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Auto manufacturers report first quarter earnings (Last update: 3:47 P.M EST)
Posted by: TimothyT on: 04/02/2010 08:07 PM in Automotive [ Print ]
Ford, Honda, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Mercedes, Kia, Subaru and more are reporting their latest sales figures. Due to the large number of companies reporting, here is a summary of their press releases as they come in. So far everyone seems to be talking bigger numbers.
Acura
Acura’s line of luxury SUVs posted an impressive monthly sales increase of 43.7 percent based on daily selling rate*, with Acura car sales reporting an increase of 14.5 percent. With sales of 3,281 units, the MDX luxury SUV posted a 42.0 percent increase compared to March 2009 sales. Total monthly sales for Acura were 11,722 (up 25.2 percent) while Acura year-to-date** sales totaled 27,793 units, a 14.9 percent increase compared to 2009.
Audi
Audi today reported its March U.S. sales set a record for the month, rising 33.5% from a year earlier. The results also helped Audi achieve the best first-quarter sales since it began marketing cars in the U.S., and sent 2010 year-to-date sales up 34.8%.
In the most recent month, Audi U.S. sales reached 8,589 luxury cars and SUVs, compared to 6,433 in March 2009. That topped the previous March sales record set in 2007. First quarter sales in 2010 topped the previous record set in the first quarter of 2007. Strong demand across the Audi model lineup led to the record U.S. March results.
"It's one thing to improve on sales from a year earlier when the U.S. economy was in a malaise," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "But it says something more profound about the Audi momentum story when the brand notches a record sales month in 2010 and a record sales quarter."
BMW-Mini
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 21,670 vehicles, an increase of 2.6 percent from the 21,125 vehicles sold in the same month of 2009. For the first quarter, the BMW Group also reported a total sales volume of 55,051 vehicles, up 7.4 percent compared to 51,244 vehicles sold in the first three months of last year.
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.1 percent in March for a total of 18,060 vehicles mainly driven by BMW’s 3 Series (9,413 units; +11.2%) and the Sports-Activity-Vehicles range consisting of the X3 (716 units; +58.1%), X5 (2,536 units: 26.7%) and X6 (363 units; +21.4%). January through March, BMW brand sales were up 8.4 percent to 46,323 vehicles compared to 42,731 vehicles sold in the same period of 2009.
MINI USA’s sales volume remained stable at 3,610 cars, versus the 3,605 units reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 8,728 automobiles, an increase of 2.5 percent.
Buick-GMC
Buick and GMC dealers in the U.S. reported sales for those brands in March that were 54 percent higher than March 2009. This led to an overall gain of 43 percent for the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands in the U.S. Total combined sales for GM’s four brands were 185,406 during the month. This represents a 34-percent increase from February 2010.
Buick sales rose 76 percent and were led by the Buick LaCrosse, with an increase of 236 percent for the month. Year-to-date, sales of the LaCrosse have increased 197 percent (read more).
GMC sales increased by 45 percent for the month, led by sales of the GMC Terrain, which were up 331 percent for the month versus the vehicle it replaced. For the year, sales of the Terrain are up 245 percent (read more).
Chevrolet dealers reported sales of 133,165 – 41 percent higher than March 2009. The Chevrolet Equinox continued to sell at a brisk pace, with sales up 194 percent, compared to last year. Year-to-date, sales of the Equinox have more than doubled (read more).
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC today announced promising March sales results, posting a 10 percent increase compared with February. All-new and improved vehicles lead the way with both month-over-month and year-over-year sales increases.
The company reported total U.S. sales for March of 92,623 units, a decrease of 8 percent compared with March 2009 (101,001 units) and an increase of 10 percent compared with last month (84,449 units). Chrysler Group finished the month with a 58-day supply (207,510 units) of inventory, a 41 percent decline compared with March 2009. Overall industry figures for March are projected to come in at an estimated 12.0 million SAAR.
Ford
Ford (NYSE: F) punctuated a strong first quarter with a 43 percent sales increase in March. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 178,546 new vehicles in March. First quarter sales totaled 428,596, up 37 percent. The 43 percent gain matches a similar increase in February. These are the highest monthly sales increases since February 1984.
In March, Ford gained retail market share for the 17th time in the last 18 months.
Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted March sales of 108,262 vehicles, an increase of 17.8 percent based on the daily selling rate*, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales of 256,412 represent an increase of 12.5 percent based on the daily selling rate.
Honda Division posted March sales of 96,540, an increase of 16.9 percent versus March 2009, and was led by total car sales of 55,341, up 7.8 percent. Accord sales increased 23.2 percent to 29,120, and Civic sales increased 4.6 percent to 22,463.
Hyundai
Hyundai Motor America today announced an all-time sales record for both the first quarter of the year and for the month of March as the company's all-new Sonata and Tucson clearly connected with new-car buyers across the country.
In March, the company sold 47,002 vehicles, up 15.4 percent versus one year ago, marking the fifteenth consecutive month of year-over-year retail market share gains for Hyundai. And for the quarter, Hyundai Motor America sold 111,509 vehicles, outpacing the previous record first quarter of 2006. Retail-only sales data indicates that March marks Sonata's emergence as America's third best-selling mid-size sedan, trailing only Camry and Accord, and outselling vehicles like the Altima, Fusion, and Malibu in showrooms across the country. "It's gratifying to announce these strong results in New York as we introduce three new models, including our new flagship luxury sedan, Equus, to the freshest lineup in the industry," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice present of national sales. "We're confident improving availability of our new products will allow us to sustain this strong sales momentum."
On a year-over-year basis, Sonata was up 52.6 percent, Tucson was up 129.1 percent, Santa Fe was up 62.8 percent, and Genesis was up 31.9 percent, marking the 9th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gain for Genesis.
KIA
Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the brand's all-time best March sales of 30,522 units sold, a 23.5-percent increase over the same period last year and 10.7-percent increase over the previous March sales record set in 2007. Year-to-date sales are up 11.3-percent for a record best first quarter ever, and for the third consecutive month the all-new Sorento CUV was Kia's best-selling vehicle. Sorento, which arrived in dealerships in early January and is the brand's first vehicle to be assembled(1) in the U.S., posted sales of 9,156 units, an 11.5-percent increase over February. Kia's record March performance also marked a significant milestone as the brand sold its three millionth vehicle in the U.S.
Mazda
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported March 2010 sales of 23,193, an increase of 5.5 percent versus March 2009, good for its fifth straight month of sales increases.
As Mazda continues to focus on the long-term strength of the brand, its MAZDA3, winner of ALG's Residual Value Award for highest retained value after three years in service, reported increased sales of 16.0 percent with 11,353 units sold.
In addition, Mazda's crossover SUVs – CX-9 and CX-7 – also posted strong March sales. CX-9 reported its best March ever with sales of 2,968 units, up 65.3 percent, while CX-7 sales jumped 64.1 percent with 2,607 units sold.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported March sales of 20,023 vehicles, up 28.3%, propelling the company to a 25.7% increase for the first quarter.
Healthy demand in both the Mercedes passenger car and light-truck categories fueled the increase in sales volume for the month. In the sedan category, the popular C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger as well as first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – maintained its lead as the volume leader with sales of 6,006. The new 9th generation E-Class continued to exhibit strong momentum with sales of 5,042 (up 154.9%) and the sporty GLK followed suit with sales of 2,333.
On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 50,566 new vehicles, an increase of 25.7% over last year.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced its highest monthly sales total since August. March 2010 sales of 5,434, were a 17.6 percent increase over March 2009, and Mitsubishi's second highest monthly total since October 2008.
March highlights included:
March sales increased 35 percent compared to the prior month (February 2010).
Lancer sales increased 47 percent from the prior month. It was the highest month for Lancer sales since August 2009.
March was the second best month for Lancer Sportback sales since its introduction in August 2009.
Galant sales were nearly three times the sales of the prior year (March 2009) and up 78 percent from February.
Outlander sales were up 31 percent compared to the prior year. March was the second best month of Outlander sales in nearly two years.
Endeavor sales were up 98 percent compared to March 2009.
Year to date sales of vehicles manufactured at MMNA's U.S. factory in Normal, Illinois, are up 12 percent. (Galant, Endeavor, Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder)
Nissan
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported March 2010 sales of 95,468 units versus 66,634 units a year earlier, an increase of 43.3 percent, compared with March 2009.
Nissan Division sales totaled 85,526 units, an increase of 44 percent over March 2009. Nissan set a March record for car sales, including Versa, up 105.1 percent; Maxima, up 93.0 percent; and Altima, up 26.3 percent. Trucks also demonstrated strength, with most models showing double-digit percent increases over March 2009.
"The Nissan division saw sales in March at the highest rate since last August," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "We're particularly encouraged by the performance of core models like Altima, Versa, Sentra and Rogue, which drive our business."
Subaru
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced its best first quarter sales ever with 57,494 units sold, continuing its strong start to 2010. March 2010 also marks another monthly record with 23,785 units sold, breaking the previous March record in 2006 of 19,049 units sold. The automaker has broken sales records for eight of the last ten months.
Toyota
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March sales results of 186,863 units, an increase of 35.3 percent over the same period last year, on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 26 selling days in March 2010, compared to 25 selling days in March 2009, TMS sales were up 40.7 percent for the month, compared to the same period last year.
Toyota Division recorded March sales of 166,644 vehicles, an increase of 35.1 percent over the year-ago month, on a DSR basis. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were up 40.6 percent over last March. Lexus reported sales of 20,219 units in March, up 36.5 percent over March 2009, on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 42.0 percent over the year-ago month.
Statement from Paul Taylor, chief economist with the National Automobile Dealers:
"The March data shows a welcome increase in new-car sales, reflecting in part some 'catch-up' sales from snowstorms that froze out activity from Washington, D.C., to Bangor, Maine, in February. Strong sales from major automakers in March led to overall gains of more than 20 percent.
"March sales will also reflect consumers with 'cabin fever' getting out to new-car dealerships. And April new-car sales will provide an indication of what the economy will support without intervening factors, such as 'catch-up' sales. March, and to a lesser extent sales in April, will reflect the current incentive surge launched by Toyota and Honda."
We will update this list as more arrive....
Acura
Acura’s line of luxury SUVs posted an impressive monthly sales increase of 43.7 percent based on daily selling rate*, with Acura car sales reporting an increase of 14.5 percent. With sales of 3,281 units, the MDX luxury SUV posted a 42.0 percent increase compared to March 2009 sales. Total monthly sales for Acura were 11,722 (up 25.2 percent) while Acura year-to-date** sales totaled 27,793 units, a 14.9 percent increase compared to 2009.
Audi
Audi today reported its March U.S. sales set a record for the month, rising 33.5% from a year earlier. The results also helped Audi achieve the best first-quarter sales since it began marketing cars in the U.S., and sent 2010 year-to-date sales up 34.8%.
In the most recent month, Audi U.S. sales reached 8,589 luxury cars and SUVs, compared to 6,433 in March 2009. That topped the previous March sales record set in 2007. First quarter sales in 2010 topped the previous record set in the first quarter of 2007. Strong demand across the Audi model lineup led to the record U.S. March results.
"It's one thing to improve on sales from a year earlier when the U.S. economy was in a malaise," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "But it says something more profound about the Audi momentum story when the brand notches a record sales month in 2010 and a record sales quarter."
BMW-Mini
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 21,670 vehicles, an increase of 2.6 percent from the 21,125 vehicles sold in the same month of 2009. For the first quarter, the BMW Group also reported a total sales volume of 55,051 vehicles, up 7.4 percent compared to 51,244 vehicles sold in the first three months of last year.
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.1 percent in March for a total of 18,060 vehicles mainly driven by BMW’s 3 Series (9,413 units; +11.2%) and the Sports-Activity-Vehicles range consisting of the X3 (716 units; +58.1%), X5 (2,536 units: 26.7%) and X6 (363 units; +21.4%). January through March, BMW brand sales were up 8.4 percent to 46,323 vehicles compared to 42,731 vehicles sold in the same period of 2009.
MINI USA’s sales volume remained stable at 3,610 cars, versus the 3,605 units reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 8,728 automobiles, an increase of 2.5 percent.
Buick-GMC
Buick and GMC dealers in the U.S. reported sales for those brands in March that were 54 percent higher than March 2009. This led to an overall gain of 43 percent for the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands in the U.S. Total combined sales for GM’s four brands were 185,406 during the month. This represents a 34-percent increase from February 2010.
Buick sales rose 76 percent and were led by the Buick LaCrosse, with an increase of 236 percent for the month. Year-to-date, sales of the LaCrosse have increased 197 percent (read more).
GMC sales increased by 45 percent for the month, led by sales of the GMC Terrain, which were up 331 percent for the month versus the vehicle it replaced. For the year, sales of the Terrain are up 245 percent (read more).
Chevrolet dealers reported sales of 133,165 – 41 percent higher than March 2009. The Chevrolet Equinox continued to sell at a brisk pace, with sales up 194 percent, compared to last year. Year-to-date, sales of the Equinox have more than doubled (read more).
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC today announced promising March sales results, posting a 10 percent increase compared with February. All-new and improved vehicles lead the way with both month-over-month and year-over-year sales increases.
The company reported total U.S. sales for March of 92,623 units, a decrease of 8 percent compared with March 2009 (101,001 units) and an increase of 10 percent compared with last month (84,449 units). Chrysler Group finished the month with a 58-day supply (207,510 units) of inventory, a 41 percent decline compared with March 2009. Overall industry figures for March are projected to come in at an estimated 12.0 million SAAR.
Ford
Ford (NYSE: F) punctuated a strong first quarter with a 43 percent sales increase in March. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 178,546 new vehicles in March. First quarter sales totaled 428,596, up 37 percent. The 43 percent gain matches a similar increase in February. These are the highest monthly sales increases since February 1984.
In March, Ford gained retail market share for the 17th time in the last 18 months.
Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted March sales of 108,262 vehicles, an increase of 17.8 percent based on the daily selling rate*, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales of 256,412 represent an increase of 12.5 percent based on the daily selling rate.
Honda Division posted March sales of 96,540, an increase of 16.9 percent versus March 2009, and was led by total car sales of 55,341, up 7.8 percent. Accord sales increased 23.2 percent to 29,120, and Civic sales increased 4.6 percent to 22,463.
Hyundai
Hyundai Motor America today announced an all-time sales record for both the first quarter of the year and for the month of March as the company's all-new Sonata and Tucson clearly connected with new-car buyers across the country.
In March, the company sold 47,002 vehicles, up 15.4 percent versus one year ago, marking the fifteenth consecutive month of year-over-year retail market share gains for Hyundai. And for the quarter, Hyundai Motor America sold 111,509 vehicles, outpacing the previous record first quarter of 2006. Retail-only sales data indicates that March marks Sonata's emergence as America's third best-selling mid-size sedan, trailing only Camry and Accord, and outselling vehicles like the Altima, Fusion, and Malibu in showrooms across the country. "It's gratifying to announce these strong results in New York as we introduce three new models, including our new flagship luxury sedan, Equus, to the freshest lineup in the industry," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice present of national sales. "We're confident improving availability of our new products will allow us to sustain this strong sales momentum."
On a year-over-year basis, Sonata was up 52.6 percent, Tucson was up 129.1 percent, Santa Fe was up 62.8 percent, and Genesis was up 31.9 percent, marking the 9th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gain for Genesis.
KIA
Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the brand's all-time best March sales of 30,522 units sold, a 23.5-percent increase over the same period last year and 10.7-percent increase over the previous March sales record set in 2007. Year-to-date sales are up 11.3-percent for a record best first quarter ever, and for the third consecutive month the all-new Sorento CUV was Kia's best-selling vehicle. Sorento, which arrived in dealerships in early January and is the brand's first vehicle to be assembled(1) in the U.S., posted sales of 9,156 units, an 11.5-percent increase over February. Kia's record March performance also marked a significant milestone as the brand sold its three millionth vehicle in the U.S.
Mazda
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported March 2010 sales of 23,193, an increase of 5.5 percent versus March 2009, good for its fifth straight month of sales increases.
As Mazda continues to focus on the long-term strength of the brand, its MAZDA3, winner of ALG's Residual Value Award for highest retained value after three years in service, reported increased sales of 16.0 percent with 11,353 units sold.
In addition, Mazda's crossover SUVs – CX-9 and CX-7 – also posted strong March sales. CX-9 reported its best March ever with sales of 2,968 units, up 65.3 percent, while CX-7 sales jumped 64.1 percent with 2,607 units sold.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported March sales of 20,023 vehicles, up 28.3%, propelling the company to a 25.7% increase for the first quarter.
Healthy demand in both the Mercedes passenger car and light-truck categories fueled the increase in sales volume for the month. In the sedan category, the popular C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger as well as first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – maintained its lead as the volume leader with sales of 6,006. The new 9th generation E-Class continued to exhibit strong momentum with sales of 5,042 (up 154.9%) and the sporty GLK followed suit with sales of 2,333.
On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 50,566 new vehicles, an increase of 25.7% over last year.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced its highest monthly sales total since August. March 2010 sales of 5,434, were a 17.6 percent increase over March 2009, and Mitsubishi's second highest monthly total since October 2008.
March highlights included:
March sales increased 35 percent compared to the prior month (February 2010).
Lancer sales increased 47 percent from the prior month. It was the highest month for Lancer sales since August 2009.
March was the second best month for Lancer Sportback sales since its introduction in August 2009.
Galant sales were nearly three times the sales of the prior year (March 2009) and up 78 percent from February.
Outlander sales were up 31 percent compared to the prior year. March was the second best month of Outlander sales in nearly two years.
Endeavor sales were up 98 percent compared to March 2009.
Year to date sales of vehicles manufactured at MMNA's U.S. factory in Normal, Illinois, are up 12 percent. (Galant, Endeavor, Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder)
Nissan
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported March 2010 sales of 95,468 units versus 66,634 units a year earlier, an increase of 43.3 percent, compared with March 2009.
Nissan Division sales totaled 85,526 units, an increase of 44 percent over March 2009. Nissan set a March record for car sales, including Versa, up 105.1 percent; Maxima, up 93.0 percent; and Altima, up 26.3 percent. Trucks also demonstrated strength, with most models showing double-digit percent increases over March 2009.
"The Nissan division saw sales in March at the highest rate since last August," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "We're particularly encouraged by the performance of core models like Altima, Versa, Sentra and Rogue, which drive our business."
Subaru
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced its best first quarter sales ever with 57,494 units sold, continuing its strong start to 2010. March 2010 also marks another monthly record with 23,785 units sold, breaking the previous March record in 2006 of 19,049 units sold. The automaker has broken sales records for eight of the last ten months.
Toyota
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March sales results of 186,863 units, an increase of 35.3 percent over the same period last year, on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 26 selling days in March 2010, compared to 25 selling days in March 2009, TMS sales were up 40.7 percent for the month, compared to the same period last year.
Toyota Division recorded March sales of 166,644 vehicles, an increase of 35.1 percent over the year-ago month, on a DSR basis. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were up 40.6 percent over last March. Lexus reported sales of 20,219 units in March, up 36.5 percent over March 2009, on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 42.0 percent over the year-ago month.
Statement from Paul Taylor, chief economist with the National Automobile Dealers:
"The March data shows a welcome increase in new-car sales, reflecting in part some 'catch-up' sales from snowstorms that froze out activity from Washington, D.C., to Bangor, Maine, in February. Strong sales from major automakers in March led to overall gains of more than 20 percent.
"March sales will also reflect consumers with 'cabin fever' getting out to new-car dealerships. And April new-car sales will provide an indication of what the economy will support without intervening factors, such as 'catch-up' sales. March, and to a lesser extent sales in April, will reflect the current incentive surge launched by Toyota and Honda."
We will update this list as more arrive....