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Transportation equipment industry

SUV Sales Take a Dive in September Amid Rising Gas Prices

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Automakers in the United States struggled with weak sales in September, particularly with sport utility vehicles (SUVs), as gas prices skyrocketed following Hurricane Katrina. While Asian brands such as Toyota and Nissan saw sales increases, American carmakers like General Motors and Ford felt the pinch. The downturn in SUV sales was attributed to a combination of factors, including an aging lineup and the growing popularity of car-based crossover options.

Key Takeaways:

  • SUV sales declined significantly in September, with the Buick Rainier, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada experiencing sales drops of 18% or more.
  • General Motors reported a 24% overall sales decline, with SUV and truck sales down by 30%.
  • Ford Motor Co. saw sales decrease by nearly 20% in September, with truck and SUV sales falling by nearly 28%.
  • Toyota Motor Corp. experienced a 10% sales increase in September, driven by a 22% rise in car sales.
  • Nissan Motor Co.'s sales were up 16.4% in September, led by a 26.5% increase in car sales.

Statistics:

  • Sales of SUVs fell in September: Buick Rainier (-21%), Ford Explorer (-26%), Ford Expedition (-29%), Toyota Sequoia (-22%), and Nissan Armada (-18%).
  • General Motors' overall sales declined 24% in September, with SUV and truck sales falling 30%.
  • Ford Motor Co. saw sales decrease by nearly 20% in September, with truck and SUV sales falling by nearly 28%.
  • Toyota Motor Corp.'s sales were up 10% in September, thanks to a 22% increase in car sales.
  • Nissan Motor Co. saw a 16.4% sales increase in September, driven by a 26.5% rise in car sales.
  • There were 25 selling days in September 2005, the same number as September 2004.

Sources:

  • Ballew, Paul. "Three strongest months in the history of the industry." General Motors Corp. press release, no date.
  • Pipas, George. "U.S. sales analysis manager." Ford Motor Co. press release, no date.
  • "General Motors Corp. sales decline by 24%." The Associated Press, Sept 26, 2005.
  • "Ford Motor Co. sales decline by 20%." The Associated Press, Sept 26, 2005.
  • "Toyota Motor Corp. sales increase by 10%." The Associated Press, Sept 26, 2005.
  • "Nissan Motor Co. sales increase by 16.4%." The Associated Press, Sept 26, 2005.

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