Asian Brands Slip in American Market

Sales of cars and light-trucks in the U.S. climbed 11% to 1.21 million units in October, according to Autodata Corp. The annualized sales pace climbed to 15.2 million units from 14.2 million year on year.

Sales by traditional domestic brands jumped 16% for General Motors, 14% for Ford and 11% for Chrysler. The surge enabled the Big Three carmakers to capture 46% of the American market, up 1.5 points from a year ago.

Asian makes accounted for 526,800 sales in October, up 9% year on year. But their share declined to 43.6% from 44.4%. Volume was led by Toyota (+9% to 169,000 units), Honda (+7% to 114,500) and Nissan (+14% to 91,000). Hyundai and its Kia affiliate boosted their October sales 7% to 53,600 units and 4% to 39,800 units, respectively.

European brands boosted volume 11% to 125,200 units in October. Their share fell to 10.4% from 11% in October 2012.