US Auto Sales Surge to 13.6 Million in November, Highest Since 2009

Strategic Insights -

The US automobile industry experienced a significant surge in sales in November, with 1 million vehicles sold, representing a 13.9% increase from the same period last year. This marked the highest sales rate since August 2009, when the 'cash for clunkers' program was in effect. The sales growth was driven by a renewed love affair with big pickup trucks, as American consumers purchased 24% more Ford F-series and 34% more General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado compared to November 2010. Japanese and South Korean auto brands also reported a combined sales increase of 8.7%, with Toyota and Hyundai delivering more vehicles than expected.

Key Takeaways:

  • Auto sales in the US reached an annual rate of 13.6 million vehicles in November, the strongest since August 2009.
  • Sales of the two most popular pickups, Ford's F-series and General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado, surged by 24% and 34% respectively compared to November 2010.
  • Japanese and South Korean auto brands reported a combined sales increase of 8.7%, trailing the industry's gain of 13.9%.
  • Hyundai and Kia sold a combined 29% more vehicles than in November 2010, the highest increase among the surveyed brands.
  • General Motors' sales were 6.9% higher than November 2010, Ford Motor gained 13%, and Volkswagen posted a 41% jump in US sales.
  • Toyota sales in November grew 6.7% from a year earlier, the first increase in seven months, and Nissan posted a 19% gain.
  • Deliveries at Honda Motor Co fell 6.7% due to flooding in Thailand that disrupted production.

Statistics:

  • 13.6 million: the annual sales rate of vehicles sold in November, the strongest since August 2009.
  • 1 million: the number of vehicles sold in November, a 13.9% increase from the same period last year.
  • 24%: the increase in sales of Ford's F-series pickup trucks in November 2011 compared to November 2010.
  • 34%: the increase in sales of General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks in November 2011 compared to November 2010.
  • 8.7%: the combined sales increase of Japanese and South Korean auto brands in November 2011.
  • 6.9%: the increase in General Motors' sales in November 2011 compared to November 2010.
  • 41%: the increase in Volkswagen's US sales in November 2011, driven by the Passat sedan.
  • 6.7%: the increase in Toyota sales in November 2011 from a year earlier.
  • 19%: the gain in Nissan's sales in November 2011.
  • 29%: the combined increase in sales of Hyundai and Kia in November 2011.
  • 6.7%: the decline in deliveries at Honda Motor Co in November 2011 due to flooding in Thailand.

Sources:

  • Autodata Corp.
  • Contify.com.