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April 2014 Sales: SAAR At 16.2 Million, Sales Up 8 Percent

by Derek Kreindler
(IC: employee)
May 1st, 2014 10:04 PM
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With a SAAR of 16.2 million (up from 15.2 million in April, 2013), May was a strong month, with sales up 8 percent.
Mitsubishi and Subaru posted big year-over-year gains (47 percent and 22 percent respectively), while Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Chrysler Group and Mazda all posted solid double-digits gains. Ford and Volkswagen Group were both down one percent.
At the brand level, Volkswagen slid 8 percent while Audi jumped by 19 percent. Chrysler brand, Mini and Scion saw the biggest losses, while Jeep brand posted a 52 percent gain. Full table available at Automotive News. Check back next week for more sales insights.
Published May 1st, 2014 10:04 PM
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Why is that Jeep parked in a no parking zone?
Two observations: 1. Mitsubishi's "47 percent increase" amounted to less than 2,000 vehicles, which is not nearly as impressive. 2. Ford sales appears to be flat, but I wonder if retooling of some plants could be a factor. Also, I'd be curious if the margin-per-vehicle was significantly higher for Ford, given the perceived higher prices of the vehicles.
Do these numbers reflect actual sales to customers from dealers or how much the mfg has sold to dealers? How much does channel stuffing/longer turnover time for inventory play in these numbers? Lastly, as i've commented on here before, VAG needs to pull out VW from the US and use the savings to invest in their other portfolio brands.
To all the Mopar, FCA and Marchionne haters mark down May 6th on the calendar because that's when the battle really begins. Mopar uber alles! BTW, when FCA is listed on the NYSE and most of the company run from Auburns Hills, it's hard to say it's not American, you really are showing you have a axe to grind or a teabag to throw when you throw out that tired meme. BTW, Fiatsler? They have earned the right to be called FCA.