Mercedes-Benz grabbed the early lead in luxury car sales in the U.S., but close behind is Lexus.
Lexus has moved within striking distance of taking over the lead in luxury sales from its German rivals after a 31% sales increase in January.
With January sales totals in the books, Lexus is trailing Mercedes-Benz by fewer than 1,500 units, setting up what promises to be a contest for luxury leadership that is likely to stretch out over the next 11 months.
Carmakers like to claim the leadership crown doesn’t matter. But it does.
“Lexus reported January 2015 sales of 23,131 units, a 31.2% increase, while Mercedes-Benz reported a record January sales volume of 24,619, increasing 8.9% from the 22,604 units sold in January 2014.
Lexus is second in January luxury car sales and looks to make the luxury crown a three-way contest.
“January was a great way for our dealers to start the year, with their third straight record month and an industry leading 31% sales increase,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general. “We saw good growth throughout our lineup and received an added boost from the all-new NX luxury compact utility vehicles and RC coupes.”
Sales of BMW brand vehicles, faded to third, increasing 4% in January for a total of 18,981 compared to 18,253 vehicles sold in January, 2014.
“Coming after a record December and a record 2014 year-end result, the January numbers are a solid start for the new year and I am confident the trend will accelerate in the months ahead,” said Ludwig Willisch, president and CEO, BMW of North America. “I am especially pleased that MINI is again showing its strength as availability of its new models improves,” he insisted.
Audi continued its retail momentum in January 2015, with the best-ever January results in Audi U.S. history. The previous January record was set in 2014 with sales of 10,101 vehicles.
“We are extremely pleased to start the year,” said Mark Del Rosso, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Audi of America
Jaguar Land Rover North America today also posted a sales increase in January. Land Rover sales increased 13% while Jaguar sales were 1,266 units, down 6% from 1,347 units in January 2014. Jaguar Land Rover North America January U.S. sales for both brands increased 9% increase from 6,021 units in January 2014.
“For the Land Rover brand, we continued our record setting sales pace from 2014 to have our best January U.S. sales month ever,” said Joe Eberhardt, president and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America.
(January car sales jump despite winter storms. For more, Click Here.)
Overall, despite some harsh the harsh winter weather in some corners of the U.S., new vehicle sales got off to a fast start in 2015 with Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Nissan reporting double-digit sales increases during January as sales of trucks and utility vehicles continue to gain momentum.
GM reported its best January sales in seven years. Total sales were up 18% compared to a year ago. Retail sales were up 14% and fleet deliveries were up 32%.
(Click Here for details about FCA’s earnings results.)
“Consumers feel very good because more people are working, the U.S. economy is expanding and fuel prices are low,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “Consumer and commercial demand for trucks and crossovers is really driving our business, and our move into the small crossover segment with the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore, and mid-size pickups with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, was well-timed.”
Ford posted a 15% sales increase in the U.S. in January, with sales of 178,351 vehicles. Retail sales of 128,666 vehicles marked a 13% increase, providing the best retail January results since 2004, while FCA US sales, led by Jeep, increased 14%.
Toyota Motor Sales reported a 15.6% increase from January 2014 on a volume basis. “The year is off to a strong start as the sales momentum we saw in 2014 continued into January,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “Highlander, RAV4 and Corolla all set January records.
(To see more about the flurry of claims for GM’s victims compensation fund, Click Here.)
American Honda Motor (AHM) reported a new January record on Honda and Acura vehicle sales increased 11.5% versus January 2014. Overall, AHM light trucks led sales gains for both brands and set a January record, increasing 25.2% on sales of 52,169 vehicles. The Honda brand set a January record, up 11.6% for the month while recording sales of 90,202 vehicles. The Acura brand posted sales of 11,982 units in January, increasing 10.7% over the same period last year.
Mazda logged in with an 8% sales increase, while Hyundai reported a modest sales increase, but posted record January sales and Kia Motors America also posted record sales in January as its sales increased 3.5%.