(October 24, 2009) Through the first nine months of 2009, cars outnumbered light trucks among the 20 best-selling models in the U.S. market, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report.SM  In September 2009 and year to date, 13 of the 20 top-volume models were cars and only seven were trucks, and these included three crossovers (CUVs).

In addition, nearly half of the best-sellers (9) were compacts. A year ago, 12 of the 20 best-sellers were car models and seven were compacts. Toyota continues to maintain the lead this year by producing five of the 20 highest-volume sellers. A year ago, General Motors produced six models that were among the 20 best-sellers.  More top 20 highlights for September and through the first nine months of ’09:

The impact of the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program to trade in gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient models was less evident in September sales results, with a smaller percentage of compact vehicle sales than in August ’09. However, compact deliveries have flourished year to date.

Although the Honda Civic was No. 6 in September, it remained the fifth-best-selling model through the first nine months of ’09. Civic September deliveries fell by 28% from last year. The Hyundai Elantra was the only compact among the 20 volume-sellers to increase sales in September from the same month a year ago. Elantra’s year-over-year deliveries more than doubled.

Midsize conventional car models continued to out pace other sub-segment models on a volume basis. However, the only mid size car model to post higher sales in September vs. last year and year to date was the Ford Fusion. In September, Fusion deliveries were up nearly 5% from a year ago and Fusion sales rose 15% year to date. In addition, Toyota Camry held onto its crown as the best-selling car in America in September and year to date, although it follows the Ford F-Series in both September delivery totals and year-to-date sales. 
 
All three leaders in the compact crossover (CUV) sub-segment were among the top 20 for September and year to date. The Honda CR-V remained No. 7 in September and No. 9 year to date. Through the first 9 months of ’09, the Ford Escape moved up to No. 12 among the top 20 and the Toyota RAV4 was No. 15—RAV4 was a new model in the top 20 this year. The Escape and RAV4 were two of the three models to sell more units in the first 9 months of ’09 than a year ago.

Three major large pickup trucks remained among the best-selling models during September, despite the category’s near-42% decline in September sales from last year and one-third fewer sales on a year-to-date basis.  The F-Series remained in the lead during September and year to date. The Chevrolet Silverado ranked No. 4 in September but was No. 3 through the first 9 months of ’09. The Dodge Ram pickup was No. 8 in September and was among the 10 best-sellers year to date. The Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup was the only other pickup truck to remain in the top 20 in September as well as in the year-to-date rankings.

Three of the 20 highest-volume models achieved more sales in the first 9 months of ’09 vs. ’08. However, the Fusion was the only model in the top 20 to post higher year-to-date sales in both ’09 and ’08. Two other top 20 models, both compact CUVs, reaped slightly higher year-to-date sales increases: the Escape and RAV4.