U.S. Car Sales Volume Stalls

Carmakers delivered nearly 1.15 million vehicles last month, about 3,100 units short of their combined volume in January 2015, according to Autodata Corp. One reason: There were two fewer selling days in January this year. 

But the statistical service says the annualized sales rate for the month jumped to 17.6 million from 16.7 million last year.

January sales by traditional domestic makes gained 2% to 530,800 units, aided by continuing strong demand for trucks and SUVs. Overall truck deliveries rose 7% to 661,800 pickups, vans and SUVs. Car sales for the month fell 8% to 486,200 units.

Deliveries by General Motors advanced only 1,000 units to 203,700 vehicles in January. Ford’s sales declined 3% to 172,500. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles posted an 8% gain to 152,400 units for its American brands.

Asian-based carmakers saw their January sales in the U.S. slide 2% to 517,900 units last month, largely because of a 5% drop to 161,300 vehicles by segment leader Toyota. Nissan sales rose 2% to 105,700 units, but Honda fell 2% to 100,500.

Subaru advanced 1% to a January record of 41,100 units last month. Hyundai gained 1% to 45,000 vehicles, and affiliate Kia was flat at 38,300. Mazda’s sales dropped 3% to 19,700 units.

U.S. demand for European brands in January shrank 3% to 99,400 units, led by a 15% drop to 20,100 vehicles for Volkswagen. Mercedes climbed 2% to a January record of 26,600 units. Rival BMW saw sales fall 5% to 18,100.