The Alternator Blog

Just The Facts: February 2012 Car Sales

2012-03-01T16:05:00.001-05:00

B Segment
Kia Soul: 10,876
Nissa Versa: 10,190
Chevrolet Sonic: 7,900
Hyundai Accent: 5,806
Ford Fiesta: 5,518
Honda Fit: 4,227
Toyota Yaris: 3,611
Kia Rio: 3,598
Fiat 500: 3,227
Scion xB: 1,606
Scion iQ: 864
Scion xD: 818
Chevrolet Aveo: 17

Continued after the jump

C Segment
Honda Civic: 27,087
Ford Focus: 23,350
Toyota Corolla: 22,148
Chevrolet Cruze: 20,427
Hyundai Elantra: 13,820
VW Jetta: 12,838
Nissan Sentra: 10,605
Kia Forte: 5,706
Dodge Caliber: 1,847
Buick Verano: 1,688
Scion tC: 1,648

C/D Segment:
Toyota Camry: 34,542
Nissan Altima: 32,953
Ford Fusion: 21,773
Honda Accord: 20,702
Chevrolet Malibu: 19,987
Hyundai Sonata: 17,425
Kia Optima: 11,558
Chrysler 200: 9,717
VW Passat: 8,189
Dodge Avenger: 6,570
Buick Regal: 2,636
VW CC: 1,413

D Segment
Chevrolet Impala: 15,333
Chrysler 300: 7,670
Dodge Charger:7,324
Nissan Maxima: 6,597
Buick LaCrosse: 5,228
Ford Taurus: 4,329
Toyota Avalon: 3,497
Hyundai Genesis: 2,512
Hyundai Azera: 13

Pony Cars

Ford Mustang: 7,351

Chevrolet Camaro: 6,923

Dodge Challenger: 3,669

Flex Future in Flux?

2012-02-20T21:21:00.000-05:00

I really, really like the Ford Flex. It's daring styling, cavernous, stylish and comfortable interior, and available EcoBoost engine are all true difference makers in the sea-of-beige segment in which it competes. Despite being a thoroughly wonderful crossover, sales never quite lived up to the very lofty (and unrealistic, I might add) expectations. With the Flex's platform-mate Explorer now a home run success, is there room for the funky Flex to stick around?

Full-year sales for 2009 totaled a very respectable 38,717, followed by 34,227 in 2010 and slipping to 27,428 in 2011. Carrying an average transaction price around $40,000, Flex's smaller sales numbers could easily be offset by a more generous profit margin. Ford also has claimed a Flex victory in attracting a very high conquest rates and coastal sales; a perennial trouble spot for the blue oval brand.

A restyled version of the Flex goes into production next week at Ford's Oakville, Ontario assembly plant alongside the smaller Edge crossover, as well as Lincoln's MKX and MKT. This refreshed Flex should carry through the 2015 model year, but what about after that?

Insiders have been tightlipped about the big wagon's next iteration, but there have been rumors of Flex moving to the same extended wheelbase version of the CD4 platform (2013 Fusion/MKZ and upcoming Edge and MKX will ride on the standard length CD4). This alignment would allow an easier differentiation between Flex and Explorer, allowing Explorer to either continue as part of the D4 program or move onto a different crossover or SUV architecture.

Whatever the case, I would expect Flex sales to rebound this summer once supply of the stylish 2013 model has built up. A proper advertising campaign for Flex could do wonders as well; the current model hasn't seen much spotlight since the vehicle's launch.

Explorer might be the mainstream, popular choice, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Ford will have no problem selling a high-profit Flex to customers who wouldn't otherwise touch a Ford.

Lost in Translation

2012-02-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

We've all seen it: A stunning concept hits the auto show circuit to critical acclaim, only to look awkward and sometimes worse when the production model debuts. Or worse, a sexy production model comes out to show off a brand's new stylistic language, only to have its design elements oddly shoehorned into other existing vehicles.

A classic example of this is the look pioneered by the 2003 Ford 427 concept. It was an absolute jawdropper when it hit the auto show display stand, and its design was successfully, for the most part, grafted onto the planned-to-be-pedestrian Ford Fusion which launched in 2006.

The same design was featured on the Edge and Flex, which both worked rather well, but the 2008 Five Hundred, nay, Taurus (it was the 2008 Five Hundred for a few weeks before relaunching as the 2008 Taurus, but you know that story) came off looking downright doofy.

Great: 2003 Ford 427 Concept

Good: 2006 Ford Fusion

Not so Good: 2008 Ford Five Hundred / Taurus

Ford suffered a similar fate with the already faltering Lincoln brand after the drool-inducing 2007 MKR concept. The sporty Lincoln was always a blue-sky exercise, but when the buying public showed interest in the dang thing, the monsterous "split wing" look of the concept was hastily spread across the lineup with little success. This is a foible that they are just finally getting around to correcting; using a similar yet more graceful design on new Lincolns going forward.

Great: 2007 MKR Concept

Ghastly: Lincoln MKT

You see, just like some women look great with strong facial features and some look like trannys, it all comes down to proportions and execution. Forcing a horizontal, chrome Gillette grille onto the mostly vertically-oriented ~~Five Hundred~~ Taurus didn't work. Grafting the front end treatment of a sporty sedan onto a giant crossover didn't work.

Plenty of people say "design is subjective", but those people are wrong. Sure, different designs appeal to different people, but there are certain proportions and concepts which appeal to the broadest range of people. Very few designers set out to craft a design that will be favored by 2% of customers. But hey, the Aztek made it to market.

Fast forward to today, and Lexus seems to be stuck in the same spot as Ford a few years back. The Lexus LF-A introduced a much needed shot of adrenaline into the luxobeige lineup, but now one of the "L" supercar's most ungainly design elements is spreading across the range like an STD.

The LF-A manages to be attractive despite the awkward pinch-like sculpting to the front end. Since it lacks an upper intake the effect is minimized. However, applying the same style to other Lexus models has resulted in what looks like a sci fi movie monster.

As Lincoln did with their split-wing grille by the time it filtered onto the MKX, Lexus has quickly refined their Predator-esque mug for use on the updated RX crossover. It manages to look more elegant and fitting that the disasterous executions found on the GS and LX, but that isn't saying much.

It's time to see the end of carbon copy front clips. Lazy designers have simply been scaling up or scaling down the corporate front end for far too long. Luxury makes seem to be the worst offenders, surely some marketing wizard's concept of how to "improve" brand recognition in focus groups. BMW, Lincoln, and now Lexus: You're officially on notice. Let's try to get the creative juices flowing again.

Why I Believe in Lincoln

2012-02-09T00:58:00.000-05:00

As Lincoln sits at the beginning of the latest in a string of reinvention plans, it's easy to be skeptical. We've seen designs, marketing plans, and executives all change in hopes of invigorating Ford's top-shelf brand. Despite all the previous efforts, the brand has slipped from market leader to also ran. With the announcement of Mercury's execution in 2009, Ford committed to a reimagined, revitalized Lincoln. As the fruits of that commitment are just starting to trickle into the spotlight, plenty of armchair CEO's are quick to pronounce any new Lincoln DOA.

I like to fancy myself a realist, with perhaps ever-so-slight optimistic pretensions, but I see some solid reasons why this turnaround plan has the juice to succeed where the others didn't.

Why I Believe in Lincoln:

The Outsiders.
For the first time perhaps ever, talent has been poached from across the luxury arena to "fix" Lincoln. Every other turnaround was conceived by those already in the Ford system; typically already sucked into the fiefdoms that contaminated the corporate culture and nearly sent Ford into bankruptcy. These aren't "yes" men, these are the people who will keep the brand's plans and expectations planted firmly in the bedrock of reality.

The Product.
How long has it been since Lincoln had an absolute standout product? The latest crop of Lincolns, while good, haven't gone far enough to distance themselves from their blue oval brethren. Their two high-volume segment entries, the MKZ and MKX, are great products in a vacuum, but share far too much with the Fusion and Edge respectively. Going forward, however, we have affirmations from Ford brass that Lincolns will share little more than platforms with the lesser Fords. As evidenced by the stunning, though not for everyone, MKZ Concept shown last month at the North American International Auto Show, they're serious. After the new MKZ launches with a slew of exclusive features later this year (including a fully retractable glass roof, touchpanel gear selector, and a computerized drive control), we expect a sports-oriented compact crossover and traditional mid-sized utility vehicle. Too many utilities? No. While plenty of luxury segments are fully catered to, these buyers can't seem to get enough crossovers. The trick to building a successful range isn't to look where other makes are strong, it's to look where other makes are weak. BMW has built their empire almost solely on the 3-Series, and rightfully so. It's a great product. What other luxury brand has been able to match BMW's success by imitating their products? The 3-Series is already joined by the C-Class, IS, G, and new ATS in an incredibly crowded segment. The best opportunity for growth in the luxury arena right now exists with crossovers. They're extremely popular, they tend to carry much higher prices than similarly-equipped sedans, and the market isn't saturated yet. MKEscape, Aviator, MKX, Navigator and MKT, paired with the new MKZ, and an MKS-replacing full sized sedan would make for a solid lineup. More solid, in fact, than the range has been in decades.

The X Factor.
Selling luxury cars, or luxury anything for that matter, is about far more than simply building a great product. Every aspect of shopping for, buying, and maintaining a luxury car must remind the customer that they're getting something special. Lincoln has imposed tough new dealer standards, and having had the chance to experience the new building mandate first hand at Bob Boyd Lincoln of Columbus, I can assure you that this is one aspect they've nailed. The new look is sleek and expressive without being pretentious or stuffy. Lincoln has also spent the last year or so creating exclusive customer "touch points", resulting in the creation of "Lincoln Financial" (instead of lowly Ford Credit) for financing, and separate phone numbers and representatives for customer service issues. Luxury goods find success in the details, and Lincoln finally gets that.

It isn't a sure bet. Like we saw with Plymouth, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn, Hummer, and Pontiac, sometimes the most sensible thing to do is euthanize a damaged brand. We know now that the idea of killing Lincoln along with Mercury was considered, but Mulally and company decided it was worth fixing. While we've seen other turnarounds before, we've never seen them dedicate the talent and resources they way they are now. The future for Lincoln looks bright, and that's why I believe in Lincoln.

Saturn's Outlook Rides Again

2012-02-08T19:25:00.000-05:00

It didn't take long after GMC accidentally revealed their refreshed 2013 Acadia crossover late Tuesday night that the internet was abuzz with GM's dirty little secret: The new GMC Acadia is, in effect, the old Saturn Outlook.

Sure, a Terrain-, or even Granite-esque front end has been grafted on and the interior has improved dramatically, but from every angle other than head on the cost-cutting move is obvious. It looks like the Outlook. Now, you can't blame GM for wanting to get some more use out of the expensive tooling which only was used to make Outlooks for two and a half years.

2013 GMC Acadia, top, and defunct Saturn Outlook, bottom

The finished product looks alright; but I'm not sure the switch to the Outlook's stampings was even necessary. The new front end carries the new GMC DNA respectably, and the new interior looks much better than the one it replaces (although it still looks dated compared to the rest of the segment). Unfortunately, engine performance and fuel economy carry on unchanged, leaving the big crossover vulnerable to less thirsty competitors.

Had this update debuted for the 2010 or 2011 model year, it would have likely been much more well received. After 6 full years on the market, though, I can't help but think that more needed to be done to keep this one fresh. We'll see when the 2013 Acadia hits lots later this year.

Is Buick Overreaching?

2012-02-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

For a brief while, Buick seemed to be the post-Bankruptcy success story of "new" GM. Growing amidst the success of the Enclave crossover and re-envisioned LaCrosse sedan, GM's trishield brand was undoubtedly on the upswing.

The excellent Regal sedan, a lightly reworked Opel Insignia, launched to good reviews yet hasn't gained much traction in the entry-lux segment. The Verano, a Cruze-based compact sedan, is just trickling onto dealer lots but hasn't cracked 800 sales in any of the last few months.

In early 2012, Buick debuted the new Encore subcompact crossover which will also be sold in other markets as the Opel Mokka. Encore is stubby at 168.5" long and 69.9" wide, and the few Buick design cues present (namely the headlights, grille, and ventiports) look vastly out of proportion. The only available drivetrain, a 1.4L turbocharged 4 cylinder mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission, should be good for 140 horsepower. Encore shares its Gamma II architecture with Chevy's diminutive Sonic subcompact.

As GM's self-described "Lexus fighter", Buick definitely has large shoes to fill. Is there demand for a Buick the size of a Cruze, or Sonic? Is the Regal's less-than-stellar sales report a conviction of the car, or the concept of a Buick in this segment? Would the money spent developing Verano have been better spent improving the already good Cruze?

Buick is still nailing what Buick has always nailed: Big, comfortable, conservatively handsome vehicles. The LaCrosse is superb, and the Enclave, though dated, is still quite good. Regal's few shortcomings are mostly rectified by recently announced 2013 model upgrades; adding eAssist mild hybrid technology to the base engine and adding an automatic transmission to the performance-oriented GS trim level. Verano, while virtuous, still doesn't strike me as something which fits with the brand, while creating too much infighting within the Buick showroom. Encore strikes me as misguided at best; a highly compromised product which would fare much better wearing a bowtie.

I can see some logic behind GM's two-pronged luxury strategy with Buick and Cadillac. What I can't understand is the lack of a cohesive image and mission for each brand. With Verano, and especially Encore, they seem to be throwing whatever they can at the proverbial wall and seeing what sticks. Going forward, Buick and Opel will be developing largely identical products together for use in both lineups. For GM's sake, I hope the future is much more LaCrosse and much less Encore.

Just The Facts: January 2012 Car Sales

2012-02-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

B-Segment
Nissa Versa: 9,418
Kia Soul: 8,091
Chevrolet Sonic: 5,712
Hyundai Accent: 4,341
Honda Fit: 3,839
Ford Fiesta: 3,502
Toyota Yaris: 3,010
Kia Rio: 2,596
Fiat 500: 1,911
Scion xB: 1,200
Scion xD: 652
Chevrolet Aveo: 16

C-Segment
Honda Civic: 21,883
Toyota Corolla: 17,988
Chevrolet Cruze: 15,049
Ford Focus: 14,400
VW Jetta: 10,962
Hyundai Elantra: 10,900
Nissan Sentra: 7,066
Kia Forte: 4,417
Scion tC: 1,309
Dodge Caliber: 1,149
Buick Verano: 795

C/D-Segment:
Toyota Camry: 28,295
Nissan Altima: 22,357
Chevrolet Malibu: 14,676
Hyundai Sonata: 14,489
Honda Accord: 13,659
Ford Fusion: 13,614
Kia Optima: 8,814
Chrysler 200: 7,007
VW Passat: 6,318
Dodge Avenger: 5,697
Buick Regal: 1,855
VW CC: 1,415

D-Segmnet
Chevrolet Impala: 16,009
Dodge Charger: 5,537
Chrysler 300: 4,960
Buick LaCrosse: 4,013
Nissan Maxima: 4,001
Ford Taurus: 3,447
Toyota Avalon: 3,219
Hyundai Genesis: 2,291
Hyundai Azera: 18

We're Back!

2012-02-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

After a few months posting over at Youjoint, we are returning home! Keep your eyes here for news, reviews, and industry gossip!

Just The Facts: August, 2011 Luxury Auto Sames

2011-09-01T16:47:00.000-04:00

Mercedes-Benz
Total Sales: 20,728
Total Models: 15
Top Seller: E-Class (5,328 units)
Bottom Seller: B-Class (7 units)

BMW
Total Sales: 20,815
Total Models: 9
Top Seller: 3 Series (8,775 units)
Bottom Seller: 6 Series (207 units)

Lexus
Total Sales: 18,103
Total Models: 11
Top Seller: RX (6,504 units)
Bottom Seller: LFA (4 units)

Buick
Total Sales: 16,021
Total Models: 4
Top Seller: Lacrosse (5,422 units)
Bottom Seller: Lucerne (1,392 units)

Cadillac
Total Sales: 12,208
Total Models: 7
Top Seller: CTS (5,783 units)
Bottom Seller: STS (145 units) (excusing 1 zombie XLR sale)

Audi
Total Sales: 10,201
Total Models: 10
Top Seller: A4 (2,623 units)
Bottom Seller: R8 (80 units)

Acura
Total Sales: 9,054
Total Models: 6
Top Seller: MDX (3,126 units)
Bottom Seller: RL (41 units)

Infiniti
Total Sales: 9,024
Total Models: 6
Top Seller: G sedan (4,267 units)
Bottom Seller: EX (515 units)

Lincoln
Total Sales: 8,006
Total Models: 6
Top Seller: MKZ (2,337 units)
Bottom Seller: MKT (408 units)

Porsche
Total Sales: 2,184
Total Models: 4
Top Seller: Cayenne (882 units)
Bottom Seller: Boxter/Cayman (303 units)

As usual, we're still waiting on results from Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover

Just The Facts: August, 2011 Small Car Sales

2011-09-01T16:13:00.002-04:00

C-Segment

Chevrolet Cruze: 21,807

Toyota Corolla: 16,420

Hyundai Elantra: 15,054

VW Jetta: 14,500

Ford Focus: 14,093

Honda Civic: 12,083

Mazda3: 9,424

Nissan Sentra: 8,061

Kia Forte: 6,677

Subaru Impreza: 3,360

Dodge Caliber: 3,228

B-Segment

Nissa Versa: 8,566

Kia Soul: 6,885

Ford Fiesta: 5,833

Hyundai Accent: 5,289

Honda Fit: 3,959

Fiat 500: 3,106

Chevrolet Aveo: 2,596

Scion xB: 1,785

Mazda2: 1,387

Suzuki SX-4: 1,181

Scion tC: 1,114

Toyota Yaris: 1,112

Scion xD: 750

Kia Rio: 658

Chevrolet Sonic: 280

Just The Facts: August, 2011 Midsized Car Sales

2011-09-01T16:02:00.000-04:00

Toyota Camry: 30,185

Nissan Altima: 23,016

Hyundai Sonata: 20,682

Honda Accord: 18,439

Ford Fusion: 17,925

Chevrolet Malibu: 17,840

Chrysler 200: 10,861

Dodge Avenger: 6,319

Kia Optima: 6,157

Buick Regal: 3,820

Subaru Legacy: 3,271

Mazda6: 2,636

VW CC: 2,371

Suzuki Kizashi: 570

VW Passat: 314

Just The Facts: July 2011 Luxury Brand Sales

2011-08-02T17:08:00.000-04:00

BMW
Total Sales: 21,409
Total Models: 9
Top Seller: 3 Series (8,640 units)
Bottom Seller: Z4 (454 units)

Mercedes-Benz
Total Sales: 19,006
Total Models: 15
Top Seller: E-Class (5,114 units)
Bottom Seller: CL-Class (24 units)

Buick
Total Sales: 16,873
Total Models: 4
Top Seller: Enclave (6,145 units)
Bottom Seller: Lucerne (1,233 units)

Lexus
Total Sales: 14,539
Total Models: 11
Top Seller: RX (5,471 units)
Bottom Seller: LFA (7 units)

Cadillac
Total Sales: 11,119
Total Models: 7
Top Seller: CTS (4,449 units)
Bottom Seller: STS (132 units)

Acura
Total Sales: 9,402
Total Models: 6
Top Seller: MDX (3,438 units)
Bottom Seller: RL (70 units)

Audi
Total Sales: 9,146
Total Models: 10
Top Seller: A4 (2,274 units)
Bottom Seller: R8 (82 units)

Lincoln
Total Sales: 7,814
Total Models: 6
Top Seller: MKZ (2,869 units)
Bottom Seller: MKT (469 units)

Infiniti
Total Sales: 7,410
Total Models: 6
Top Seller: G sedan (3,220 units)
Bottom Seller: EX (560 units)

Porsche
Total Sales: 2,768
Total Models: 4
Top Seller: Cayenne (1,342 units)
Bottom Seller: Boxter/Cayman (327 units)

Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover will be added once that data is available

Just The Facts: July 2011 Small Car Sales

2011-08-02T16:07:00.001-04:00

C-Segment
Chevrolet Cruze: 24,648
Toyota Corolla: 17,577
VW Jetta: 15,713
Hyundai Elantra: 15,181
Ford Focus: 14,889
Honda Civic: 14,006
Nissan Sentra: 8,730
Kia Forte: 7,560
Dodge Caliber: 3,305
Subaru Impreza: 3,260

B-Segment
Kia Soul: 10,131
Hyundai Accent: 6,938
Nissa Versa: 5,359
Ford Fiesta: 5,296
Honda Fit: 4,857
Chevrolet Aveo: 3,349
Fiat 500: 4,711
Scion tC: 1,590
Toyota Yaris: 1,391
Scion xB: 1,194
Suzuki SX-4: 1,184

Kia Rio: 1,011
Scion xD: 715

Just The Facts: July 2011 Midsize Car Sales

2011-08-02T16:04:00.000-04:00

Toyota Camry: 27,016
Nissan Altima: 21,340
Hyundai Sonata: 20,884
Chevrolet Malibu: 19,529
Ford Fusion: 19,318
Honda Accord: 18,308
Kia Optima: 6,772
Chrysler 200: 6,509
Dodge Avenger: 3,626
Subaru Legacy: 3,644
Buick Regal: 3,525
VW CC; 3,006
VW Passat: 1,183
Suzuki Kizashi: 662

In Pictures: 2011 Goodguys PPG Nationals

2011-07-11T16:41:00.002-04:00

Don't get me wrong: I love auto shows. The shiny displays, glitzy ~~models~~ booth professionals, and splashy news conferences all make for a great day of drooling over cars worth more than your house. But behind the glossy veneer and under the plush carpet, they're soulless: A creation of the same money-hungry establishment that this motoring nation has been rebelling against as long as parents have been reluctantly tossing keys into teenagers hands.

If you really want to find the spirit of motoring America, look no further than atop the faded, cracked pavement of your local weekend cruise-in or car club gathering. Here in the Midwest we like to do things big, so there's no better spot for checking out a cruise-in than the mammoth Goodguys PPG Nationals. Every July, the wonderful folks from the Goodguys car club invade the gigantic 360-acre Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, creating one of the finest automotive events around.

Walking through the iconic steel "OHIO" entrance structure is quite the visceral experience: The hot, July sun reflecting off of a freshly-polished chromed tailfin, the smell of combusting Dino juice, and the rumbling of big, American V8 engines coming to life. It's more than a car show: It's a celebration of our uniquely American love affair with the automobile and everything that comes along with it.

More than 7,000 classic cars pack the fairgrounds for the annual event, with several thousand more lining up in the grass field parking lots outside the gates. You're likely to see a rusted out "junk rod" parked next to a pristine '57 BelAir, and just down the way from a numbers-matching Super Bird. You see vendors selling Corn Dogs next to vendors selling whitewall tires. You see girls straight out of the '50s, so convincing that you'd swear they just stepped out of a time machine. You see men in polo shirts and Dockers chatting with guys sporting cutoffs and tattoos. There's an electricity of a universal, common bond shared with all in attendance: The love of the American motoring experience.

Enough with my blabbing, onto the photos.

For those of you who just can't wait until next July for the Columbus event, Goodguys puts on events year round. Coming up in September, they'll present the Wix Filters Speedway Nationals at the historic Brickyard in Indianapolis. You can find information about all upcoming Goodguys events on their website, www.good-guys.com

Mr. Toyoda Teases "Best Camry Ever"

2011-07-03T20:04:00.001-04:00

In a brief video released by Toyota, company CEO Akio Toyoda makes some bold claims about the company's new Camry sedan, due this fall. "We have listened to our customers, and have done all we have to to exceed your expectations," Akio exclaims, channeling his best infomercial pitchman. The Camry's once sterling reputation took a beating throughout the company's brutal "throttle gate" controversy. Mother nature recently added insult to injury, with a 9.0 magnitude earthquake striking Japan in March.

Little is known about the next Camry, but towards the end of the video Mr. Toyoda gestures down to display the passengers side headlight of the new model, while exclaiming they "...wanted to ensure that the new Camry is the best Camry ever."

However the new Camry turns out, it will surely face still competition from all-new versions of Chevrolet's Malibu, Ford's Fusion, Honda's Accord, and Nissan's Altima due out next year.

Just The Facts: June 2011 Midsize Car Sales

2011-07-03T16:11:00.002-04:00

Chevrolet Malibu: 23,737
Toyota Camry: 21,375

Ford Fusion: 20,806
Nissan Altima: 19,534

Hyundai Sonata: 18,644

Honda Accord: 17,107

Chrysler 200: 7,219
Kia Optima: 7,099

Dodge Avenger: 5,605

Buick Regal: 3,533

Subaru Legacy: 3,471
VW CC; 3,157
Mazda6: 1,968

Suzuki Kizashi: 552

VW Passat: 1

Just The Facts: June 2011 Small Car Sales

2011-07-03T16:00:00.001-04:00

C-segment

Chevrolet Cruze: 24,996
Ford Focus: 21,385
Hyundai Elantra: 19,992
Toyota Corolla: 18,872
Honda Civic: 17,485

VW Jetta: 14,513

Mazda3: 8,612

Kia Forte: 8,191
Nissan Sentra: 8,077
Dodge Caliber: 3,929
Subaru Impreza: 2,762
Scion tC: 2,053
Suzuki SX-4: 1,105
Scion xB: 828

Scion xD: 575

B-Segment

Ford Fiesta: 5,535

Honda Fit: 4,912

Nissa Versa: 4,345

Chevrolet Aveo: 3,859
Hyundai Accent: 3,612
Kia Rio: 1,954

Toyota Yaris: 1,402

Mazda 2: 1,081

Just The Facts: June 2011 Luxury Sales

2011-07-03T15:45:00.001-04:00

BMW

Total Sales:21,637

Total Models: 9

Top Seller: 3 Series (9,155 units)

Bottom Seller: 6 Series (312 units)

Mercedes-Benz

Total Sales: 20,652

Total Models: 13

Top Seller: E-Class (5,798 units)

Bottom Seller: SLS AMG (18 units)

Buick

Total Sales:14,958

Total Models: 4

Top Seller: Lacrosse (5,965 units)

Bottom Seller: Lucerne (1,364 units)

Cadillac

Total Sales: 10,860

Total Models: 7

Top Seller: CTS (4,198 units)

Bottom Seller: Escalade EXT (142 units)
*There were 9 XLR sales reported, but the model has long been discontinued

Lexus
Total Sales: 10,773
Total Models: 11
Top Seller: RX (5,141 units)
Bottom Seller: LFA (7 units)
*There were 2 SC sales, but the model has been long discontinued

Audi

Total Sales: 10,051

Total Models: 10

Top Seller: A4 (3,610 units)

Bottom Seller: R8 (108 units)

Acura

Total Sales: 8,708

Total Models: 6

Top Seller: MDX (3,374 units)

Bottom Seller: RL (59 units)

Lincoln

Total Sales: 7,361

Total Models: 6

Top Seller: MKZ (2,360 units)

Bottom Seller: MKT (395 units)

Volvo
Total Sales: 7,100
Total Models: 9
Top Seller: S60 (2,430 units)

*complete data not available

Infiniti

Total Sales: 6,281

Total Models: 6

Top Seller: G sedan (2,641 units)

Bottom Seller: EX (432 units)

Land Rover

Total Sales: 3,142

Total Models: 4

Top Seller: Range Rover Sport (1,233 units)
*Complete data not available

Porsche

Total Sales: 2,546

Total Models: 4

Top Seller: Cayenne (1,009 units)

Bottom Seller: Boxter/Cayman (332 units)

Jaguar
Total Sales: 1,389
Total Models: 3
*Complete data not available

Cleaning Up the Mercury Spill

2011-06-02T18:18:00.003-04:00

When Ford announced in mid-2010 that the storied Mercury brand was being put out to pasture, the buying public responded with a flat "what took so long?". There were questions, however, as to how Ford would recuperate Mercury's small, but not insignificant, volume. The last retail Mercury rolled off the production line before Dick Clark awkwardly counted down the new year, and we now have 5 months in the books in this post-Mercury era.

Was FoMoCo able to replace Mercury's volume? Let's take a look at the numbers.

Through May of 2010, Mercury had sold 14,236 Milans. In the same period, Lincoln sold 9,414 MKZs, and Ford sold 92,763 Fusions. This gives us a total of 116,413 CD3-based sedans.

This year, through May, Lincoln has sold 11,556 MKZs, and Ford has sold 110,878 Fusions, giving us a 2011 YTD total of 122,434 CD3-based sedans. CD3 sales, after the discontinuation, have grown by 6,021 units.

Through May of 2010, Mercury had sold 11,997 Mariners. In the same period, Ford had sold 83,440 Escapes. This gives us a combined total of 95,437.

So far this year, 100,333 Escapes have been sold. Ford has sold 4,896 more compact utilities this year than last, even without the Mariner.

Through May of 2010, Mercury had sold 2,467 Mountaineers (which was already confirmed to be dying that model year). In the same amount of time, Ford sold 25,164 Explorers (this being before the 2011 model launched), giving us a 2010 YTD total of 27,631 midsize utilities.

So far this year, the Explorer nameplate has sold 55,401 units, nearly doubling the combined YTD figure from 2010.

I'm not including Panther figures (this years Crown Victoria numbers are quite skewed as police agencies stock up before the model is discontinued), but Mercury's Grand Marquis volume is more than replenished by a jump in CV sales.

Looking at brand sales, the evidence is clear: Ford brand vehicles YTD are up by 138,989 units, Lincoln brand sales are down YTD by a minuscule 2,802 units, and YTD Ford + Lincoln sales have improved by 136,187 units. Mercury, from January thru May last year, sold just 41,680 units.

Are the same buyers spending their dollars on Fords or Lincolns instead of Mercury? Not necessarily. But Ford has shown that their plan was a sound one: They've discontinued an entire brand, yet replaced that brand's volume more than threefold.

Just The Facts: May 2011 Luxury Sales

2011-06-01T18:17:00.002-04:00

BMW

Total Sales: 20,651

Total Models: 9

Top Seller: 3 Series (8,117 units)

Bottom Seller: 6 Series (279 units)

Mercedes-Benz

Total Sales: 20,306

Total Models: 14

Top Seller: E-Class (5,751 units)

Bottom Seller: SLS AMG (21 units)

Buick

Total Sales:15,579

Total Models: 4

Top Seller: Lacrosse (4,774 units)

Bottom Seller: Lucerne (2,335 units)

Lexus
Total Sales: 12,305
Total Models: 11
Top Seller: RX (5,847 units)
Bottom Seller: SC (1 unit)
*Last month's bottom seller, the LFA, sold 0 units in May

Cadillac

Total Sales: 11,623

Total Models: 7

Top Seller: CTS (4,288 units)

Bottom Seller: STS (142 units)

Audi

Total Sales: 10,457

Total Models: 10

Top Seller: A4 (3,192 units)

Bottom Seller: R8 (99 units)

Acura

Total Sales: 9,000

Total Models: 6

Top Seller: MDX (3,824 units)

Bottom Seller: RL (58 units)

Lincoln

Total Sales: 7,399

Total Models: 6

Top Seller: MKZ (2,523 units)

Bottom Seller: MKT (399 units)

Volvo
Total Sales: 7,359
Total Models: 9
Top Seller: S60 (2,450 units)

*complete data not available

Infiniti

Total Sales: 6,389

Total Models: 6

Top Seller: G sedan (2,684 units)

Bottom Seller: EX (441 units)

Land Rover

Total Sales: 2,891

Total Models: 4

Top Seller: Range Rover Sport (1,213 units)
Bottom Seller: LR3 (192 units)

Porsche

Total Sales: 2,817

Total Models: 4

Top Seller: Cayenne (1,258 units)

Bottom Seller: Boxter/Cayman (331 units)

Jaguar
Total Sales: 1,271
Total Models: 3
Top Seller: XJ (559 units)
Bottom Seller: XK (191 units)

Just The Facts: May 2011 Small Car Sales

2011-06-01T17:35:00.005-04:00

C-segment

Chevrolet Cruze: 22,711
Ford Focus: 22,303
Hyundai Elantra: 20,006
Honda Civic: 18,341

Toyota Corolla: 16,985

VW Jetta: 16,671

Mazda3: 8,789

Kia Forte: 8,129
Nissan Sentra: 7,698
Dodge Caliber: 4,002
Scion tC: 2,664
Subaru Impreza: 2,610
Scion xB: 1,178

Suzuki SX-4: 1,112
Scion xD: 854

B-Segment

Ford Fiesta: 7,120

Honda Fit: 5,921

Nissa Versa: 4,793

Chevrolet Aveo: 4,538
Kia Rio: 2,519

Toyota Yaris: 1,690
Hyundai Accent: 1,529

Mazda 2: 1,142

Just The Facts: May 2011 Midsize Car Sales

2011-06-01T17:24:00.002-04:00

Chevrolet Malibu: 25,600

Nissan Altima: 25,525

Ford Fusion: 24,666

Hyundai Sonata: 22,754

Toyota Camry: 18,830

Honda Accord: 18,185

Kia Optima: 7,431
Chrysler 200: 7,098

Avenger: 5,543

Buick Regal: 4,247

Subaru Legacy: 3,618
Mazda6: 1,639

Suzuki Kizashi: 622

VW Passat: 1

Just The Facts: April 2011 Midsize Car Sales

2011-05-03T16:29:00.003-04:00

Toyota Camry: 30,443

Honda Accord: 30,310

Chevrolet Malibu: 24,701

Hyundai Sonata: 21,738

Ford Fusion: 21,189

Nissan Altima: 17,232

Chrysler 200: 8,274

Avenger: 7.577

Kia Optima: 6,533

Buick Regal: 4,525
Subaru Legacy: 3,975
Mazda6: 2,734

Suzuki Kizashi: 577

Just The Facts: April 2011 Small Car Sales

2011-05-03T16:14:00.002-04:00

C-segment

Honda Civic: 26,777

Chevrolet Cruze: 25,160

Toyota Corolla: 24,215

Hyundai Elantra: 22,100

Ford Focus: 17,265

VW Jetta: 16,995

Nissan Sentra: 9,367
Mazda3: 8,584

Kia Forte: 8,535
Subaru Impreza: 4,367

Dodge Caliber: 3,967

Suzuki SX-4: 1,000

B-Segment

Ford Fiesta: 9,147

Honda Fit: 8,116

Nissa Versa: 6,413

Chevrolet Aveo: 4,645

Hyundai Accent: 4,390

Toyota Yaris: 1,987

Kia Rio: 2,575
Mazda 2: 1,368