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Transportation equipment industry

US Auto Sales Surge in January Despite East Coast Snowstorms

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US auto sales continued their upward trajectory in January, defying expectations and harsh weather conditions on the East Coast. The Big Three automakers, General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler, reported robust sales gains, thanks in part to a fresh wave of incentives and strong consumer confidence. Toyota and Honda also set January records, while Volkswagen and Audi achieved significant sales increases.

Key Takeaways:

  • General Motors Corp. posted an 11.8% increase in January sales, excluding its Slab unit, to 344,017 vehicles.
  • Ford Motor Co.'s sales rose 4.5% in January, driven by strong performances from its domestic and import car lines, with a total of 281,169 vehicles sold.
  • DaimlerChrysler AG's US brands slumped 5.9% to 184,317, with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Plymouth trucks down 6% and cars falling 5.6%.
  • Toyota set a January record with a 35.7% sales surge to 128,123 cars and light trucks.
  • Honda's January sales climbed 3.3% to 74,606, enough to hit a January record.
  • Nissan's sales were up 26.7% at 51,967, while Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said its January sales rose 9.1% to 18,787.

Statistics:

  • 11.8%: General Motors Corp.'s January sales increase, excluding its Slab unit.
  • 4.5%: Ford Motor Co.'s January sales increase.
  • 5.9%: DaimlerChrysler AG's US brands January sales decline.
  • 35.7%: Toyota's January sales surge.
  • 128,123: Toyota's January record sales of cars and light trucks.
  • 381,937: Total US auto sales in January.
  • 3,069: Jaguar sales in January, more than double from the previous year.
  • 9,256: Volvo sales in January, up 21% from the previous year.
  • 164,910: Ford's light truck sales, excluding heavy trucks.

Sources:

  • "U.S. Automakers Post Strong January Sales" (Investor's Daily)
  • General Motors Corp. January Sales Report
  • Ford Motor Co. January Sales Report
  • DaimlerChrysler AG January Sales Report
  • Toyota Motor Sales January Sales Report
  • Honda Motor Co. January Sales Report
  • Nissan Motor Co. January Sales Report
  • Mitsubishi Motors Corp. January Sales Report

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