U.S. Car Sales Jump 6%

Deliveries of passenger vehicles in the U.S. zoomed to 1.52 million units last month from 1.44 million in September 2016, Autodata Corp. reports.

The surge pushed last month’s annualized sales to a record 18.57 million units from 17.72 a year ago, reversing eight months of year-on-year decline.

It was a strong month for almost all brands, regardless of origin. Analysts credit generous sales incentives and the scramble among consumers to replace roughly 1 million vehicles damaged or destroyed by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Domestic brands posted a 4% gain to 675,000 units in September as strong sales at General Motors (+12% to 279,200 units) and Ford (+9% to 221,600) offset a 10% decline to 170,800 vehicles for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Asian brands hiked their volume 7% to 708,000 cars and light trucks last month. Segment leaders all reported hefty gains, with increases at Toyota (+15% to 26,600 units), Honda (+9% to 142,700) and Nissan (+9% to 139,900).

Sales plunged 14% to 57,000 units for Hyundai, the only Asian brand to lose ground in September. Subaru sales were virtually flat at 55,100 vehicles.

Results for European brands were led by Volkswagen, which posted a spectacular 33% gain to 32,100 cars and crossover vehicles. Europe’s luxury marques reported mixed results for the month. Segment leader Mercedes-Benz saw sales dip 1% to 32,100 vehicles. But BMW grew 1% to 25,600 units, and Audi saw sales climb 10% to 19,300 units.

Trucks continue to outsell cars in the American market. But their share fell slightly below 60% in September from a 2017 record high 62% in July.