Toyota's sales increased 9% last month compared to March 2006. This was largely driven by sales of the new Camry, the RAV4 and the Prius.
The Prius was up 142% to 19,156, its best ever month. This could have been driven by the increased incentives on the hybrid.
Honda's sales for the month of March were up 11% to 143,392, the third-best month in the history of the company. The Accord, Civic and CR-V all had sales increases, although the Ridgeline and Element had declines of 25% and 18%, respectively.
Although the top two Japanese automakers in the U.S. experienced sales increases last month, the domestic automakers did not fare as well.
Ford sales fell 9% and all of the company's six brands, excluding Lincoln, experienced sales declines (that does not include Mazda either). Weak truck sales is one of the reasons for the decline in overall sales, although the company did experience a large increase in mid-sized sedan sales.
GM sales were down 4.2% to 349,867 vehicles compared to 365,375 a year ago. Both Ford and GM blamed the reduction in rental car sales as a major reason for their sales declines. GM's fleet sales fell 11.8% last month.
Chrysler Group sales were down 5% to 206,435 vehicles. Although the group had an overall sales decline, the New Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Avenger performed well in March.
Japanese Automakers were not the only automakers to experience sales increases in the U.S. last month. Hyundai and Kia also posted sales records.
Full Story: Freep.com
Comments (4)
Over priced workers, excessive DOT regulations and corporate greed all add up to cars that too expensive and poorly made for the American Market.
Posted by TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy | July 19, 2007 4:23 PM
Posted on July 19, 2007 16:23
Without DOT regulations all of GM cars would be built like Yugos or Pintos.
All these cars are catered to the buyers of quantity, not quality. That's why so many numbskulls by SUVs.
Posted by NotForMe | September 7, 2007 3:37 PM
Posted on September 7, 2007 15:37
To; NotForMe,
TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy is right. The government and unions have squeezed the life out of the American Car Industry. And as for as the fact that they're not built like Yugos, it's due to good old fashion competition. They truly did suck up until the 70s until the Asian invasion, which forced the Americans to step up their game!
Posted by Cool Breeze | October 6, 2007 2:22 PM
Posted on October 6, 2007 14:22
Here is an easy test, go sit in an American made car. Now go sit in a Toyota or Honda.
I need not say anything else!
Posted by Dean | July 1, 2008 5:49 PM
Posted on July 1, 2008 17:49