Another Small Dip for U.S. Car Sales

Car and light truck sales in the U.S. totaled 1.44 million in September, down a mere 6,800 units from the same period in 2015, according to Autodata Corp. Annualized sales slipped to 17.8 million units from 18.1 million.

September demand for traditional domestic brands dropped 3% to 646,800 units. Declines at General Motor (-1% to 249,800 units) and Ford (-8% to 203,400) overcame virtually flat sales at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (189,900 vehicles).

Trucks continued to carry the U.S. market last month. Sales of pickups, vans, crossovers and SUVs climbed 5% to 860,600 units and a 59.9% share. Deliveries of conventional passenger cars sagged 7% to 575,100 units.

Asian carmakers reported a 2% sales gain to 661,500 vehicles in September, enabling them to hike their market share one point to 45.1%, Autodata says. Gainers included Toyota (+2% to 197,300 vehicles), Nissan (+5% to 127,800), Hyundai (+4% to 66,600) and Subaru (+4% to 54,900). September sales declined for Kia (-1% to 49,200 units) Mazda (-3% to 24,900) and Mitsubishi (-5% to 7,200). Deliveries were flat for Honda-Acura (133,700).

European brands were able to maintain their 8.9% market share in September, even though sales dipped 1% to 127,400 units. Sales declined for BMW (-5% to 25,400 units) and Volkswagen (-8% to 24,100). Volume grew for Mercedes-Benz (+4% to 32,500 units) and Audi (+2% to 17,600). Jaguar sales surged to 2,700 units from 1,000 in September 2015.