May Sales Analysis: Subcompact (A/B) And Small Hatchbacks

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

The big surprise in this segment? The fact that Nissan’s Versa has quietly become America’s top choice in the B-segment. All of a sudden we’re anxious to find out what percentage of those sales are of the sub-$10k stripper version. But even if that percentage is high, it wouldn’t mean that this segment sells on price alone. After all, Kia’s Soul is steadily gaining fans despite costing more compared to the competition than Kias usually do. In short, upscale does work… even for budget brands in a budget segment.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • TAP TAP on Jun 04, 2010

    @ Geozinger- My '08 Scion xB holds as much as an Explorer, gets 29mpg, is fun to drive and has never had a single problem. They'll probably deal, too, judging from these numbers.

  • Davey49 Davey49 on Jun 04, 2010

    I think the Versa's big advantage has always been availability. The Mexican plant can churn them out and deliver them to North America almost immediately where as the Asian production of the rest limits choice and available inventory.

  • Marcelo de Vasconcellos Marcelo de Vasconcellos on Jun 05, 2010

    So, who said Americans would never buy a French car? If I'm not totally crazy and forgotten-minded I believe the Versa and the European Clio (new version) sit on the same platform as the Dacia/Renault Logan, albeit in a so called B-variation of said platform. Glad Americans are taking a liking to the French style of cars...

  • GarbageMotorsCo. GarbageMotorsCo. on Jun 07, 2010

    The HHR is built in Mexico isn't it?

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