The full numbers for monthly U.S. auto sales are out, and the big picture looks pretty good.
Total vehicle sales for the year through the month of September rose to 14.87 million units versus analysts' consensus forecast of 14.5 million units.
The scoreboard:
Chrysler: +12 percent (+6.3 percent expected)
Ford Motor: -0.2 percent (+2.3 percent expected)
General Motors: +1.5 percent (+2.8 percent expected)
Toyota: +41.5 percent (+36 percent expected)
Honda: +31 percent (+26 percent expected)
Nissan: -1.1 percent (-2.1 percent expected)
Hyundai: +15 percent
Not bad. See below for more color on the Big Three Detroit automakers.
---------------
EARLIER: GM is out with September auto sales, and they rose 1.5 percent in September, missing analysts' estimates of a 2.8 percent gain.
However, sales in the United States were up 29 percent from August.
More from the press release:
September’s car sales increase reflects a strong start for the new Chevrolet Spark and Cadillac
XTS, continued strong sales of the Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic, and a
second consecutive all-time sales record for the Chevrolet Volt. September also marked the first
deliveries of the all-new Cadillac ATS.
The GMC Terrain and Acadia crossovers had strong months as well, with sales up 8 percent and
16 percent, respectively. This helped drive a 3 percent increase for all GM crossovers versus a year ago.
However, truck sales got slammed:
Truck sales were down 20 percent due to a 46 percent year over year reduction in fleet sales due to the timing of customer deliveries. In the large pickup segment, GM’s total sales were down 12 percent and fleet sales were down 56 percent. However, GM reduced its large pickup inventories by approximately 8,600 units compared with August, and earned average transaction prices more than $2,300 per unit above a year ago with the lowest incentive spending in the industry, according to J.D. Power PIN data.
The full GM release is here >
---------------
EARLIER: Ford sales of light vehicles fell 0.2 percent in September versus consensus estimates of a 2.3 percent rise.
Here is the full press release:
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Ford small car sales totaled 24,628 vehicles in September – the company's best U.S. small car sales since 2002 and a 73 percent increase year-over-year
Escape compact utility sales increased 14 percent for the month; 23,148 Escape sales mark best-ever September sales
F-Series produces its 14th consecutive year-over-year sales increase in September, reaching its best September since 2007; total sales were 55,077 pickups – a 1 percent increase
Ford Motor Company U.S. sales total 174,976 vehicles in September, unchanged from a year ago; retail sales up 4 percent compared to last year
Ford delivered U.S. sales gains across its vehicle portfolio in September, with cars up 2 percent, utilities up 9 percent, and F-Series trucks up 1 percent.
"As more buyers look for new vehicles across the country, Ford is ready with our strongest lineup ever of fuel-efficient cars, utilities and full-size pickups," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "Fuel economy remains one of the most important features customers want most today, and Ford is answering the call with five vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or better – with another three on the way by year-end."
Ford sales of Focus, C-MAX and Fiesta totaled 24,628 vehicles in September, representing Ford's best September for small car sales in 10 years. Focus sales were up 91 percent, while the all-new C-MAX began sales last month.
Escape had its best-ever September sales, with 23,148 vehicles sold, representing a 14 percent increase versus last year's record sales. Escape is on pace to surpass last year's record sales of 254,293 vehicles for the full year.
Ford F-Series, America's best-selling vehicle, sold a total of 55,077 pickups during September truck month – a 1 percent increase compared to last year – providing its 14th straight month of sales increases.
September U.S. total sales at Ford Motor Company were unchanged from last year and up 4 percent for retail sales. Total car sales are up 2 percent, total utilities up 9 percent, and total trucks down 8 percent - with stronger F-series, E-series and Transit Connect sales being offset by the discontinuation of Ranger.
--------------
EARLIER: Chrysler reported that auto sales were up 12 percent in the month of September, nearly doubling consensus estimates of 6.3 percent.
Chrysler total sales this year rose to 142,041 vehicles, up from 127,336 in the same period a year ago.
This was the best September for Chrysler since 2007.
Also, sales in Q3 were up 13 percent versus the same period a year ago.
Here are the key points from the press release:
Best September sales since 2007
30th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
Third-quarter sales up 13 percent versus same quarter a year ago
Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in September compared with same month a year ago
FIAT brand sets all-time sales record with 51 percent increase
Both Fiat 500 and Fiat 500 Cabrio record sizeable sales gains
Dodge brand sales up 18 percent; best September sales since 2007
Sales of the all-new Dodge Dart up 72 percent compared with previous month as production ramp up continues in Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant
Dodge Journey sales up 41 percent; sets sales record for month of September; named a Road & Travel 'Top 10 Pick' in its 2012 SUV Buyer's Guide
Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan sales up 89 percent; sets sales record for month of September
Dodge Grand Caravan sales increase 32 percent; best sales since 2006
Jeep brand sales increase 10 percent; best September sales since 2006
Iconic Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) each set sales records for month of September
Jeep Grand Cherokee sales up 19 percent compared with same month a year ago; best September sales since 2005
Chrysler brand sales up 5 percent; best September sales since 2007
Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets sales record for month of September
Chrysler 300 flagship sedan posts best September sales since 2007
Ram Truck brand sales up 4 percent compared with same month last year
Ram Cargo Van sales up 223 percent versus same month a year ago
Ram Truck brand unveils new 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab work trucks at Texas State Fair
Here is a complete breakdown of Chrysler sales by make and model:
We'll have LIVE coverage of auto sales numbers throughout the day on Money Game >
Please follow Money Game on Twitter and Facebook.
Join the conversation about this story »