Cadillac SRX, Nissan Rogue and Ford Transit Connect Lead Healthy November Sales
DETROIT – Trucks, crossovers and vans, including the Cadillac SRX, Nissan Rogue and Ford Transit Connect, were snapped up by car shoppers in November, according to the monthly sales report.
Low gas prices and interest rates were credited with the overall strong monthly performance, as shoppers flooded showrooms. Year-end deals and Black Friday promotions contributed to the upbeat consumer mood.
Many automakers reported sales growth despite two fewer selling days in November compared with a year ago.
The crossover craze continues to be one of the major trends of 2015.
“The phenomenal growth of crossovers in a record-setting market is the biggest sales story of 2015,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of sales operations at General Motors, in a statement.
Strong sales of the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain helped to power GM to a modest 2 percent sales increase year over year. The Cadillac SRX recorded a 53-percent increase.
Ford’s U.S. sales rose slightly, with average transaction prices up $3,800, the automaker said.
“We saw strong customer demand for our cars and SUVs with the latest technology and sold a very rich mix in November,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service, in a statement. “F-Series and commercial vans also were very strong, with an 18 percent gain for the month and our best November sales performance for Ford trucks in eight years.”
Transit Connect sales of 4,237 vans reached best-ever November sales, a 94 percent increase, Ford said.
Fiat-Chrysler turned in a 3-percent sales increase in November, with seven of its vehicles setting records. The record-setters are the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey and Ram 1500 pickup truck.
“Low interest rates, oil prices and unemployment, coupled with our strongest product line ever, continues to be a significant driver of FCA sales,” said Reid Bigland, Fiat-Chrysler head of U.S. sales, in a statement.
Nissan also reported a November record, with U.S. sales of 107,083 units, an increase of 4 percent over the prior year.
Sales of the Nissan Rogue crossover set a November record at 22,565, an increase of 50 percent, while sales of the Nissan Murano crossover rose 45 percent.
Hyundai Motor America announced its “best November ever” with 60,007 in total U.S. sales,” up 11.8 percent year over year.
The 2016 Honda Pilot was a stellar performer for American Honda Motor Co. in November, posting a 19 percent increase on sales of 10,975 units. Honda said the Pilot is “on the verge of its best sales year since 2006.”
Overall, Honda reported November sales of 115,441 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 5.2 percent compared to November 2014.
Edmunds says: Automakers and dealers are enjoying strong sales momentum as 2015 draws to a close. Car shoppers can expect ever more holiday deals in the coming days and weeks.
