Sept. 1, 2015—August sales reports are rolling in for automakers with Fiat Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all showing strong sales numbers, despite Labor Day weekend falling in September this year.
FCA reported its best August sales since 2002, with a sales increase of 2 percent. The Jeep and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in August compared with August 2014. The Jeep brand’s 18 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month. This extends FCA’s streak of year-over-year sales gains to 65 consecutive months. FCA finished the month of August with a 74-day supply of inventory (571,290 units).
U.S. industry sales figures for August are projected at an estimated 17.8 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).
Ford Motor Company delivered its best August U.S. sales in nine years. Sales totaled 234,237 vehicles, a 5 percent increase. The F-Series delivered its best August sales results since 2006, with total sales of 71,332—a 5 percent increase from a year ago. Sales of the F-150 EcoBoost are also growing. Van sales continued to gain in August with 18,081 vehicles sold, a 70 percent increase, making it Ford’s best August van performance since 1994. Ford’s newest SUVs also saw gains, with Edge and Explorer up 36 percent and 22 percent. Mustang sales increased 7 percent compared to a year ago, and Lincoln sales increased 6 percent. The new Navigator posted a 79 percent increase and Lincoln MKC sales increased 37 percent.
GM posts the industry’s largest retail sales on double-digit gains in pickup and crossover sales. The Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 270,480 vehicles in August. Retail deliveries climbed 6 percent compared with a year ago. GM had the largest retail sales increase and gained more than 1 percentage point of retail market share year over year, based on J.D. Power PIN estimates. The estimated SAAR for light vehicles in August was 17.5 million units, the fourth month in a row above 17 million units.
