW said 1-Series sales jumped 20 percent, which helped the company deliver a record total of 425,528 vehicles in the first quarter.

Last week, Daimler and Volkswagen blew past analysts' expectations with VW increasing profit 10 percent and Daimler making 4.9 percent more that last year's first quarter.

Much of the profit and sales boost is due to growing popularity of German models in U.S. and China. A couple of analysts quoted in a Bloomberg report are split on what the future holds. One says he expects BMW and VW to raise their second quarter forecasts. Another sees China's market cooling off and gives BMW a neutral rating while rating VW and Daimler as good buys. So far this year automotive companies (including suppliers) are the best performing stocks in Europe.

German automakers defy analyst predictions by earning huge profits originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesbmwcar salesdaimlermercedesmercedes-benzporschevolkswagenvwFri, 04 May 2012 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20230975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/german-automakers-defy-analyst-predictions-by-earning-huge-profi/20230975/article-detail.xml 20230975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-1-exclusive-sport-05_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-1-exclusive-sport-05.jpg <![CDATA[Car buyers falling back in love with manual transmissions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/car-buyers-falling-back-in-love-with-manual-transmissions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/car-buyers-falling-back-in-love-with-manual-transmissions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/car-buyers-falling-back-in-love-with-manual-transmissions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Car Buyers Falling Back In Love With Manual Transmissions

From the headlines-we-never-expected-to-see file: "Stick shifts popular again..." Yes, we thought manual transmissions were on their deathbed, what with every carmaker bemoaning low take rates and reports that Volkswagen has decided to do away with them in both its Audi R8 sports car and throughout the range of Lamborghini models. But lo and behold, it seems that manuals accounted for 6.5 percent of new vehicle sales during the first quarter this year, the highest take rate since 2006, according to Edmunds.com numbers cited by USA Today.

This surge in popularity comes despite a 10-percent drop in the percentage of new models offering stick shifts in the past five years, according to the report. The change in consumer behavior has surprised some automakers, including Ford, who told the newspaper that demand for a manual in the Focus is nearly 10 percent, more than double the automaker's original forecast.

Of course before we get too excited - or give credit to the Car and Driver "Save the Manuals" campaign - let's keep in mind that a decade ago, when we first started to hear the groundswell against the manual from automakers, the take rate for manuals was still running above 8 percent. And we're still faced with an inevitable demographic shift as Millennials, born after automatic transmissions became dominant, grow up. The best we can hope for is to teach those willing to learn and hope to keep the manual tranny around as long as possible.

Car buyers falling back in love with manual transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford focusauto salescar salesfocusfordmanual gearboxmanual transmissionsave the manualsstick shiftTue, 01 May 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20228159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/car-buyers-falling-back-in-love-with-manual-transmissions/20228159/article-detail.xml 20228159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/36-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/36-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Average price of new car sales transaction hits $30,748, an all-time record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/average-price-of-new-cars-hits-all-time-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/average-price-of-new-cars-hits-all-time-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/average-price-of-new-cars-hits-all-time-record/#commentsFiled under: ,

Female car buyer looks at new vehicle

If you've looked into purchasing a new car recently, we likely don't need to tell you prices are plenty lofty. According to TrueCar.com's data, the average selling price of a new car sold here in the U.S. last month was $30,748, marking an all-time record (last year's figure was just $28,771). While buyers are currently looking toward smaller, less expensive and more fuel-efficient models, overall vehicle sales have jumped ahead of the rest of the slowly recovering economy. In addition, manufacturers are keeping production more in line with demand, resulting in significantly scaled-back incentives.

As a result, the average transaction price has inched skyward even in the face of an uncertain economy and escalating fuel prices. In addition, small cars now carry significantly more content than before and prices to match, and crossovers just keep getting more and more popular. Buyers have proven none too wary of optioning B and C-segment vehicles well above MSRPs typically seen on mid-sized fare, and used car fleets are thin, raising prices and pushing buyers toward new cars instead. According to CNW Marketing, consumers now routinely option a vehicle to within 86 percent of the fully loaded cost.

Average price of new car sales transaction hits $30,748, an all-time record originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto pricesauto salescar buyingcar pricecar pricescar salesnew car pricespricetransaction pricestruecarWed, 11 Apr 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20213416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/average-price-of-new-cars-hits-all-time-record/20213416/article-detail.xml 20213416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/female-buyer-checking-out-new-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/female-buyer-checking-out-new-car.jpg <![CDATA[Iraq could become next major car market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/iraq-could-become-next-major-car-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/iraq-could-become-next-major-car-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/iraq-could-become-next-major-car-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Dodge Charger

While China is still the big dog when it comes to growth markets for automakers, Iraq looks to be heating up. As the country slowly stabilizes, the country's 30 million citizens find themselves with a growing income and a need for more reliable transportation.

But, according to Automotive News, the biggest factor in the resurgence of Iraqi car-buying is a decrease in violence by insurgents. Last year only (?!) about 1,500 Iraqis were killed by roadside bombs, snipers or other violence. That's compared to more than 34,000 in 2006. As you might imagine, safer streets lead to much greater satisfaction derived from Sunday drives.

Ready to cash in on the auto-buying-boom are Volkswagen, Ford and GM. All three see huge potential in a country still driving thousands of VW Passats procured via an oil trade with Brazil in the 1980s.

Apparently, one popular car in Iraq is the Dodge Charger - nicknamed "Obama" by Iraqis. Then again, the LA Times said last year that the Chrysler 300 was known as "the Obama," so maybe the term goes for any large American sedan.

Iraq could become next major car market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesiraqmiddle eastWed, 21 Mar 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196766/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/iraq-could-become-next-major-car-market/20196766/article-detail.xml 20196766 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2011-dodge-charger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2011-dodge-charger.jpg <![CDATA[FTC steps in to curb deceptive car dealer trade-in practices [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Car salesman handing over keysIn general, car dealers have reputations just below personal injury lawyers and politicians, so it's no surprise that most consumers are naturally wary whenever they engage in the process of buying a new vehicle.

As part of an effort to restore consumers' faith in the auto buying process, the Federal Trade Commission is intervening, calling out five dealers from around the country for what it says argues is deceptive advertising. According to the FTC, the dealer ads in question promise to "pay off your car" and to "pay off your trade no matter what you owe" when, in fact, they either rolled the balance of customers' trades into a new loan or just outright demand would-be buyers pay the difference out of pocket.

Tempting, yes, but anyone with a half-full brain cavity would almost certainly start asking questions before signing such paperwork, right? Well, maybe, but these sorts of tactics have spread among auto dealers, likely because they have proven effective.

The dealers named by the FTC include Billion Auto, Inc., in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Frank Myers AutoMaxx, LLC, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Key Hyundai of Manchester, LLC and Hyundai of Milford LLC, of Vernon and Milford, Connecticut and Ramey Motors, Inc., of Princeton, West Virginia.

The FTC's wrist slap settlement requires that for the next 20 years, the above dealers not run deceptive ads, keep copies of the ads they do run, and file reports with the FTC showing their compliance.

If they violate the FTC order, the dealers will be fined up to $16,000 for each infraction. Read all the details in the official press release after the jump, and while you're there, check out an example of one of one of the dealers' advertising handiwork as well.

Continue reading FTC steps in to curb deceptive car dealer trade-in practices [w/video]

FTC steps in to curb deceptive car dealer trade-in practices [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingauto salescar dealercar salesdealershipfederal trade commissionnegative equitynegative equity adsThu, 15 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20193716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/20193716/article-detail.xml 20193716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/car-salesman-handing-over-keys_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/car-salesman-handing-over-keys.jpg <![CDATA[Vehicle hauler shortage to threaten new car sales?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/vehicle-hauler-shortage-to-threaten-new-car-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/vehicle-hauler-shortage-to-threaten-new-car-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/vehicle-hauler-shortage-to-threaten-new-car-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,



New car sales have endured all manner of impediments since The Great Recession began in 2008, and for various reasons including everything from restricted lending by banks to strikes and Acts of God. Next up among the bugbears could be a shortage of car haulers, which were pulled from active duty when there simply weren't cars to haul.

However, with 2012 sales riding a projected wave of 15 million in sales for the year, the opposite has happened: too many new vehicles to be shipped paired with a paucity of tractor-trailers and trains to do the shipping. Estimates put the disparity between demand and supply at 1.7 million vehicles - the kind of number that could make a dent that won't buff out.

On the other hand, shipping companies are buying all the haulers they can, it's only March, and no one knows how long the superheated sales will continue. Yet even if the hauler shortage is remedied, there could be a shortage of drivers. According to Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, finding truckers to fill the drivers' seats will become more difficult since pay hasn't kept up with the economy.

Follow the jump to see the Autoline Daily report (skip to 1:18 for the car hauler story).

Continue reading Vehicle hauler shortage to threaten new car sales?

Vehicle hauler shortage to threaten new car sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto haulerauto salesautolinecar haulercar salesnew car salesshippingsupply chaintraintruckingvideoWed, 14 Mar 2012 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192970/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/vehicle-hauler-shortage-to-threaten-new-car-sales/20192970/article-detail.xml 20192970 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/autolinehauler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/autolinehauler.jpg <![CDATA[Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Alan Mulally, Dan Akerson and Mark Reuss

Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.

The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.

If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.

Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesbig threecar saleschryslerdomestic automakersfordgeneral motorsgmhondahyundaikiamarket sharetoyotau.s. automakersTue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/20160811/article-detail.xml 20160811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen badge

We hope General Motors hasn't started planning that ticker-tape parade down Jefferson Avenue yet, as Volkswagen has apparently taken issue with the notion that GM might again be the world's largest automaker.

According to The Wall Street Journal, VW has said it will be adding some 200,000 units to its previously released sales total, contributions from some commercial truck manufacturers that are subsidiaries. Moreover, the WSJ has called into question GM's practice of counting the vehicles sold by two Chinese partners in which GM does not have a controlling interest. Liuzhou Wuling Motors sold 1.2 million vehicles in China last year, according to the report, which the Journal says some analysts don't count in tabulating their numbers. If those vehicles were excluded from GM's nine million vehicle sales total, it would drop behind VW.

Further controversy may cloud third place on the list, as the Nissan-Renault partnership may have passed Toyota in the rankings, according to the report. That is, if you accept the notion that Nissan and Renault are one company and that Renault's AvtoVAZ subsidiary should have its sales numbers count. Renault has a 25-percent state in the Russian company, notes the report.

Since there's little agreement about what rules should govern the accounting, until one of the top four really separates itself from the rest and pushes its total sales over 10 million vehicles, we will likely continue to see the annual global sales championship end in argument. VW, for what it's worth, seems hell-bent on becoming the undisputed largest car company, having repeatedly stated its intention to top 10 million sales.

VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 auto salesauto salesbiggest automakercar salesgeneral motorsgmlargest automakernissannissan-renaultrenaultrenault-nissantoyotavolkswagenvwFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/20153181/article-detail.xml 20153181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vwemblem-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vwemblem-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM retakes global sales crown with over 9M units shifted in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet sets sales record

Look who's back on top again? Just 30 months since General Motors emerged from bankruptcy, the Detroit-based automaker can once again call itself the world's largest. GM sold just over 9 million vehicles globally in 2011, its highest sales total ever, while chief rival Toyota may slip as far as third place, according to TheDetroitBureau.com, which reports that Volkswagen will pass Toyota to claim the runner-up spot.

Led by a record-setting 4.76 million sales year from Chevrolet, GM saw sales rise in all four of its reporting regions. The company says it now claims 11.9 percent of the global market. Sales in the U.S. were up 13 percent with 1.7 million vehicles sold.

It wasn't a good year for Toyota, the largest carmaker by sales volume for the past three years, since unseating GM in 2008. The Japanese manufacturer experienced production interruptions from the earthquake and resultant tsunami in Japan in early 2011, and then again when Thailand experienced widespread flooding later in the year.

While GM's legion of critics will no doubt point to the natural disasters in an attempt to diminish the significance of GM reclaiming the top spot, the company has to be feeling pretty good about its accomplishments last year. Not that being number one matters that much. As analyst Aaron Bragman of IHS Automotive tells The Bureau, "Being biggest in the world is not necessarily an advantage to anyone."

But it's certainly good for bragging rights and positive morale. As they say in sports, "scoreboard, baby." To read GM's full press release, click past the jump.

Continue reading GM retakes global sales crown with over 9M units shifted in 2011

GM retakes global sales crown with over 9M units shifted in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 auto salesauto salesbiggest automakercar saleschevroletgeneral motorsglobal salesgmlargest automakertoyotaThu, 19 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152438/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/20152438/article-detail.xml 20152438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevy2011sales-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevy2011sales-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Higher prices, more controls slow auto sales in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Traffic in China

China saw the slowest growth in the country's auto market in over a decade last year, according to the Associated Press. Sales rose by just 2.5 percent in 2011, thanks in part to more expensive vehicles and tighter buying controls. All told, consumers brought home 18.5 million vehicles last year, compared to 18 million in 2010. Chinese buyers endured the expiration of various tax breaks and buying subsidies, changes that saw the bottom line on most vehicles increase substantially. In addition, the Chinese government installed new restrictions on car buying in Beijing, further crimping sales growth. Sales exploded by 32 percent in 2010 after China slashed sales taxes and offered hefty subsidies in an effort to push buyers toward the showroom.

By contrast, the U.S. enjoyed fairly expansive growth last year. Vehicle sales in the U.S. increased by 10 percent to 12.8 million units.

Analysts expect the Chinese auto market to continue growing in the coming years, but the pace will likely be more restrained than in the past. The country's housing market is beginning to cool down, which typically yields slower expansion in the vehicle market as well.

Higher prices, more controls slow auto sales in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcar saleschinachina car saleschinese auto marketchinese car salesTue, 17 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20148123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/higher-prices-more-controls-slow-auto-sales-in-china/20148123/article-detail.xml 20148123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/traffic-in-china_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/traffic-in-china.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen beats Toyota, takes 2011 sales crown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/#commentsFiled under:

Volkswagen assembly line

Volkswagen has repeatedly told the world that it will soon be the largest automaker in terms of global sales volume. As it stands, it may already be number two. Car Advice reports that VW sold 8.16 million units in 2011, marking the first time it has eclipsed eight million global sales.. Toyota finished 2011 with 7.9 million sales, in part because of production disruptions resulting from the March earthquake in Japan.

That's an incredible feat made all the more impressive by a 14.3-percent surge in sales compared to the auto giant's 2010 totals. Volkswagen has plenty of reason to celebrate, but it's not quite time to erect a statue in honor of the year's sales success. General Motors hasn't yet reported full-year sales, but analysts expect that the final tally could reach nine million units.

The German automaker should feel pretty good about its accomplishment, but there is more work to do if VW is to reach its lofty goal of 10 million units annually by 2018. If VW can continue to roll out waves of successful new products and global auto sales continue to climb, we're not going to bet against them.

Volkswagen beats Toyota, takes 2011 sales crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesbiggest automakercar saleslargest automakernumber one automakervolkswagenvwFri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/20144283/article-detail.xml 20144283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/volkswagen-chattanooga-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/volkswagen-chattanooga-opt.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. diesel auto sales up 27% in 2011 while hybrid share shrinks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/u-s-diesel-auto-sales-up-27-in-2011-while-hybrid-share-shrinks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/u-s-diesel-auto-sales-up-27-in-2011-while-hybrid-share-shrinks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/u-s-diesel-auto-sales-up-27-in-2011-while-hybrid-share-shrinks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

A plethora of new diesel offerings is driving sales, according to a new report from the Diesel Technology Forum. Sales of diesels rose 27.4 percent in 2011, according to numbers from HybridCars.com and market researchers Baum and Associates.

The Diesel Technology Forum pegs the overall market growth in 2011 at 10.2 percent, putting diesels' increase considerably ahead of the curve. Interestingly enough, the group says hybrid sales were down 2.2 percent. The non-profit coalition of diesel engine and technology companies includes such auto industry heavyweights as Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda and Volkswagen.

Diesel sales are expected to grow to over six percent of the U.S. market by 2015, according to the report, and could reach as high as 7.4 percent by 2017, as more diesel models hit the market. Diesel-powered versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cadillac ATS, Porsche Cayenne, Chevrolet Cruze and Mercedes-Benz S-Class are slated for near-term U.S. release, according to the group.

To read the entire release, click past the jump.

Continue reading U.S. diesel auto sales up 27% in 2011 while hybrid share shrinks

U.S. diesel auto sales up 27% in 2011 while hybrid share shrinks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesbaum and associatescar salesclean dieseldieseldiesel saleshybridhybrid salesmarket shareWed, 11 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146236/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/u-s-diesel-auto-sales-up-27-in-2011-while-hybrid-share-shrinks/20146236/article-detail.xml 20146236 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-long-term-2011-vw-jetta-tdi-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-long-term-2011-vw-jetta-tdi-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Analysts predicting up to 14M auto sales in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/analysts-predicting-up-to-14m-auto-sales-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/analysts-predicting-up-to-14m-auto-sales-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/analysts-predicting-up-to-14m-auto-sales-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sold car sign in window

Automotive industry analysts are projecting a better sales year in 2012. According to Automotive News, a number of culminating factors could see sales of up to 14 million units next year. That's thanks to factors like decreasing unemployment, improved credit availability and a larger portion of the population looking to replace older vehicles. Don't think that means the overall economy will be any stronger next year, however. According to the studies, buyers have simply grown more callous to news of repeated financial crises and aren't likely to let that news impact their new vehicle purchases. While the ink hasn't dried on 2011's sales figures, the national tally is expected to wind up somewhere around 12.6-12.7 million new car sales.

That view is largely based on a scenario that played out earlier this year. When Congress faced off over the nation's debt ceiling, the Dow Jones Index plummeted by 1,500 points. In the past, that would have translated into decreased auto sales, but the numbers have stayed steady this year.

Throw in pent-up demand from buyers waiting for sunnier economic times and more free-flowing credit and automakers may just meet the 14 million unit mark.

Analysts predicting up to 14M auto sales in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 vehicle salesauto salescar buyingcar salesnew car salesvehicle salesWed, 28 Dec 2011 17:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20135840/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/28/analysts-predicting-up-to-14m-auto-sales-in-2012/20135840/article-detail.xml 20135840 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sold-car-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sold-car-sign.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: KBB looks at 2011 in the rearview mirror]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/infographic-kbb-looks-at-2011-in-the-rearview-mirror/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/infographic-kbb-looks-at-2011-in-the-rearview-mirror/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/infographic-kbb-looks-at-2011-in-the-rearview-mirror/#commentsFiled under:



Boy, that 2011 was a doozy, no? Earthquakes, tsunamis and floods; Arab Spring uprisings; Occupy protests, or as the highly respected yet entirely fictional Dr. Peter Venkman once said, "Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!"

This year has indeed been one to remember for the world at large, and the auto industry was anything but immune to what was happening to the world's populace.

Kelley Blue Book has put together a nifty color-coded infographic to take us back through 2011. It quickly reminds us how much of an upswing the industry as a whole was in for before the devastating earthquakes and tsunamis hit Japan in February. After that, the entire playing field shifted, largely in favor of the already surging U.S. domestic automakers, the Korean brands and Nissan, which had the good fortune of not having nearly as much of its production interrupted as Toyota and Honda.

As 2011 closes, it would seem that the auto industry is once again approaching equilibrium, where all manufacturers are competing on just the merit of their wares, though as this past year has taught us, nature can change that in an instant.

Follow the jump to scan the entire infographic for yourself and let us know what automotive moments of the past year you'll remember most by leaving a comment.

Continue reading Infographic: KBB looks at 2011 in the rearview mirror

Infographic: KBB looks at 2011 in the rearview mirror originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011car salesearthquakeinfographickbbkelley blue bookthe year that wastsunamiWed, 21 Dec 2011 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132147/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/infographic-kbb-looks-at-2011-in-the-rearview-mirror/20132147/article-detail.xml 20132147 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2011-timeline-graphic-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2011-timeline-graphic-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Sonic in short supply as Chevy closing in on all-time sales record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/sonic-in-short-supply-as-chevy-closing-in-on-all-time-sales-reco/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/sonic-in-short-supply-as-chevy-closing-in-on-all-time-sales-reco/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/sonic-in-short-supply-as-chevy-closing-in-on-all-time-sales-reco/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Sonic

It's been a good year for Chevrolet. The company marked its 100th anniversary in 2011 and is set to beat its all-time sales record. That's not a bad way to celebrate if you ask us, particularly just a couple of years removed from the bankruptcy of its parent company. The automaker has sold 4.8 million units worldwide through November, and December isn't looking to slacken the pace. Chevrolet managed to carve out nearly half a percentage point of additional global market share this year. What's more, sixty percent of the company's vehicles are now sold outside of the U.S. in a bid to move Chevy more into the global arena. That's thanks in part to growth in markets like China, Vietnam, Europe and South Korea as well as solid sales in familiar stomping grounds like South America.

Here in the States, Chevrolet is slotted behind first-place Ford in total consumer market share. Even so, vehicles like the Chevrolet Sonic may soon improve the automaker's fortunes. General Motors says Chevrolet dealers have just a 17-day supply of the new B-segment bruiser.

Sonic in short supply as Chevy closing in on all-time sales record originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet soniccar saleschevroletchevrolet sonicchevygeneral motorsgmgm sales figuressonicWed, 21 Dec 2011 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20131815/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/sonic-in-short-supply-as-chevy-closing-in-on-all-time-sales-reco/20131815/article-detail.xml 20131815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/chevrolet-sonic-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/chevrolet-sonic-628.jpg <![CDATA[These are the industry's most profitable cars and trucks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/these-are-the-industrys-most-profitable-cars-and-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/these-are-the-industrys-most-profitable-cars-and-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/these-are-the-industrys-most-profitable-cars-and-trucks/#commentsFiled under: ,



At the end of the day, every mass-market automaker is nothing more than a company looking for profits. And while you can have a great-looking vehicle that performs well and draws critical acclaim, but if it doesn't sell and it doesn't have decent margins, it doesn't do the company much good. So when it comes down to pure profit, what automobiles are the biggest cash cows?

That's what analyst Max Warbuton aimed to find out. With the help of his team at Bernstein Research, Warbuton looked at the automotive population and created this list of the twelve best money-makers since 1990. According to Automotive News, Warbuton said the top twelve cars and trucks all combine "high prices, huge volume and long periods of production that spread development costs over a long period." While we might quibble that not all of the entries are high in price, the volume side of Warburton's equation makes a lot of sense, especially considering that the Number One most profitable vehicle of all time is - glance back up at the lead image once more - the Ford F-Series.

F-150 aside, all of the American full-size pickups did particularly well in this study, with the Ram 1500 and General Motors twins (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) filling out the second and third place spots. (No surprise, given that body-on-frame vehicles like pickups and SUVs are known to be cash cows). German and Japanese automakers round out the top twelve, and we urge you to click through our attached image gallery to see exactly which vehicles have been raking in the most cash for their companies over the past 21 years.

These are the industry's most profitable cars and trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15003 series5 series911accordbernstein researchcamrycar salese-classf-150f-seriesfordmax warburtonprofitsram 1500s-classsierrasilveradoMon, 21 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111658/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/21/these-are-the-industrys-most-profitable-cars-and-trucks/20111658/article-detail.xml 20111658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-most-profitable-vehicles628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-most-profitable-vehicles628.jpg <![CDATA[October 2011: Pillowcases of Candy Edition [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/october-2011-pillowcases-of-candy-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/october-2011-pillowcases-of-candy-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/october-2011-pillowcases-of-candy-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Some automakers returned from trick or treating last night with pillowcases full of great sales numbers, and others wish they had stopped at a few more houses.

The biggest winner continues to be the Chrysler Group, which for the month of October 2011 posted a sales gain of 27 percent versus the same month last year. The Pentastar's ghoulishly good numbers are due among other things to Jeep, which enjoyed positively trending sales across the board except for the Grand Cherokee and a stellar performance from the Chrysler 200/Dodge Avenger duo. The new 200 alone added 11,205 sales to replace the Sebring's achievement of 2,221 sales last October.

As for the other domestics, Ford Motor Company put up a 6.25-percent increase with no thanks to Lincoln, which was down 10.83 percent. General Motors, meanwhile, barely eked out increased sales of 1.71 percent thanks to a strong enough showing by Chevrolet (6.04 percent) to balance out negative numbers from GMC, Buick and Cadillac.

Volkswagen continues to be a standout brand, backing up last month's gains of 35.57 percent with an industry-leading 39.55 percent performance in October. Honda and Toyota, however, continue to quietly lose sales. Ostensibly, blame can at least be partially attributed to the continued effects on production issues stemming back to the natural disasters suffered by Japan earlier this year.

Check out the rest of last month's sales numbers in the table below.

Brand/Company Vol. % Oct-11 Oct-10 DSR %* Oct-11 Oct-10
Volkswagen 39.55 28,028 20,084 44.92 1,078 744
Mini 37.09 5,415 3,950 42.36 208 146
Chrysler 28.39 21,244 16,547 33.32 817 613
Mercedes-Benz 28.17 24,449 19,076 33.10 940 707
Audi 25.80 10,225 8,128 30.64 393 301
Jeep 25.47 35,733 28,480 30.29 1,374 1,055
Dodge 24.85 33,734 27,020 29.65 1,297 1,001
Hyundai 22.85 52,402 42,656 27.57 2,015 1,580
Volvo 22.60 4,899 3,996 27.31 188 148
Nissan 22.06 75,484 61,843 26.75 2,903 2,290
Kia 20.81 37,690 31,199 25.45 1,450 1,156
Ram 20.71 21,836 18,090 25.35 840 670
BMW 13.50 21,873 19,272 17.86 841 714
Ford 12.59 161,709 143,624 16.92 6,220 5,319
Land Rover 10.65 3,273 2,958 14.90 126 110
Chevrolet 6.04 131,804 124,294 10.12 5,069 4,603
Jaguar 2.47 1,327 1,295 6.41 51 48
Mazda 1.74 18,326 18,013 5.65 705 667
Acura 0.94 11,115 11,011 4.83 428 408
Honda -0.66 87,218 87,800 3.16 3,355 3,252
GMC -4.61 31,609 33,136 -0.94 1,216 1,227
Suzuki -4.70 1,947 2,043 -1.03 75 76
Toyota -6.78 115,954 124,383 -3.19 4,460 4,607
Buick -7.02 11,687 12,569 -3.44 450 466
Lincoln -10.83 6,094 6,834 -7.40 234 253
Smart -10.90 327 367 -7.47 13 14
Subaru -11.62 20,081 22,720 -8.22 772 841
Cadillac -11.93 11,795 13,393 -8.54 454 496
Infiniti -13.47 6,862 7,930 -10.14 264 294
Lexus -14.22 18,092 21,091 -10.92 696 781
Porsche -14.24 2,270 2,647 -10.94 87 98
Mitsubishi -14.34 4,378 5,111 -11.05 168 189
Saab -54.52 337 741 -52.57 13 27
Fiat 1,965 0 76 0
COMPANIES
Chrysler Group 27.04 114,512 90,137 31.93 4,404 3,338
Nissan NA 18.02 82,346 69,773 22.56 3,167 2,584
BMW Group 17.51 27,288 23,222 22.03 1,050 860
Ford Mo Co 6.25 167,803 157,935 10.33 6,454 5,849
General Motors 1.71 186,895 183,759 5.62 7,188 6,806
American Honda -0.48 98,333 98,811 3.34 3,782 3,660
Toyota Mo Co -7.86 134,046 145,474 -4.31 5,156 5,388

*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 26 selling days in October 2011 and 27 selling days in October 2010, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.

UPDATE: Added sales figures for Suzuki and Saab.

October 2011: Pillowcases of Candy Edition [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesby the numberscar salesfeaturedoctober 2011salesTue, 01 Nov 2011 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20096044/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/october-2011-pillowcases-of-candy-edition/20096044/article-detail.xml 20096044 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/uphill-car-1320179147_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/uphill-car-1320179147.jpg <![CDATA[VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/#commentsFiled under: ,



Martin Winterkorn is a happy man: Volkswagen is putting up big numbers in North America, its latest field of dreams, Audi, is breaking records every month, there are exciting cars in the pipeline - from Bugatti down to the XL1, Porsche's digestion continues, and now Skoda and especially Seat are turning in no-questions performance.

It seems Skoda has been on the ups for years, making the most of keen pricing and modern redesigns of the chassis and tech it gets handed down from big brothers VW and Audi. Winterkorn predicts the Czech brand will just about double its 2010 sales by 2018, going from 762,000 to 1.5 million.

Seat, on the other hand, wasn't just on the hotseat a year-and-a-half ago, phrases like "uncertain future" - code for "possible demise" - were rumbling in the background. A new CEO was brought in, new money and new models were thrown against the wall, and the efforts have stuck. The Spanish brand has hit three strong chords with Winterkorn, with increased sales, strong performance in China and anticipated models due. If this keeps up there won't be much left for him to do but, a la Alexander the Great, break down and cry with no worlds left to conquer.

VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesmartin winterkornsalesseatskodaMon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/20094139/article-detail.xml 20094139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578.jpg -1 2