Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Chevrolet to take larger role at GM, account for 70% of total volume]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-chevrolet-to-take-larger-role-at-gm-account-for-70-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-chevrolet-to-take-larger-role-at-gm-account-for-70-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-chevrolet-to-take-larger-role-at-gm-account-for-70-of/#commentsFiled under: ,



Forget about more cowbell, for GM it's all about more Chevy -- at least, that's the situation for Chevrolet's new VP Brent Dewar. So far this year the Bowtie has posted more than 60% of GM's North American volume, but Dewar wants that to get to 70%. "As Pontiac goes away, Saturn goes away," Dewar said, "Chevrolet has to step up. The 70 percent target is the right kind of number we need to work on."

The real perspective on that challenge is in the numbers: GM's market share was 22.4 percent a year ago and is now 19.7 percent. However, while GM is out to increase overall market share it has half as many brands as it did last year: Pontiac and Saturn are dead, Saab and Hummer have found other homes.

For Dewar, the general (if slight) upward trend in sales, as well as the coming Cruze and the Volt, will help Chevy achieve that number. But beyond that we have no idea what he plans to use to breach the 70 percent figure, and we find it interesting that Chevy is trying to make up for more even with Cadillac's and Buick's imminent models. Nor is it clear how GM will maintain its overall numbers globally without Opel, but we look forward to finding out.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Chevrolet to take larger role at GM, account for 70% of total volume originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brent dewarBrentDewarchevroletchevrolet cruzechevrolet voltChevroletCruzeChevroletVoltchevycruzegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmarket shareMarketShareopelvoltMon, 12 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota reverses decision, chooses to again seek quality over market share]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/toyota-reverses-decision-chooses-to-again-seek-quality-over-mar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/toyota-reverses-decision-chooses-to-again-seek-quality-over-mar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/toyota-reverses-decision-chooses-to-again-seek-quality-over-mar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It was back in 2002 when Fujio Cho, then-President of Toyota Motor Corp., set the company's goal of achieving a 15 percent share of the global automotive market sometime after 2010. Seven years ago, it didn't seem much of a stretch as the automaker had already captured 10.7 percent, and the seemingly-unstoppable company was rapidly growing.

While the Japanese automaker's train hasn't completely derailed, the self-imposed deadline looms and Toyota is reeling through a global slump that has served the company its first loss in decades. With market share taking a back seat to survival, current Toyota President Akio Toyoda (right) has dumped Cho's goal in favor of a back-to-basics focus on quality. And, nobody needs to point out that the automaker's latest forecast represents a production decline of nearly one million units compared to last year. An anonymous company executive summed the new president's directive up in just seven words: "Our president doesn't like figures or documents."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Toyota reverses decision, chooses to again seek quality over market share originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akio ToyodaAkioToyodaFujio ChoFujioChoMarket ShareMarketShareProfitQualitySalesSlumpToyotaTue, 11 Aug 2009 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford poised to overtake GM as America's top-selling automaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/report-ford-looks-poised-to-overtake-gm-as-americas-top-sellin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/report-ford-looks-poised-to-overtake-gm-as-americas-top-sellin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/report-ford-looks-poised-to-overtake-gm-as-americas-top-sellin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Ford Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Merrill Lynch's Car Wars study, Ford's improving lineup of cars will be responsible for hauling the company's market share to places it hasn't been in many decades - namely, ahead of General Motors and number one in the U.S. With its recent rise to 16.1% share, Ford has taken the number two spot most recently held by Toyota, and Merrill predicts Ford's share over the next four years will rise another two points to 18%.

Even as it had the best-selling vehicle in America in the F-150, Ford's domestic market share has been shrinking for 13 years. The turnaround comes at the same time that post-bankruptcy GM is expected to decline five points, to about 15%, over the next four years. If the report proves to be true, that would put Ford ahead of every other automaker in the U.S. with a clear swath of daylight between them.

In case you were wondering, Chrysler is predicted to fare even worse, because "Chrysler's product pipeline is dubious and likely to drive significant market share losses." Merrill's analysis of a 6% loss of market share would take the Pentastar down to 6%, while Hyundai, Honda, and Kia are expected to post gains of 3- to 3.5%.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang


[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Ford poised to overtake GM as America's top-selling automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfordgmmarket shareMarketSharemerrill lynchMerrillLynchus marketUsMarketThu, 16 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford Fiesta - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Ford Fiesta has already won us over -- twice - and we can't even buy the car yet. But European buyers are nabbing so many Fiestas that the Blue Oval is now enjoying a 10% market share in Europe based on the strength of the compact's sales alongside the Focus and Transit. It's the first time that Ford has had a double-digit European market share since September 2001, and it keeps Ford solidly in the number two spot overall behind Volkswagen.

In all but three of Europe's 19 markets, Ford says it has improved its showing. Already this year, there have been 108,000 Fiestas sold, with 52,800 of those coming in March alone. The market share triumph is even sweeter seeing that overall industry sales took a double-digit fall, but Ford is getting more of what's left. There was no cheating with fleet sales, either: retail sales were up 13% year-on-year. Only France, Switzerland, and Italy showed declines. Appreciate the tip, Preston.


Gallery: Ford Fiesta in NYC


[Source: Ford]

Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compactearningseuropefiestafinancialsfocusfordford europeford fiestaford focusford of europeford transitFordEuropeFordFiestaFordFocusFordOfEuropeFordTransithatchbackmarket shareMarketSharetransitThu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/how-quickly-we-forget-cheaper-gas-higher-pickup-and-suv-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/how-quickly-we-forget-cheaper-gas-higher-pickup-and-suv-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/how-quickly-we-forget-cheaper-gas-higher-pickup-and-suv-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Pickup and SUV sales plummeted when gas hit $4 per gallon, and many thought these gas-guzzling segments would never fully recover. That may be true, but for now Americans are once again getting more comfortable with trucks and SUVs. Truck sales fell below 10% of overall vehicle sales back in May and June, but the price of gas falling from an average of $4.11 per gallon to $2.78 has helped the share of trucks rise to 14.1% of the overall market for September. Depending on how buyers react to the financial crisis, October could be even better as gas prices have continued to go down. SUVs have seen a smaller but still significant jump in overall share, going from 1.9% in May to 2.5% in September - a big improvement for a shrinking segment.

Much of the increased interest in trucks and SUVs can easily be attributed to huge incentives on the hoods of these hefty haulers, but gas prices are a big factor, as well. And while most analysts feel the truck market won't recover until construction picks back up, we're sure automakers are happy to see an increase in sales for their most profitable vehicles, even if it takes a pile of cash on the hood to get them moving.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty ]

How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas pricesGasPricesmarket shareMarketSharepickup trucksPickupTruckssuvsTue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Asian brands beat Big 3 sales in May]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/asian-brands-beat-big-3-sales-in-may/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/asian-brands-beat-big-3-sales-in-may/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/asian-brands-beat-big-3-sales-in-may/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just less than a year ago, the Big 3 domestic automakers' combined market share dropped to less than 50-percent of the overall automobile market. That sobering statistic was made factual when the combined sales of vehicles from both Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea, were combined with sales from European companies, like Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It seems that this sad state of affairs did little to stop the bleeding coming from Detroit, as last month marks the first time in history that Asian automakers alone, with a combined share of 47.8-percent, sold more vehicles in the United States than companies actually based there. Ouch.

Large pickup trucks and SUV's have long been the last stronghold for Detroit's struggling automakers. While the Big 3 still have a commanding lead in sales of these large vehicles, it's the smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles which are taking the largest bite from the overall market share pie. Record-high fuel prices have put such a damper on truck sales that a shocking five vehicles outsold the F-150 last month, all of them highly practical sedans. It seems easy to see, then, where Detroit should be spending what engineering dollars it has left.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Asian brands beat Big 3 sales in May originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Compass, and Patriot are helping Chrysler defend its market share in a declining sales environment. Between these new models and incentives on Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, Chrysler has managed to stay 0.1% ahead of the market's year-on-year drop in sales. The Wrangler Unlimited is proving a noteworthy boon, helping lift Wrangler sales by 71% year-over-year. Steve Landry, Chrysler's EVP of North American sales said, "The four-door has really created a halo effect for the Jeep brand, bringing people into the Jeep showrooms and it has improved our two-door sales."

Although Chrysler-brand vehicles lead the way among the Big Three in incentives, Jeep has placed little reliance on them. The numbers mean that Chrysler's market share has actually improved a tiny bit, from 12.85% to 12.86% in the US. It's a minuscule improvement to be sure, but for a company that has been through the wringer over the past few months (years, some would say), it's still a great statement.

[Source: Freep]

Jeep helping Chrysler retain market share originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercompassdodgejeepjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotmarket shareMarketSharepatriotsalesus marketUsMarketwranglerwrangler unlimitedWranglerUnlimitedFri, 14 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[First time in 102 years: Big 3 lose majority market share to imports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/first-time-in-102-years-big-3-lose-majority-market-share-to-imp/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/first-time-in-102-years-big-3-lose-majority-market-share-to-imp/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/first-time-in-102-years-big-3-lose-majority-market-share-to-imp/#commentsFiled under:

As we reported in our By the Numbers post earlier today, last month nearly every automaker, import and domestics alike, had a tough time selling cars. The domestics, including General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler Group., had it tougher, however, and for the first time in the automotive industry's 102-year history, the Big 3's market share fell below that of the imported brands combined. The official tally according to Automotive News was 629,569 units sold by the Big 3 and 679,523 units sold by the imports. That works out to a 48.6% market share for the domestics and a 51.4% share for the imports.

Shall we all cry in our travel mugs that our beloved automakers from downtown Detroit, Dearborn and Auburn Hills have lost their leading role in the U.S. market? Hardly, we say. All three domestic heavyweights have realized that bouncing back from their financial doldrums requires ditching their excess and paring down to the essentials. With fleet sales drastically reduced and resources diverted to programs that will bear fruit a few years out, we all know their sales are going to fall, in some cases drastically. Nevertheless, their loss in size and sales will allow each to focus on product more in an environment where what's on the sales floor is all that matters.

And don't fret, the Big 3 still retain majority market share in the U.S. year-to-date. This was just one bad month of sales. One really bad month.

[Source: Automotive News]

First time in 102 years: Big 3 lose majority market share to imports originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchryslerfordgmmajoritymarket shareMarketShareWed, 01 Aug 2007 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Would VW leave the US market?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/would-vw-leave-the-us-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/would-vw-leave-the-us-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/would-vw-leave-the-us-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VW's has strengthened its position in Europe as the leading brand, claiming more than 20% market share. In the US, though, VW sales have dropped by an average of 25,000 cars every year for four years, and the company has lost close to a billion dollars each of the past three years. Stefan Jacoby, the former head of global sales and marketing who raised the firm's Euro market share, has been put in the top US spot in order to achieve one goal: breaking even in the US by 2009.

Blame for the slide can be attributed to a variety of factors (and we're sure you readers have plenty of theories about what's wrong with and how to fix VW), but unless they figure out how to get them right, the feeling is that VW could leave the US market. It's almost impossible to believe that the company known for fun, funky cars that drove until the wheels fell of, two cars that have been famous for decades around the world (Beetle and Golf), deep brand equity, and fervent brand loyalty would have to grab its wurst and head back home. Yet the situation was summed up by one exec as: "For the first time in some time, the phrase 'If we are to stay in the U.S.' precedes a lot of conversations at VW."

[Source: Business Week]

Would VW leave the US market? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>market shareMarketSharesalesus marketUsMarketvwWed, 18 Jul 2007 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Domestics may end month with market share below 50%]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/domestics-may-end-month-with-market-share-below-50/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/domestics-may-end-month-with-market-share-below-50/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/domestics-may-end-month-with-market-share-below-50/#commentsFiled under:

Can a drawn-out incentive campaign keep the domestics ahead of the imports? Automotive News, for one, seems to think it would only serve to delay the inevitable. Detroit is on a trajectory to fall below 50 percent in market share in the very near future, maybe even this month. It seems obvious that offering rebates and other incentives is merely a band-aid for the underlying issue.

As of the first half of 2007, GM, Ford and the Chrysler Group were down to just 50.2 percent of the new-vehicle market. That's a record low. A year ago that number was 56.0 percent. So given the fact that their share is plummeting, does it make sense to throw money at the problem and try to hold onto something they will surely lose eventually?

Actually, they may need the incentives just to stay competitive. Toyota, Honda and Nissan have really been aggressive in using incentives to grab customers this year. The Japanese now account for 37.5 percent of the market, up 5 percent from last year. Sure it comes with some psychological baggage, but losing market share isn't everything. It's a largely meaningless number and profits mean more in the end. Not that the domestics are any better in that arena, but dwelling on market share is a bit misleading.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Domestics may end month with market share below 50% originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>market shareMarketShareMon, 09 Jul 2007 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda gaining momentum on the Big 2.5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/honda-gaining-more-momentum-on-the-big-2-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/honda-gaining-more-momentum-on-the-big-2-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/honda-gaining-more-momentum-on-the-big-2-5/#commentsFiled under:

Unless your current residence is beneath the Earth's crust, you probably know about the beating Toyota has been laying on the domestic automakers. Almost every month, Toyota's sales rise by double-digits while the Detroit-based competition endures losses. It seems there's constant debate over which US location at which Toyota will build its next assembly plant, and the gang from Aichi has a good chance to become the world's largest automotive manufacturer by sales volume in 2007.

Honda, too, has seen a steady climb in US market share with volume rising 50% in the past 10 years. Overall volume in the United States is now at 1.5 million units and Honda doesn't even have full-size trucks and SUVs like the competition. It's looking to expand its offerings with a planned V10 supercar and a new, more powerful Accord coming stateside by year's end. Incentive spending has been right around Toyota's levels also, with total spend at about 1/3 of the competition. Honda is also the technological leader in many non-automotive areas, with 12.7 million motorcycle sales in 2006 in addition to other businesses including robots, power equipment, and aircraft.

The automaker is also scoring high marks for quality. In the Consumer Reports 2007 Top Picks, Honda scored winners with Fit, Civic, and Accord -- a sweep in the volume passenger car categories. Positive results in JD Power initial and long-term quality studies have also helped keep resale values much higher than the domestic competition.

With domestic automakers taking aim at Toyota in a bids to gain back lost ground, they'd be well advised not to forget about Honda as well. Each year, it takes a little more share away from Detroit while flying under the radar asToyota registers as the 800 lb. bogey.

[Source: Detroit News]

Honda gaining momentum on the Big 2.5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfordgmHondamarket shareMarketSharetoyotaSun, 11 Mar 2007 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota poised to take #2 spot from Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/toyota-poised-to-take-2-spot-from-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/toyota-poised-to-take-2-spot-from-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/toyota-poised-to-take-2-spot-from-ford/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Motor Co. has admitted what we saw coming for some time. The New York Times just ran a story saying Ford has announced that they fully expect Toyota to take over as number two behind General Motors. At least in America. Perhaps not unexpected, but it still sounds weird to hear that Ford won't be #2. To put this in perspective, Ford has been number two since the 1920s! And if that's not enough, Ford says the projections show they think that third place might be their permanent new slot. Apparently The Way Forward means taking one step back, which if that's what it takes to return to profitability, then so be it.

Back in September Ford speculated that its market share would hit a low of 14-15% allowing Toyota to surpass it. With the death of the Taurus and the decline in sales of light trucks, Ford has certainly been hurting. Conversely, it seems that Toyota can do no wrong with buyers, despite product that some consider boring and increased recalls with uncharacteristic lapses in quality. But things aren't looking any better for Ford. The new Tundra should be out in February, which will only increase Toyota's market share according to most analysts. Although we expect the Dodge Ram to be the truck that suffers most from the Tundra's arrival, eventually relinquishing it's No. 3 spot to the Japanese pickup over time.

[Source: Reuters via The New York Times]

Toyota poised to take #2 spot from Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ford Motor CoFordMotorComarket shareMarketShareThu, 21 Dec 2006 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Riding out the storm: 2007 going to be a bad year for sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/15/riding-out-the-storm-2007-going-to-be-a-bad-year-for-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/15/riding-out-the-storm-2007-going-to-be-a-bad-year-for-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/15/riding-out-the-storm-2007-going-to-be-a-bad-year-for-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The automotive industry isn't back on the upswing yet. 2007 may prove to be a nine-year low for sales at 16.2 million units, with Detroit automakers taking the biggest hit. CSM Worldwide, leading auto industry analysts, released a report recently indicating that U.S. light-vehicle sales would drop 1.2 percent from the 16.4 million units expected to leave dealer showrooms by the end of this year.

The leading reason -- surprise, surprise -- is that folks have bought their new cars already, or as CSM says, the industry has "depleted pent-up demand." Contributing to the problem is the soft housing market and vehicle devaluation, but efforts to eliminate incentives and raise the value of vehicles should help out. Despite efforts to raise the values of its vehicles, however, the situation poses major challenges for Ford and General Motors in their restructuring efforts.

Asian automakers, on the other hand, are poised to do well despite the market contraction, with Toyota actually gaining a full point of market share.

[Source: Automotive News]

Riding out the storm: 2007 going to be a bad year for sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big threeBigThreecar buyingCarBuyingfordgmmarket shareMarketSharesalesFri, 15 Dec 2006 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to shrink dealer network over three years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/ford-to-shrinkdealer-network-over-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/ford-to-shrinkdealer-network-over-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/ford-to-shrinkdealer-network-over-three-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reuters is reporting that Ford will be shrinking its dealer base over the next three years in order to better align its distribution network with a market share that is smaller than it has been in the past. Dealers were told of the planned reduction at the dealer meeting in Las Vegas last month. The East Coast and California have the highest saturation of Ford dealerships and are likely to see the largest reduction in numbers. At the moment there are about 4,300 Ford dealerships operating in the U.S.
This is tough but smart call by Ford. It would be easy for Ford to use the belief that its market share will begin climbing again in the near future as an excuse to keep its dealer network intact. However, shrinking the dealer network now to more comfortably handle its reduced production capacity, it appears Ford is accepting its current situation and trying to build a smaller, more efficient Blue Oval.

[Source: Reuters]

Ford to shrink dealer network over three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealerdealer networkDealerNetworkdealershipford dealerFordDealermarket shareMarketShareturnaroundway forwardWayForwardMon, 11 Sep 2006 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[By the Numbers: July 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/01/by-the-numbers-july-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/01/by-the-numbers-july-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/01/by-the-numbers-july-2006/#commentsFiled under: ,

The numbers for July have rolled in and we bet most manufacturers wish they would roll right back out. Of the 34 brands that have reported their July sales so far, 22 are reporting a drop in monthly sales versus the same period last year.

The Chrysler Group's drop has attracted the most attention thus far, with each of the group's three brands (Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep) reporting between a 34% and 35% drop in sales. The few bright spots Chrysler pointed out include the Chrysler 300 gaining 4% and the Dodge Charger jumping 53% in sales over last July. The newly arrived Jeep Compass wasn't on lots long in July, but did manage to move 707 units.

The big theme of July's sales figures is that truck and SUV sales are dragging down sales as a whole. Chevy's passenger car sales were up 18.2% in July at 81,430 units, but the brand's truck division fell 27.9% so that total sales were down 17.1%. While Ford's passenger car sales were down only 5.6%, its truck and SUV sales fell 44.1%, producing brand-wide sales that were 35.7% below July 2005.

Of course, no one is surprised how harsh the hot summer month of July has been considering the successful sales incentives of last summer. Except, perhaps, the Chrysler Group, which was the only automaker to reinstate employee pricing again this summer yet still get whacked with a big drop in sales. Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Co. and Honda America continue their aggressive grab for market share by posting a 16.21% and 10.2% rise in sales last month, respectively.

Big Winner:
Isuzu 34.2%

Big Loser:
Saab -41.2%

BRANDS
Acura -4.9% at 18,203 (July 2005: 19,909)
Audi -2.6% at 7,005 (July 2005: 7,190)
BMW -13.4% at 20,083 (July 2005: 23,178)
Buick -34.7% at 23,609 (July 2005: 37,618)
Cadillac -21.8% at 19,124 (July 2005: 25,431)
Chevrolet -17.1% at 244,080 (July 2005: 306,160)
Chrysler -35% at 38,124 (July 2005: 61,193)
Dodge -35% at 76,394 (July 2005: 122,673)
Ford -35.7% at 199,735 (July 2005: 310,757)
GMC -36.5% at 48,085 (July 2005: 78,717)
Honda 12.7% at 133,601 (July 2005: 123,308)
HUMMER -2.7% at 6,991 (July 2005: 7,476)
Hyundai 6.2% at 47,205 (July 2005: 44,431)
Infiniti -18.1% at 10,548 (July 2005: 13,395)
Isuzu 34.2% at 1,336 (July 2005: 1,035)
Jaguar -15.1% at 1,997 (July 2005: 2,353)
Jeep -34% at 35,831 (July 2005: 56,280)
Kia 2.3% at 26,429 (July 2005: 26,052)
Land Rover -30.6% at 3,524 (July 2005: 5,080)
Lexus 5.6% at 26,959 (July 2005: 26,562)
Lincoln -21.5% at 9,125 (July 2005: 11,621)
Mazda 5% at 25,963 (July 2005: 24,820)
Mercedes 3.8% at 21,591 (July 2005: 20,791)
Mercury -34.1% at 16,635 (July 2005: 25,238)
MINI -3.7% at 3,528 (July 2005: 3,662)
Mitsubishi 1.2% at 10,376 (July 2005: 10,376)
Nissan -16% at 75,860 (July 2005: 93,905)
Pontiac .1% at 40,993 (July 2005: 42,541)
Saab -41.2% at 3,658 (July 2005: 6,469)
Saturn -4.3% at 22,516 (July 2005: 24,471)
Subaru - 5% at 18,923 (July 2005: 17,959)
Suzuki 13% at 8,030 (July 2005: 7,125)
Toyota 17.71% at 214,867 (July 2005: 189,855)
Volkswagen 5% at 22,627 (July 2005: 21,553)
Volvo -10.2% at 10,323 (July 2005: 11,499)

Porsche - YET TO REPORT


COMPANIES
BMW Group -12% at 23,611 (July 2005: 26,840)
Chrysler Group -35% at 150,349 (July 2005: 240,146)
Ford Motor Co -34.2% at 241,339 (July 2005: 366,548)
General Motors -19.5% at 410,332 (July 2005: 530,027)
Honda America 10.2% at 151,804 (July 2005: 143,217)
Nissan North America -16.2% at 86,408 (July 2005: 107,300)
Toyota Motor Co. 16.21% at 241,826 (July 2005: 216,417)

Editors note: most percentages are reported as the change in daily sales rate (DSR) since there were only 25 selling days in July 2006 versus 26 selling days in July 2005. We found many automakers had averaged out the amount of vehicles sold per day in July of both years and used that figure to calculate the percentage of loss or gain year-over-year.

By the Numbers: July 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chrysler GroupChryslerGroupFordGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMHondamarket shareMarketSharemonthly salesMonthlySalesToyotaTue, 01 Aug 2006 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer shaping up to be difficult for domestics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/summer-shaping-up-to-be-difficult-for-domestics/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/summer-shaping-up-to-be-difficult-for-domestics/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/summer-shaping-up-to-be-difficult-for-domestics/#commentsFiled under:

As Toyota and Honda called in record numbers for June sales, auto dealers pushing domestics are looking to corporate to lay some incentives down to get them through the summer, according to a survey of dealers conducted by Automotive News. Instead, automakers are laying down more vehicles to store massive production overrun. While Chrysler has rolled out employee pricing and zero percent financing, Ford and General Motors haven't yet opened up the flood gates on incentives, and dealers are already hurting. What's more is that dealers of domestics are also begging for more small cars, while automakers need them to sell more profit-fetching SUVs.

On the flip side, imports wish they could get more inventory. Toyota and Honda dealers are asking more cars and don't have any special interest in incentives -- their cars are moving.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek]

Summer shaping up to be difficult for domestics originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>employee pricingEmployeePricingincentivesmarket shareMarketShareWed, 05 Jul 2006 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford changes forecast, expects 2006 global market share to drop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/ford-changes-forecast-expects-2006-global-market-share-to-drop/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/ford-changes-forecast-expects-2006-global-market-share-to-drop/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/ford-changes-forecast-expects-2006-global-market-share-to-drop/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Motor Co. isn't as optimistic as it was a few months ago. In a new filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company announced on Tuesday that it was lowering its worldwide market share prediction for 2006, saying it is likely market share will decline for the year. Previously Ford had forecast improved market share for the year.

Without giving specific market share predictions, Ford  blamed challenges in a key market - full-size trucks and SUVs - caused by rising fuel prices and new-product launches by its competition. Ford also highlighted challenges created by the new CAFE fuel economy standards, and the possibility that those standards could become even more stringent after the federal courts rule on challenges to the new standards for light trucks, which a number of states, led by California, believe to be too lenient.

In the same SEC filing, the company stated that it plans to close seven North American plants between 2010 and 2012, as part of its "Way Forward" restructuring plan.

[Source: Reuters]

Ford changes forecast, expects 2006 global market share to drop originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafefuel economy regulationsfuel economy rulesfull size truckFullSizeTrucklight truckmarket sharerestructuringway forwardWayForwardTue, 09 May 2006 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[GM loses another point of market share in Q1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/28/gm-loses-another-point-of-market-share-in-q1/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/28/gm-loses-another-point-of-market-share-in-q1/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/28/gm-loses-another-point-of-market-share-in-q1/#commentsFiled under: ,

On Monday GM sales analyst Paul Ballew announced that the General's market share would slip a percentage point in the first quarter to 24 percent compared to a year earlier. Mark LaNeve, the company's VP of North American sales (a.k.a. Captain Obvious), also called the sales outlook for 2006 "very challenging".

But GM has had some recent successes it plans to capitalize on in the coming year, including strong demand for the company's redesigned lineup of GMT900 full-size SUVs. The Tahoe is on track to sell 120,000 units this year, which is ahead of last year's sales rate that predicted only 100,000 Tahoes to be sold by year's end.

The company has also put down the incentive stick with which it beat consumers over the head with last year in favor of a new pricing strategy that has resulted in lower and less complicated base prices. The new strategy should lead to higher transaction prices for each sale compared with the incentive laden sales of yesteryear.

[Source: Automotive News]

GM loses another point of market share in Q1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Mar 2006 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annual salesAnnualSalesgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMmarket shareMarketShareTue, 28 Mar 2006 07:28:00 EST