The Germans In America: Sales Aufschwung In February
As the earlier post indicated, the Germans are increasing exports while their domestic market swoons. The German Big Four all posted increases in February, as well as YTD. Daimler experienced the least levity, with the Mercedes brand up 5% while Smart continues to smart, down 69%, and 77% YTD. The only bright spot: Smart was at least up substantially in February over last month, but when the total units is 442 for the month, its just not much to crow about. The new E-Class was up a hefty 92%, and the C-Class continues as the biggest volume seller and was up 6%. Mercedes is up a decent 20% YTD.
BMW had a cheerier month, up 14% overall. The BMW brand was up 26%; the Mini only 2%, continuing its laggard ways of late. The X5 shot up 76%, and the new 7 Series is the top dog in its category YTD. Audi and VW follow, but not in sales increases;
The A4/S4 continues as the best seller, and is up 21%. The Q5 jumped 69%. And TDI sales are running a higher percentage than anticipated: 56% of A3 and 40% of Q7 sales are with oil burners behind the big grille.
VW had a similar 33% rise, and is basking in a 37% increase YTD. February is the eighth straight month of sales increases for VW. The fine Tiguan posted a 19% increase, and the GTI is off to a strong start, up 167%. Full chart below:
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So, putting a diesel into the TDI results in better sales and a 56% diesel take rate? Hey, Americans hate diesels and hatchbacks!
We have several Smarts rolling around in my small town neighborhood. The one appealing thing about the car for me is that with it, I could get our Minivan, my motorcycle and the Smart all in our two car garage together and still have some room to move around in there. I have a 10 mile commute to work over surface streets. If the Smart was $8K I'd write a check for one today and relegate my 92 Miata to nice day, weekend duty. I can't imagine why anyone would pay $15K plus for one. There are too many "real" cars in that price range and for most of us in suburban America, there just ain't that much need to parallel park.