Mini maintains its sales domination, Hummer continues its downward spiral
Every month, our intrepid leader over at Autoblog crunches every automaker's U.S. sales figures and dutifully reports how well each brand is doing. This month continues the trend of fuel efficient vehicles recording record sales and closely mimics the trend of gas-guzzlers going down the toilet. The two brands which best seem to mark the turning of the tides, so to speak, are Mini and Hummer. Mini's brand of small, sporty and fun to drive coupe's 5,211 sales represented an increase of 40.5-percent over June of last year. Hummer's downward spiral also continues, as its 2,072 sales represent a 54.2-percent decrease from one year ago.Honda managed to set a monthly record in June by selling a total of 142,539 vehicles -- an impressive 17.9-percent gain -- while its arch rival Toyota sunk 10.3-percent for the month. Part of this contrast in sales can be attributed to the fact that Honda does not offer any full-size trucks or SUVs while Toyota's sales figures are burdened by the huge Tundra pickup and Sequioa SUV. The Prius hybrid sedan, down 25-percent, continues to be plagued by supply issues, though demand for the fuel efficient vehicle remains very high.
[Source: Autoblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nikax 4:00PM (7/02/2008)
"to the fact that Honda does not offer any full-size trucks.."
the Ridgeline isn't a full-size truck????
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why not the LS2LS7? 12:24PM (7/02/2008)
It's not, but it has fuel economy ratings like one.
richard 11:43AM (7/02/2008)
In a period of rising gas price, the company with most fuel-economy offerings will benefit. Honda fits this profile.
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Jimmy 12:15PM (7/02/2008)
Nikax, the Ridgeline is a minivan with a small uncovered cargo area.
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Ookuma 12:19PM (7/02/2008)
Simply put, NO. Unibody, V6, low tow rating compared to the rest of the pack, no 4WD. The Ridgeline isn't full-size.
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why not the LS2LS7? 12:22PM (7/02/2008)
How is selling 5,000 units sales domination?
Big growth, but from a small base. It'd be a lot more accurate to say Honda is dominating.
You explain that Honda doesn't make any full-size trucks or SUVs despite the Ridgeline and Pilot?
Why do you think that Honda's 15/20 mpg (4WD) Pilot is immune to fuel price rises when it only gets slightly better than the Chevy's whipping boy Tahoe (14/19 for 4WD)? And the exact same numbers go for the Ridgeline versus the (V8!) Silverado (again, both 4WD).
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gholland 2:11PM (7/02/2008)
"Part of this contrast in sales can be attributed to the fact that Honda does not offer any full-size trucks or SUVs..."
Pretty much a stupid comment that shows your bias.
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wave54 3:22PM (7/02/2008)
Probably should have been worded that Honda is less reliant on trucks and SUVs, since theirs tanked as well in June. Pilot sales down 21%.
The difference with Honda is that their base is still economical small and mid-size cars that have been top sellers for ages.
Ditto for Hyundai/Kia -- sales way up even with declines for SUVs.
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atomicbri 6:33AM (7/03/2008)
I think it is safe to say that Honda dominated Toyota not because Toyota has more SUVs and trucks for sale (yes their sales are off) But I think Honda males better and more attractive small cars. Take the Fit.... it is a 5 door vehicle that is versatile and fun to drive (for what it is) where Toyota offers the Yaris, a 4 door sedan or a 3 door hatch, that feels miles behind inside than the Honda does. Now for the bread and butter. The Civic is available in all flavors of 2 door, 4 door, or Hybrid 4 door. The Toyota's Corolla is 4 door only and is quite the yawner in terms of style and fun to drive factor. I see why Civic sales are up so much. Honda has good small products.
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Rocketboy 12:43PM (7/03/2008)
It's MINI not Mini. Mini does not exist anymore.
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