Chrysler, GM, Nissan, Volkswagen lead industry sales in September 2011

Many U.S. automakers posted big sales gains in September overcoming economic fear and in some cases posted even better than analysts had predicted. Overall market sales were up 10 percent in September.

While some top Japanese automakers, Toyota and Honda sold fewer cars in September, Nissan posted a 28.2 percent gain.

General Motors reported total sales of 207,145 vehicles in September, a 20-percent increase compared with September 2010. Retail deliveries were up 19 percent compared with the same month a year ago.

“For GM, all of the factors that say this is a good time to buy a new vehicle outweigh the bad news that appears to be slowing down the broader economic recovery,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “We’re well positioned going forward because we have momentum and another wave of fuel-efficient passenger cars launching over the next several months at Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac.”

Ford’s September sales were up 9 percent, with strong demand for SUVs and trucks offsetting a 9 percent drop in car sales.

“Ford continues to deliver strong sales results in a dynamic marketplace with a broad portfolio of fuel-efficient, high-quality products,” said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. “This is further proof that Ford is offering the vehicles – with the fuel economy and technologies – that people truly want and value.”

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 127,334, a 27 percent increase when compared with sales in September 2010 (100,077 units), and the best September sales since 2007. Chrysler Group’s 27 percent sales increase was driven by retail sales that were up 50 percent.

Nissan posted September sales of 84,485 units, an increase of 28.2 percent over the 65,900 units sold in September 2010.

Toyota Motor Sales reported September sales of 121,451 units. Sales were down 17.5 percent.

American Honda posted September sales of 89,532 vehicles, a decrease of 8.0 percent.

Volkswagen brand said sales of the new Passat and Jetta helped push its September sales up 36 percent.

Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 52,051 vehicles in September, a 12 percent increase compared with the same period a year ago.

– By: Omar Rana