Nissan’s U.S. sales shot up 25% in May to a record
114,457 units, leading the auto industry to an 8% gain in
sales over May of 2012 at 1.44 million units. And while
Nissan had the strongest results of any large auto maker,
much smaller Subaru had an even bigger percentage gain
– up 34% to 39,892.
Domestic car companies Ford Motor Company and
Chrysler Group also posted strong gains as the industry
overall rebounded to a seasonally adjusted annual
rate (SAAR) of sales of 15.3 million units –
compared to 14 million a year ago. SAAR
had dipped below 15 million in April after five
straight months above the mark. Demand for
pickups and crossover vehicles continued to be
especially strong, but consumer buying of new
vehicles was strong for all types of cars and
light trucks in May.
Ford Motor Company sales rose 14% to
246,019. The Ford division was up 15%, but
Lincoln was little better than flat. Chrysler
Group was up 11% to 166,596. Ram led the charge with a
24% gain, with Dodge up 23%, Jeep and Fiat each up 15,
and Chrysler down 2%.
General Motors was only up 3% to 252,894, seeing its
advantage over Ford narrowing. Cadillac, however, saw
sales shoot up 40%. So far in 2013 the luxury brand is
experiencing its strongest sales gains since 1976 – when
Gerald Ford was President and disco was king. GMC was
up 7% and Chevrolet 1%, while Buick was down 3%.
Toyota Motor Company matched GM’s 3% gain to
207,952. Scion gained 9%, Lexus 4% and Toyota 2%.
American Honda was up 5% to 140,013, with Honda up
5% and Acura down 2%.
Nissan’s 25% overall gain came from a 31% gain for
the Nissan nameplate, while Infiniti fell 25%. Mazda sales
were up 19% to 24,270. Mitsubishi sales fell 15% to 4,715.
Hyundai Group gained 2% to 120,685, with Hyundai up
2% and Kia up 1%.
Volkswagen total sales were
up 4% to 55,404. Porsche was up
38% and Audi gained 15%, but
Volkswagen was down 2%. BMW
Group gained 10% to 31,258,
with BMW up 14% and Mini down
3%. Daimler AG sales rose 8% to
27,359, with Smart USA up 16%
and Mercedes-Benz up 8%.
Jaguar Land Rover sales
gained 11% to 4,989, with Jaguar
up 34% and Land Rover up 3%.
Volvo sales in the U.S. for May
were up 1% to 6,329.