(October 2, 2013) A mixed bag of September sales results was released Tuesday with the first monthly decline since May 2011. Ford and Chrysler were the only major automakers in the win column helped by full-size pickup truck sales.

September’s overall sales decline was attributed almost exclusively to fewer selling days than last September, which unlike this year included sales from the Labor Day weekend, a busy sales period. Still, it was the first time in more than two years that U.S. auto industry sales declined on a year-over-year basis.

September sales translated into a seasonally adjusted annualized selling rate of 15.3 million cars and trucks, up from the rate of 14.78 last September but down from 16.09 million in August.

Other automakers with positive results included Subaru, BMW, and Jaguar-Range Rover. General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai-Kia were down when compared to September 2012 sales.

Ford sales totaled 185,146, delivering its best September since 2006 with a 6 percent increase in the U.S., outpacing the industry and marking Ford’s 11th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases.

“The combination of great styling, fuel economy and value delivered another solid monthly result for Ford in September,” said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We’re particularly encouraged by the strength of the Fusion and Fiesta, especially in coastal markets. The F-Series also keeps delivering, with our fifth-straight month surpassing the 60,000-vehicle mark and continuing as America’s best-selling vehicle.”

The Chrysler, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in September compared with the same month a year ago. The Ram Truck brand’s 8 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand during the month. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 42-consecutive months in September.

“Even though industry sales dipped during September, Chrysler Group still managed to eke out a slight sales increase for the month,” said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. Sales. “Our dealers had two less selling days in September compared with a year ago, but they still outperformed the industry and extended our sales streak to 42-consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains.”

General Motors dealers delivered 187,195 vehicles in the United States in September, down 11 percent compared year over year. Retail sales were down 6 percent versus a year ago and fleet sales were down 27 percent. Retail sales were up 2 percent on a selling day-adjusted basis.

“We held our own when it comes to retail market share this month thanks to strong new products, including the Chevrolet Impala, Buick Encore, GMC Sierra and the Cadillac ATS and XTS,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “We expect a strong finish to the year and more growth in 2014 thanks to new products and a healthier economy.”

Toyota reported sales results of 164,457 units, an increase of 4 percent over September 2012 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.  On a raw-volume basis, unadjusted for 23 selling days in September 2013 versus 25 selling days in September 2012, sales decreased 4.3 percent from year-ago month.
 
Toyota Division posted September 2013 sales of 144,935 units, up 4 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis.   Volume-wise, Toyota division sales decreased 4.3 percent over September 2012.
 
"September was a solid month for the auto industry despite two fewer selling days," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Industry fundamentals are strong as interest rates stay low and consumers remain confident."

At Honda, sales at the Honda division slipped 9 percent while Acura volume dropped 19 percent. Demand for Honda's four core models was mixed, with sales of the Civic compact and CR-V crossover rising, but Accord and Odyssey minivan posting a drop in deliveries.

"Even as we catch our breath from all-time record August sales and with two fewer selling days this month, the Honda brand continues on a strong pace for the year," John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda, said in a statement.

U.S. sales declined 12 percent in September at the VW brand. Just two VW nameplates — the Beetle and the Tiguan crossover — sold better than the previous September. Sales of the Jetta and Passat sedans, the brand's best sellers, were down 9 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

Sister brand Audi posted a 6 percent sales increase. The A4 model line returned to its historic position as Audi's best seller with a surprising 29 percent jump in sales, but the Q5 model line also stayed hot with a 45 percent increase. It accounts for 25 percent of Audi's sales this year while the A4 accounts for 24 percent.

Sources: Auto manufacturers, Automotive News, the Detroit News