Sign in Subscribe
Automobile industry

US Automakers Report Robust Sales Growth in September

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A strong recovery in the US auto market has continued into the new season, with two out of three major automakers reporting sales increases of at least 20 percent in September compared to the same period last year. While Ford Motor Co.'s sales growth was less pronounced at 8.9 percent, General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC, and Nissan Motor Co. all saw significant gains in light truck sales, which significantly outpaced gains in car sales. The uptick in sales comes as the average age of vehicles on the road reaches 10.7 years, with consumers increasingly prioritizing new vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • General Motors Co. saw a 34 percent year-over-year increase in light truck sales, while Chrysler Group LLC reported a 33 percent rise in light truck sales.
  • Ford Motor Co. reported a 22.3 percent increase in light truck sales, but a 2.3 percent decline in car sales.
  • Chrysler Group LLC and General Motors Co. both saw a 12 percent increase in car sales, while Ford's car sales remained stagnant.
  • The average age of vehicles on the road is now 10.7 years, with consumers increasingly prioritizing new vehicles.
  • Dealers are eager to clear their showrooms of old models near the end of the year, leading to a 3.9 percent increase in discounts to an average of $2,716 in September.
  • Sales chief at General Motors, Don Johnson, attributed the strong sales to consumers' focus on the age of their vehicles.
  • Sam Slaughter, president of Sellers Buick GMC, predicted a strong rest of the year, following a "great" September sales performance.

Statistics:

  • Sales growth at General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC: at least 20 percent in September compared to 2010.
  • Light truck sales increase at General Motors Co: 34 percent year-over-year.
  • Light truck sales increase at Chrysler Group LLC: 33 percent year-over-year.
  • Light truck sales increase at Ford Motor Co.: 22.3 percent year-over-year.
  • Car sales decline at Ford Motor Co.: 2.3 percent year-over-year.
  • Average discounts in September: $2,716.
  • Average age of vehicles on the road: 10.7 years.

Sources:

  • UPI, "2 US automakers report sales increased", Oct. 3
  • The Wall Street Journal, "US Automakers' Sales Rise in September", Oct. 3
  • Truecar.com, reported by The Wall Street Journal
  • The Wall Street Journal, Sept. 26 article on Don Johnson

Read more