Certified Sales Continue to Rise

By Jennifer Reed, SubPrime Auto Finance News Editor
March 06, 2007

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DETROIT — Even though Jack Frost was busy dumping large quantities of snow on much of the country in February, Autodata Corp. reported that certified sales maintained their momentum for the month, coming in at 129,461 units, up 3.2 percent from the previous February.

The company noted that both February 2007 and February 2006 had the same number of selling days — 24. When compared to January's results, February's sales were up 1.8 percent, even though the latter month had one less selling day.

In a breakdown of market share, Autodata said domestics grabbed 48.3 percent of the market, down 2.3 percent, while the European share was 14.1 percent, down 1.1 percent. Asian automakers' share was up 3.4 percent, reaching 37.6 percent.

Overall, General Motors reported it sold 42,855 CPO units, up almost 6 percent from the same month last year.

More specifically, GM Certified Used Vehicles moved 37,840 vehicles, up from 35,461 in February 2006. In a breakdown by brand, Buick sold 2,840, compared to 3,191. Chevrolet sold 25,792, up from 23,595. GMC dealers sold 4,166, compared to 3,366. Oldsmobile sold 126 units, compared to 353 and Pontiac moved 4,916, compared to 4,956.

In addition, Hummer sold 102 certified units, compared to 36 last February. Cadillac sold 3,111, up from 3,097. Meanwhile, Saturn sold 1,262, compared to 1,412. Saab sold 540, compared to 504.

"GM Certified Used Vehicles posted another strong month in February, with sales up nearly 7 percent from last February," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, of GM North American sales, service and marketing.

"We have had two excellent months to begin the year and with upcoming program changes in 2007, we're optimistic sales will continue to grow throughout the year," he continued.

DaimlerChrysler also had a strong month, posting overall sales of 10,187, up from 9,310 in the previous February. Executives boasted that their dealers set a new February sales record.

In a breakdown by brand, Chrysler sold 3,273, compared to 3,143. As for Dodge dealers, they sold 4,494 units, compared to 4,318 last February. Jeep moved 2,420 CPO vehicles, compared to 1,849.

As for Ford, its executives reported that the automaker sold a combined 10,070 vehicles, compared to 14,185 last February. By brand, Ford moved 8,599 units, compared to 12,141, and Lincoln/Mercury dealers sold 1,471 vehicles, compared to 2,044.

Dan Crowe, of Honda's certified used vehicle program, reported that "CPO sales were very good this month."

Honda dealers sold 15,238 units, compared to 13,333 in the prior February. Acura sold 3,231 vehicles, compared to 2,575.

Meanwhile, Toyota set a new February sales record with its dealers moving 20,600 for the month, compared to 19,600 in February 2006.

"We achieved a best-ever February sales record," pointed out Norm Olson, of sales operations, with Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. "Our previous best-ever February was February 2002, with 19,654 units sold."

As for Lexus, the luxury brand sold 3,704 CPO units, compared to 3,036 in the previous February.

"Lexus had an amazing CPO sales month in February," explained Marv Ingram, of Lexus sales department. "Our dealers sold 3,704 units, up 22.4 percent over February 2006.

"Current inventory levels are a little concerning, but with the increasing trade-ins from strong new-vehicle sales, plus our scheduled lease maturities, we should have plenty of inventory for March," Ingram added.

Volkswagen sold 2,682 units for the month, compared to 3,005 in the prior February.

Additionally, Audi moved 1,936 vehicles, compared to 1,643 in the same time frame of last year.

Jaguar posted sales of 694, compared to 1,079, while Land Rover had sales of 481, compared to 600.

Mercedes-Benz officials reported sales of 3,910 CPO units, compared to 3,459 in the previous February.

Moreover, BMW sold 5,706 vehicles, compared to 6,364 in the same month of last year.

Finally, Porsche said its dealers sold 454 vehicles, compared to 458 in February last year.

Editor's Note: For a complete list of February's certified sales results, please see the April 1 edition of Auto Remarketing NewsMagazine.

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