German Automakers Boost US Sales in December

Strategic Insights -

In a marked shift from previous years, German automakers significantly increased their sales in the United States in December, driven by rising demand. Volkswagen AG led the charge, with deliveries up 17.1% to 23,867 units, powered by a 20% growth in overall US sales to 256,830 units in 2010, a seven-year high. Audi, Volkswagen's luxury unit, also reported a substantial rise, with a 16.8% increase in December sales to 10,546 units.

Key Takeaways:

  • Volkswagen AG reported a 17.1% rise in US deliveries to 23,867 units in December, the largest increase among German automakers.
  • Audi, Volkswagen's luxury unit, increased December US sales by 16.8% year-on-year to 10,546 units, with a 20.5% growth in overall US sales to 101,629 cars in 2010.
  • Daimler AG recorded a 5.5% increase in US deliveries of its Mercedes-Benz and Smart brands to 22,039 in December, with an 18% growth in overall US sales to 225,007 units in 2010.
  • BMW sold 27,600 cars of its BMW and Mini brands in December in the United States, up 16.9% on the year, driven by a 15.7% rise in December sales and 12% growth in overall US sales to 265,757 units in 2010.
  • Porsche reported 2,567 deliveries in the United States in December, a 21% increase on the year, with sales in 2010 growing 29% to 25,320 units, boosted by the new Panamera series.

Statistics:

  • Volkswagen AG's US deliveries rose 20% in 2010 to 256,830 units, a seven-year high.
  • Audi sales grew by 21% in 2010 to 101,629 units.
  • Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz brand sales increased 18% in 2010 to 225,007 units.
  • Porsche's US deliveries in 2010 grew 29% to 25,320 units, with the new Panamera series accounting for 7,741 sold vehicles.
  • The new generation of Cayenne SUV launched in June, 2010, generated 8,343 sales in the US in 2010.

Sources:

  • (ADPnews) - Jan 5, 2011 -
  • ETR:VOW (Volkswagen AG) -
  • ETR:NSU (Audi) -
  • ETR:DAI (Daimler AG) -
  • ETR:BMW (BMW AG) -
  • ETR:PAH3 (Porsche) -