ALEXANDRIA, Va. –

Import automakers saw year-over-year lift in new-vehicle sales during September as they remain on a “gradual” and “steady” uptick, according to the American International Automobile Dealers Association.

Sharing figures from Autodata Corp., AIADA noted that import brands moved 525,483 units in September, a year-over-year gain of 25.4 percent. Through nine months of the year, import dealers have moved roughly 4.73 million units, a 7.9-percent improvement.

“International brands are continuing to see gradual, but steady growth in the U.S.,” stated Cody Lusk, the president of AIADA.

“Our dealers are running their businesses one day at a time,” Lusk added. “The incremental gains they are seeing should ultimately result in a sustainable recovery and a healthy, productive industry.”

Looking at the leaders of the international crowd, Hyundai saw a 47.7-percent year-over-year uptick in unit sales for September, as did Acura.
Subaru saw a gain of 46.9 percent and Kia was ahead of last year’s numbers by 39.1 percent.

As far as market share, Asian brands commanded 46.1 percent and Europeans were at 8.7 percent.

Their domestic rivals claimed 45.2 percent of the market.

In August, 46.9 percent was held by Asian brands, while European brands took an 8.8-percent share. The Big 3 commanded a 44.3-percent share.