Volkswagen's renewed focus on the U.S. market led to a 40% surge in November sales.
Countering concerns that strong sales might lose their momentum heading into the winter, demand for cars, trucks and crossovers remained unexpectedly strong in November – offering a nudge to the struggling U.S. economy – especially with signs that the auto industry will be going on a hiring binge.
TheDetroitBureau.com will be updating this story throughout the day as more makers report November sales numbers.
Sales of new vehicles were decidedly stronger than expected in November — a forecast by TrueCar.com predicting an overall monthly increase of 12% — though the jump in demand varied sharply by brand.
Chrysler Group reported a 45% increase in sales last month while cross-town rival General Motors Co. posted a more modest 7% increase as automakers began reporting sales totals. Ford, meanwhile, landed in the middle, with a 13% hike in volume.
Among imports, Volkswagen saw a 40% rise – reflecting its increasing focus on the U.S. market after years of seeming indifference. The German maker’s surge was largely propelled by demand for several new models, such as the 2012 Passat, designed specifically for American motorists.
Chrysler said it sold 107,172 vehicles, a 45% increase compared with sales in November 2010 and the best year-over-year sales gain of 2011
“With sales up 45%, November was another huge month for the Chrysler Group and our highest year-over-year sales gain of 2011,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales.
“In addition to having eight Chrysler Group models recognized as Consumers Digest automotive ‘Best Buys’ for the 2012 model year, we also have picked up countless other vehicle awards this year which clearly are reflected in our sales success,” Bigland said.
The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted sales increases in November. The Chrysler brand’s 92% sales increase was the largest%age gain of all the Chrysler Group brands and was its best November since 2008.
Sales of the new 2012 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan increased 496% in November compared with sales of its predecessor the same month a year ago and the Jeep Wrangler set another monthly sales record in November, the SUV’s sixth-consecutive monthly record this year.
Meanwhile, GM reported its sales increased 7% as it delivered more than 180,000 cars and trucks during November.
Retail deliveries were up 15% compared with the same month a year ago and accounted for 77% of GM sales. Deliveries to fleets were down 14%.
“We are seeing a broad spectrum of customers return to the market,” said Don Johnson, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “Truck sales showed a very solid increase, as we expected, but the momentum building behind our most fuel-efficient vehicles was even stronger.”
In November, combined sales of GM small and compact cars, led by the new Chevrolet Sonic and consistently strong-selling Chevrolet Cruze, were up 54% compared with a year ago. GM’s total passenger car sales increased 1%, crossover sales decreased 9% and sales of trucks, which include full-size pickups, vans and SUVs, increased 25%.
In the calendar year to date, all four GM brands have increased their sales compared with the same period a year ago, on the strength of double-digit increases in retail sales.
With just over a month remaining in 2011, Audi of America achieved a new annual sales record over the hectic holiday shopping weekend. With 102,055 sales of premium cars and SUVs already reported this year, the Audi brand eclipsed the previous sales record of 101,629 set at the end of 2010.
The record set for new car annual sales marks the second time the Audi brand has topped the 100,000 mark since it established its U.S. business more than 41 years ago. Audi momentum has been evident throughout the year as sales set new records in every month of the year to date. Audi expects to register its 11th record month for 2011 when full November sales totals are reported later this week.
Surging sales help buoy expectations for an automotive hiring binge. A new study suggests the industry will add nearly 200,000 jobs by 2015. Click Here for that report.