Chart Of The Day: Compact Cars In September

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: October 8th, 2011

chart of the day compact cars in september

Thought the Midsized segment was heating up in September? A mere 633 units separate the Cruze and Corolla in their battle to become the best-selling Compact in America for 2011. And the way Elantra and Jetta are moving up the chart, this segment could could get a lot more interesting by the end of the year. In fact, the Focus’s weak performance this month makes it vulnerable to the Jetta in the Year-to-Date sweepstakes, despite appearing to be a strong entry in the segment. Back in July it was reported that Focus production was being slowed due to problems with a supplier of dashboard skins. At the time, a Ford dealer told the Associated Press

I know they’re working 24/7 trying to address whatever component issues they have. It’s a high-visibility issue with Ford Motor Co., and senior management is very concerned and very involved.

So, is there still a supply problem, or is the Focus just not selling? A quick look at inventory data shows that Focus started September with a 33 days supply and ended with a 74-day supply, which implies that any supply problems were solved last month. Going forward, the Focus should find its sales stride… or it will become another scalp on the Jetta’s belt.

#ChartOfTheDay #Compact #NewCars #Sales

Edward Niedermeyer

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6 of 56 comments

SCE to AUX on Oct 10, 2011

I can't believe the Jetta's that high and the Impreza's that low.

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- Gottacook on Oct 10, 2011
  
  Could be that most people interested in an Impreza have heard about (or even seen photos of) the new-for-2012 redesign and have decided to wait for it. I have to credit Subaru with a quick turnaround, giving the current Impreza only 4 years (although evidently the WRX/STi will continue on the current body) - it seems like it's been many years since a Japanese car generation was that brief.
  
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- Patrickj on Oct 10, 2011
  
  @Gottacook Subaru better turn their redesigns around quickly right now. They may be the automaker most endangered by CAFE rules and market interest in fuel economy. I'm in the early stages of shopping for a commuter car, and plan to drive the new Impreza when it comes out. I'm not all that optimistic about having enough legroom in it, though.
  
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- 30-mile fetch on Oct 13, 2011
  
  "I can’t believe the Jetta’s that high and the Impreza’s that low" Well, let's see. A cheapo interior that falls shy of the Jetta despite it's decontenting, and has less interior space. Mandatory AWD that both drives up the MSRP and helps keep fuel economy in the basement, well below most midsizers. I can see why the Jetta has greater appeal for more people.
  
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Kevin Kluttz on Oct 10, 2011

I just can't understand why anyone still would buy a GM car. Reputation, anyone? Short memories? "Buy 'Murrican" parents erroneously telling their children that they must buy GM? Bunch of crazy idiots out there.

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- Eldard on Oct 13, 2011
  
  GM folks are still quite okay, though. As for Chrysler folks, now that's a group that really needs help.
  
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