Chrysler is definitely back in the win column. For the
last two months, it has led the industry in sales gains. In
November, a month when sales were very good, it still blew
past the competition with a 45% increase over last year.
According to Automotive News, total industry sales rose
14%, the biggest monthly gain since April.
The Chrysler division of the company sold 92% more
cars/trucks during the month; Dodge was up
43%; Jeep up 50%; and Ram up 7%.
Ford and General Motors also had good
months. Ford sold 13% more vehicles yearover-
year. That was despite selling 18% fewer
Lincolns and of course no Mercurys, which
were still on sale last November. The Ford
namesake division was up 20%.
At GM, sales rose 7%. Chevrolet was the
bright spot, with purchases up 10%. Buick and
Cadillac sales declined by 7% and 6%,
respectively. GMC sales rose 7%.
Toyota finally got into the win column for the month with
sales that were up 7%. Honda was still suffering from the
effects of lowered inventories, however; its sales fell 6%.
Nissan sales jumped 19%. The Infiniti division was up
only 3%. Hyundai continued its winning ways with sales
that climbed 29%; Hyundai itself was up 22% and Kia up
39%.
Sales of Volkswagens rose 29% in November; Mazda
sold 20% more cars and Volvo sales were up 19%.
There were a few carmakers beyond Honda that saw
down months. Mitsubishi was off by 13%, Subaru sales
fell 15% and Suzuki was off by 22%, year-over-year.