October Sales: The Final Numbers
October sales data are coming in, and most are below forecast. Chrysler, Ford, and GM sold less than analysts predicted. Analysts had higher hopes for Toyota also. Volkswagen, up 23 percent, more or less met expectations. We have the final sales table, courtesy of Automotive News [sub].
Chrysler and GM pointed fingers at Sandy. Chrysler said it made its numbers “In spite of Hurricane Sandy.” GM said it had a solid October “in a month that was marked by a devastating national tragedy.” Even Volkswagen mentioned that over 25 percent of its U.S. dealerships were affected by the storm along the eastern United States. Ford did not mention the storm in its sales release.
AutomakerOct. 2012Oct. 2011Pct. chng.10 monthBertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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- Considering Sandy took a good 5+ sales days away from car buyers in the most densely-populated region of the country (essentially making October the shortest sales month of 2012), these numbers don't look that bad. - Volt Life Watch: 2,961 more Volts left showrooms in the U.S., besting September and August before it as its best month yet, and leaving it 691 sales shy of 20K (not counting Canada's 927 sales). - Also of note: The CTS falls as the ATS rises, while the Verano continues to mop the floor with its Regal big brother, outselling it more than 2-to-1. - Finally, the Chevy Spark city car "no one will buy" found more than 2,000 more takers, upping it's abbreviated 2012 total to 8,447 sales. Combined with strong Octobers for the Cruze and Sonic, Chevy is excelling in the small car segment like never before.
Good to see Lambo sales are up 38% or... 11 more cars.