Mixed Bag for New Car Dealers in May

Strategic Insights -

Automakers had a mixed performance in May, with some brands experiencing growth while others saw decline. General Motors Co. reported a 1 percent decrease in sales to 221,192 vehicles, while Ford Motor Co. saw its sales remain flat compared to May 2010 at 192,102 vehicles. Toyota Motor Sales USA reported a 27.9 percent drop in sales to 108,387 vehicles, and Nissan also saw lower sales. However, other automakers fared better, including Volkswagen America, which rose 28 percent, and Hyundai Motor Co., which saw a 21 percent increase to over 59,000 vehicles. Kia Motors America reported a 53 percent increase to over 48,000 vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • General Motors Co. reported a 1 percent decline in sales to 221,192 vehicles in May.
  • Ford Motor Co. saw its sales remain flat compared to May 2010 at 192,102 vehicles.
  • Toyota Motor Sales USA reported a 27.9 percent drop in sales to 108,387 vehicles.
  • Nissan saw lower sales in May.
  • Volkswagen America reported a 28 percent increase in sales.
  • Hyundai Motor Co. saw a 21 percent rise in sales to over 59,000 vehicles.
  • Kia Motors America reported a 53 percent increase in sales to over 48,000 vehicles.
  • The auto industry may be in for a flat summer but could see a return to stronger sales in the latter half of the year, according to Jeff Schuster of J.D. Power and Associates.

Statistics:

  • 221,192: General Motors Co.'s May sales.
  • 192,102: Ford Motor Co.'s May sales.
  • 108,387: Toyota Motor Sales USA's May sales.
  • 27.9%: Drop in sales for Toyota Motor Sales USA reported in May.
  • 115,393: Chrysler Group LLC's May sales, up 10 percent.
  • 28%: Increase in sales for Volkswagen America reported in May.
  • 21%: Increase in sales for Hyundai Motor Co. reported in May.
  • 59,000: Hyundai Motor Co.'s May sales.
  • 53%: Increase in sales for Kia Motors America reported in May.
  • 48,000: Kia Motors America's May sales.
  • 43,000: The number of people employed by new car dealerships statewide in Ohio.

Sources:

  • "GM, Ford, Chrysler post mixed results in May" by Thomas Gnau, Dayton Daily News.
  • "McClatchy-Tribune Information Services" (MCT) copyright notice.