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May Sales Analysis: Subcompact (A/B) And Small Hatchbacks
by
Edward Niedermeyer
(IC: employee)
Published: June 4th, 2010
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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
More by Edward Niedermeyer
Published June 4th, 2010 1:26 PM
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@ 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.
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.
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...
The HHR is built in Mexico isn't it?