OEMs Had Mixed May New-Vehicle Sales Performances

As a domestic nameplate enjoyed its best May in three years, foreign brands slid down somewhat as overall new-vehicle sales softened a bit.

Based on tallies from AutoData Corp. cited in a report from the American International Automobile Dealers Association, May sales actually finished down 3.7 percent from the same month last year. The sales performance also marked an 8.3-percent softening from April.

AutoData estimated the seasonally adjusted annual rate for light vehicle sales in May to be at 11.8 million units, up from 11.64 million units in May 2010.

AutoData also said year-to-date sales also are 14 percent higher.

Officials added that the average transaction price among all automakers rose 2.1 percent in May to hit an all-time high of $29,817.

Chrysler Enjoys Best May Since 2008

Chrysler Group determined that it sold 115,363 units in May, a 10-percent increase compared with sales in May of last year when the automaker moved 104,819 units. The OEM said it was also the best May sales since 2008.

Chrysler believes its all-new or significantly-refreshed 2011 models continue to drive monthly sales gains.

Officials said the new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Jeep Compass and the new 2012 Fiat 500 all significantly contributed to the automaker’s 10-percent sales increase in May.

The OEM determined that sales of the Chrysler 200 were up 154 percent in May, compared to the model’s previous generation. The company went on to mention all Jeep brand models posted year-over-year sales gains in May, led by the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 192-percent sales increase.

Chrysler added that it finished the month with a 65-day supply of inventory (311,453 units).

“Chrysler Group just posted its 14th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, confirmation that our 2011 models continue to resonate with consumers,” highlighted Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer of Ram Truck Brand and lead executive for U.S. Sales.

“Our retail sales were up 27 percent in May, driven in large part by our new models. Ram pickup trucks and all of our Jeep brand models posted sales increases in May, despite high, fluctuating gas prices,” Diaz added.

Chevrolet Celebrates Cruze Success

For the first time in five years, an American vehicle is the best-selling compact car in the United States, according to General Motors.

Chevrolet recorded 22,711 sales of its Cruze, pushing the model to the top of the segment in May. The brand’s compact model also achieved its second consecutive appearance on the Top 10 across all U.S. auto segments.

The Cruze also has helped Chevrolet gain share in the compact segment, which represented 16 percent of total U.S. sales in May, according to GM. The performance also accelerated the brand’s shift to fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines.

In May, fuel-efficient, four-cylinder vehicles – including Cruze, Equinox and Malibu – accounted for 51 percent of Chevrolet retail sales. That is up from 36 percent in May a year ago, and doubles the rate of four-cylinder sales five years ago.