Each of the Big Three American automakers today reported a significant increase in U.S. sales in the month of June 2012 over the same month last year, with Chrysler posting a 20-percent increase, General Motors reporting a 16-percent increase and Ford increasing sales by 7-percent over June 2011.
The figures are an encouraging sign that American buyers are becoming more willing to invest, not only in a new car, but in a new domestic car as the three auto giants continue to crawl out of the recession. An MSNBC report says that buyers are looking to replace their aging vehicles that they held onto through the economic downturn.
A total of 144,811 Chrysler vehicles were sold in the United States in June, the brand’s twenty-seventh consecutive month of year over year sales improvements. Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat all improved over June of last year. Strong performers included the Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Avenger and Challenger and Chrysler 200 and 300.
General Motors sold 248,750 total vehicles in in June – their best overall sales month since September 2008 – and reported double-digit year over year increases for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. Sales of crossovers and trucks were particularly strong performers.
Ford moved 207,759 units in June, boosted by demand for the Escape crossover and Fusion sedan.
The Detroit Free Press has attributed the sales jump, at least in part, to July 4 sales and incentives that started early and affected June sales. The subsiding cost of fuel also likely eased the fears of on-the-fence customers.
Japanese brands also had a massive month compared to June 2011. Back then, they were in the midst of a production crisis following a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in March, so numbers were particularly low. Toyota increased their sales over June 2011 by 54.3-percent, and Nissan improved by 28-percent. Subaru sold 27,702 vehicles for a 40-percent increase.
Audi had their best month ever for U.S. sales, moving 12,664 units in June for a 16.5-percent gain over last year. Chief rival BMW posted a 26-percent increase over June 2011 with sales of 27,720 vehicles in the U.S.
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