Detroit Three Automakers Post Strong June Sales Numbers

July 3, 2012
General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all reported a steady rise of U.S. sales year-on-year despite the economy's second-quarter soft spot, with GM's and Chrysler's increases in double digits.

The Big Three U.S. automakers reported strong domestic sales for June, capping a solid first half of the year despite the still-weak economy.

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all reported a steady rise of U.S. sales year-on-year despite the economy's second-quarter soft spot, with GM's and Chrysler's increases in double digits.

General Motors (IW 500/5) reported June U.S. sales of 248,750 vehicles, up 16% from a year ago and the company's highest monthly sales since September 2008. Divisions Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac all reported double-digit increases.

GM scored a 32% increase in Chevrolet Malibu sales and a 21% increase in Buick LaCrosse sales.

"Across the board, June was a strong month for GM," said Kurt McNeil, vice president for U.S. sales operations.

"The combination of new products, available credit, lower fuel prices and modest economic growth was a stronger influence on consumer behavior than economic and political uncertainty."

Chrysler sales improved by 20% as the automaker posted its best June figures in five years -- 144,811 units -- and its second quarter was 24% higher than the same period in 2011.

Jeep-brand sales were up 23%, their best June since 2007, with the Cherokee delivering its best June since 2005.

"Continuous improvement remains a key focus at Chrysler as we have steadily increased sales, improved quality, added production and created jobs," said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales.

Ford Motor (IW 500/6), the only one of the Big Three to survive the 2008 economic crash without a government bailout, reported a more modest 7% year-on-year gain with 207,759 vehicles sold.

Ford Explorer sales were up 35% from last year, and F-Series pickup truck sales were up 11%, topping 50,000 for the best June in five years.

Among other automakers, Nissan North America reported a 28% sales increase for June and Volkswagen of America reported a 34% sales increase for June.

TrueCar.com projected that Japanese rivals Toyota Motor Corp. (IW 1000/5) and Honda Motor Co. (IW 1000/23). would both finish the month with the highest transaction prices in several months.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2012   

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

How to Build Zero-Cost On-Site Solar and Storage Projects

Nov. 25, 2023
The Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits, incentives, and financing that enable no-cost projects. In Enel’s eBook, discover the critical role that incentives play in your...

How Digital Twin Technology is Empowering Manufacturers

Sept. 27, 2023
This FAQ delves into why this technology offers business value and considerations toward implementation.

Food and Beverage 2024 Trends and Outlook for North America

Oct. 29, 2023
Ready to hear what 200 of your peers said are the top challenges and opportunities in 2024? Don’t fall behind. Uncover actionable insights to better prepare for 2024 in this whitepaper...

The Benefits of Continuous Thermal Monitoring

Oct. 17, 2023
Read this eBook to learn more about collecting and using data intelligently to improve performance.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!