Despite 2012 being the best year of auto sales this country has seen since 2007, not every vehicle got an equally large share of the sales pie. Some barely got a sliver, as evidenced by this year’s list of the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.
We’ve dug through sales data from every automaker to come up with this year’s list and, like last year, we’ve set some parameters to ensure it includes legitimately bad-selling vehicles.
The first parameter is a starting MSRP under $100,000, which automatically excludes what’s parked in most one-percenters’ garages. We’re also excluding vehicles cancelled in 2012, even if they garnered sales through the end of the year while dealerships sold off remaining inventory. This includes models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and last year’s worst-seller, the Acura RL. Next, vehicles are considered as they are reported by the automaker, which means that, while sales of the Murano CrossCabriolet were probably low enough to make the list, because Nissan reports only one number for all Murano sales, it was excluded. Cadillac, however, reports sales of the Escalade EXT separately from the Escalade, hence its repeat appearance.
Finally, there was the question of whether or not eligibility should be given to Suzuki vehicles, as the brand announced in November that it would end sales in the US as soon as its current inventory ran out. We decided Suzuki vehicles should be included as the brand was offering 2013 models at the time of the announcement, and as far as we can tell, inventory levels remained high enough to satisfy demand through the end of the year.
Without further ado, below are the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.
Top 10 Worst-Selling Vehicles of 2012
10. Volvo C30
MSRP: $25,500
Units Sold: 2,827
Last Year: –
9. BMW Z4
MSRP: $47,350
Units Sold: 2,751
Last Year: –
8. Audi TT
MSRP: $39,545
Units Sold: 2,226
Last Year: –
MSRP: $32,595
Units Sold: 2,075
Last Year: 10
MSRP: $19,449
Units Sold: 1,966
Last Year: 7
MSRP: $63,060
Units Sold: 1,934
Last Year: 6
4. Nissan GT-R
MSRP: $96,820
Units Sold: 1,188
Last Year: –
3. Acura ZDX
MSRP: $50,920
Units Sold: 775
Last Year: 4
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
MSRP: $18,495
Units Sold: 702
Last Year: 3
MSRP: $29,125
Units Sold: 588
Last Year: –
Want a little more “worst-selling” data? Check out our list of the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011.