GM, Ford, Chrysler post double-digit increase for Nov. sales, Toyota declines

From L to R: Alan Mulally, Sergio Marchionne, Dan Akerson

The American auto industry seems to be making a strong comeback as the positive momentum in October is continuing with double-digit U.S. sales increases in November.

General Motors reported 168,704 total sales in November, a 21-percent increase from the prior year for the company’s four brands.

“The gains were the result of balanced contributions from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac cars, crossovers and trucks,” GM said in a statement. “With sales for GM’s four brands up 22 percent through November, GM is on track to gain market share for the year.”

“Each brand came to the party in November,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “These results show that our brands continue to gain momentum with consumers who want stylish, fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Across town, Dearborn automaker Ford reported a November sales increase of 24 percent versus a year ago, with 147,338 units sold.

“With our strongest-ever line of products, we’re pleased to see more signs the economy is growing and the demand for new vehicles is increasing,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford’s broad range of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles is driving one of our best years ever and positioning Ford to deliver improved results in the future.”

Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 74,152, a 17 percent increase compared with sales in November 2009. For Chrysler, November represents the 8th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases.

“We are pleased with the sales momentum that has been building this year, and elated now that we are showing off the vehicles that we’ve been talking about,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Our all-new and significantly-refreshed vehicles were well-received during the Los Angeles Auto Show preview and by media at our driving event in San Francisco in November.”

Hyundai Group, including Kia, said November sales rose 46 percent. Nissan reported a 27 percent gain in sales. Toyota reported a 3.2 percent decline in sales versus a year ago.

– By: Omar Rana