Peter Palmer: November Sales Report

Did you brave the crowds on Black Friday to get a new car? Although automakers reported growth, there were difficulties getting there with two fewer selling days in November 2015 and one less weekend.

Weekends, especially, tend to be times of solid customer traffic for dealerships.

Here are some highlights, from manufacturer to manufacturer and how the automotive industry did overall last month.

Honda

115,441 units sold (Honda and Acura combined) marked a decrease of 5.2 percent from a year ago. Honda Division sold 103,197 units, with car sales reaching 53,900 and trucks totaling 49,297 for the month. Acura sales totaled 12,244, with sedan sales of 4,461 and trucks reaching 7,783 units in November.

Pilot sales climbed strongly, rising 19 percent on sales of 10,975 units putting the all-new Pilot on the verge of its best sales year since 2006. Civic posted an 8.6 percent November increase on sales of 25,050 units as production ramps up on the 2016 Civic Sedan.

TLX sales of 43,572 units through the first 11 months of 2015 has nearly tripled the 2014 combined sales total of the TLX and the outgoing TL and TSX. Jon Ikeda, Vice President and General Manager of Acura explained the brand’s strategy for 2016, Acura’s 30th anniversary.

“We recognize and embrace the challenges of an ultra-competitive luxury market as we sharpen our portfolio with products like the technologically advanced NSX and continue to build the brand with highly desirable vehicles throughout the lineup,” he said.

Kia

The sale of its six millionth vehicle in the United States served as inspiration for Kia Motors America last month. Their year-long momentum continued with best-ever November sales of 45,553 vehicles, a 1.4-percent increase over the same period last year.

The brand’s seventh straight monthly sales record was led by the Optima and Soul, with 13,048 and 10,045 units sold, respectively.

“Kia has outpaced the industry all year, and with our ‘Holidays On Us’ sales event in place throughout November, customers visited our showrooms in record numbers to discover the new Kia,” said Michael Sprague, Kia Motors of America, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President.

Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. reported November 2015 sales up 12.4 percent on a daily selling rate basis, with sales of 189,517 units. Despite two less selling days in November 2015 than in November 2014, sales were up 3.4 percent.

Camry posted sales of 30,945 units, up 7.3 percect while all-new Scion iA and iM posted combined sales of 2,876 units. Total Toyota Division light trucks were up 5.5 percent; a best-ever November. Highlander posted sales of 12,741 units, with 4Runner up 5.6 percent and RAV4 up almost 30 percent; a best-ever November.

Tacoma posted sales of 13,465 units, up 3.4 percent.

“With the best Black Friday weekend in eight years, Toyota’s record sales of RAV4 and Light Trucks overall contributed to double-digit growth in November,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

FCA US LLC reported U.S. sales of 175,974 units, a 3 percent increase compared with sales in November 2014 (170,839 units), and the group’s best November sales since 2000. The Jeep and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in November compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 20 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month.

Five Dodge brand vehicles posted sales gains, including Challenger and Journey, which had their best November sales ever. It was the Challenger’s 10th sales record this year while Charger, Durango, and Viper all posted year-over-year sales gains last month.

FCA’s Head of U.S. Sales, Reid Bigland noted the difference in selling days this November opposed to last.

“Despite having two less selling days this November, FCA US still recorded its best November sales since 2000 and our 68th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases,” he said.

FCA credits competitive interest rates, reduced unemployment, and low oil prices for the rise in sales.

Ford Motor Company

Ford’s November U.S. sales totaled 187,794 vehicles, up slightly at 0.4 percent compared to a year ago. Through November, overall Ford sales are up 5 percent versus the same period a year ago. F-Series sales totaled 65,192 in November, with retail sales increasing 16 percent and a 10 percent total F-Series gain.

Edge posted a 6 percent increase versus a year ago, with 8,137 vehicles sold. Ford’s new Explorer sales totaled 15,141 for a 1 percent gain but enough to create the best November since 2004 for Explorer.

“We saw strong customer demand for our cars and SUVs with the latest technology and sold a very rich mix in November,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales, and Service. “F-Series and commercial vans also were very strong, with an 18 percent gain for the month and our best November sales performance for Ford Trucks in eight years.”

Subaru

With a solid November, Subaru of America, Inc. have now surpassed the previous annual sales record of 513,693 vehicles set in 2014. This marks the company’s eighth year of sales growth and seventh successive sales record.

Sales in 2015 have been driven by the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. Combined, the three crossover vehicles moved 350,000 units per year. Legacy, Impreza, and WRX/STI have also seen significant year-to-date increases.

This news comes on the heels of Subaru announcing a new vehicle.

Subaru of America President and Chief Operating Officer, Thomas J. Doll, praised the automaker’s dealership network.

“We thank all of our retailers for their continued commitment in making these record-breaking sales possible. Given consumer demand for our products, we expect a strong close of 2015,” he said.

Did you purchase a vehicle last month? If so, what was it? Were you satisfied with your experience?

*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog.net and resides in Detroit, Michigan.