Toyota’s Prius, Corolla and Lexus RXh sales shine amongst mediocrity.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Dec. 12, 2009
2010 Toyota Corolla - $15,350 to start and up to 30 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA.
It has been a while since we highlighted a non-hybrid for the monthly sales figures feature vehicle and in the case of the Corolla, too long. Throughout the first half of the year, the Corolla and Civic were leap frogging each other as each month brought about a new sales lead. The fuel efficient sales battle and in fact the 2009 sales war is all but over with the Corolla currently on top by a large enough margin to declare it this years most fuel efficient sales leader across all of North America.
2010 Corolla at a glance
The 2010 Corolla features two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, a 1.8-liter that was new for 2009 and a 2.4-liter that was re-engineered for the new-generation Corolla. The 2010 Corolla is available in five grades, a Base, LE, SLE, S, and XRS. The Corolla LE, S and XLE are equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 HP at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to help optimize performance and fuel economy. Internal components are optimized to reduce friction, while valve-train components are downsized to provide a compact valve layout.
A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with the 1.8-liter engine; a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) is also available. Its torque converter uses flex lockup for enhanced fuel efficiency. Uphill/downhill shift control selects the proper gear for conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.
Toyota enhanced the safety and value of the Corolla for 2010 by making Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) standard on all of its models. The addition of these two features allow all Corolla models to come standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which also includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The tenth-generation Corolla, now in its 41st year of production since arriving in the United States has long been synonymous with quality and value, earning a distinction as one of the most trusted cars in America.
Worldwide, more than 30 million customers have experienced first hand the Corolla’s lasting value.
Fuel Efficient Non-Hybrids
The “Big 7” fuel efficient non-hybrids November 2009 sales were down 17.5 percent from November 2008. For the year, the fuel efficient non-hybrid group is down a disheartening 24.5 percent.
The individual VW TDI sales breakouts were not disclosed but as a group, the Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf and Touareg TDI’s were purchased by 3,667 new owners last month.
As highlighted above, the Corolla is destined to be the 2009 sales leader. For November, the Corolla was purchased by 21,899 new owners, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to November of 2008. For the year, Corolla sales are off 19.6 percent.
The Civics November 2009 sales were not nearly as lively with just 13,652 vehicles sold, a decrease of 16.1 percent vs. November 2008. YTD, Civic sales are off 25.7 percent.
The Honda Fit had another poor month barely pulling ahead of its smaller Toyota rival, the Yaris for Sub-compact sales supremacy. For the month, 3,5,70 vehicles were sold, a decrease of 21.0 percent vs. November 2008. For the year, sales are off 15.5 percent.
In November, the Yaris had yet another setback with 3,557 vehicles sold, a decline of 14.9 percent vs. November of 2008. For the year, sales are off a whopping 39.6 percent!
The niche bound Mini is either beginning to show its age or those that wanted one have been satisfied as sales have been falling off quickly since summer. In November, sales were down 43.6 percent to just 2,564 vehicles compared to the same period a year ago. For the year, sales are off 17.4 percent.
November sales of the Chevrolet Aveo are still heading south. Sales of 2,212 vehicles were down 27.6 percent from Nov. of 2008. For the year, Aveo sales are off 33.8 percent.
The Smart Fortwo’s sales appear to be leveling off at the absolute bottom with just 649 vehicles sold in November. This is down 65.6 percent from the year ago period. For the year, sales are off 38.4 percent.
November 2009 Fuel Efficient Non-Hybrid Sales Summary
| | | Month to Date | | | Year to Date | |
|
Make and Model | Nov. 2009 | Nov. 2008 | DSR* % Change | Nov. 2009 | Nov. 2008 | DSR* % Change |
|
Toyota Corolla | 21,899 | 21,807 | 9.2% | 262,654 | 328,878 | -19.6% |
|
Honda Civic** | 13,652 | 17,690 | -16.1% | 237,403 | 321,987 | -25.7% |
|
Honda Fit | 3,570 | 4,909 | -21.0% | 62,745 | 74,755 | -15.5% |
|
Toyota Yaris | 3,557 | 4,545 | -14.9% | 58,726 | 97,911 | -39.6% |
|
Mini Cooper | 2,564 | 4,545 | -43.6% | 41,736 | 50,511 | -17.4% |
|
Chevrolet Aveo | 2,212 | 3,321 | -27.6% | 35,157 | 53,103 | -33.8% |
|
Smart Fortwo | 649 | 1,889 | -65.6% | 13,731 | 22,281 | -38.4% |
DSR*: Daily Selling Rate - There were 23 selling days in Nov. of 09 vs. 25 in Nov. of 2008. YTD, 2009 had 280 selling days vs. 282 in 2008.
** Honda Civic sales include the HCH-II.
Hybrid’s
Hybrids in November saw the 2010 Prius and Lexus RXh being purchased in volumes above their November 2008 sales achievements just as they did last month. The HS 250h appears to have settled in a standard low volume numbers in its fourth month of availability. It is not having the sales success that its sister the Sai is having in Japan by any measure.
The “Big 6” excluding the Insight-II, Fusion and HS (they have not yet achieved a complete year of sales) hybrids November 2009 sales were down 3.0 percent vs. November of 2008. YTD, hybrid sales are down a tough 24.5 percent vs. 2008 through November.
The Toyota Prius posted sales of 9,617 in November; an increase of 20.7 percent vs. November of 2008. For the year, sales are off by 14.7 percent by comparison to 2008. Not a good sign considering the brand new third generation was released this past spring.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is still besting its domestic rival in the form of the Fusion Hybrid but just barely. The TCH was purchased by 1,465 new owners in November, down 26.8 percent vs. Nov. 2008. YTD, TCH total sales are off 51.5 percent.
The Honda Insight-II sales are continuing to fall
In November, just 1,403 vehicles were sold. IF somehow Honda can figure out a way to add $2,000 worth of content without raising the price, the Insight make might still have a chance.
As has been the case for now the third month in a row, Honda has all but given up on its Civic Hybrid. Sales of just 243 vehicles show yet another large decline of 74.7 percent vs. November of 2008. For the year, sales are down 51.2 percent. Honda dealers cannot get them and Honda is most certainly not supplying them... At a price the American public is willing to pay anyway
Ford’s Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrid sales appear to have peaked with 1,401 vehicles sold in November. YTD, 15,336 vehicles have been sold.
The Ford Escape and Mariner Hybrids appear to have peaked for the year as well with 960 vehicles sold, down 23.3 percent from November of 2008. For the year, sales of 15,323 are off 16.0% vs. Nov. 2008 YTD.
The HiHy is also being purchased by fewer and fewer customers. If only Toyota would consider the RXh’s 30 mpg - FWD configuration and/or the 2.4L Camry motor? All told, 722 vehicles were purchased in November, down 13.5 percent from the same period a year ago. For 2009 YTD, total sales are off 45.3 percent.
The Lexus division’s only positive result on a non-adjusted sales volume basis was the RX. The RX 450h in particular was up a strong percentage by comparison to Nov. 2008 with 1,210 vehicles sold, up 110.8 percent. For 2009 YTD, total sales are off 5.7 percent and the race is on to break even with 2008 through the end of the year.
GM has discontinued sales reporting of their Hybrid vehicles and probably due to the fact the entire companies sales rarely reached what others manufacturers single make hybrid sold in any given month. Let us hope sales of the Volt to the consumer in late 2011 changes all of that?
November 2009 Hybrid Sales Summary
| | | Month to Date | | | Year to Date | |
|
Make and Model | Nov. 2009 | Nov. 2008 | DSR* % Change | Nov.2009 | Nov. 2008 | DSR* % Change |
|
Toyota Prius | 9,617 | 8,660 | +20.7% | 127,907 | 151,025 | -14.7% |
|
Toyota Camry Hybrid | 1,465 | 2,174 | -26.8% | 21,374 | 44,384 | -51.5% |
|
Honda Insight-II | 1,403 | NA | NA | 18,933 | NA | NA |
|
Honda Civic Hybrid | 243 | 1,043 | -74.7% | 14,648 | 30,261 | -51.2% |
|
Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrid | 1,401 | NA | NA | 15,336 | NA | NA |
|
Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid | 960 | 1,361 | -23.3% | 15,323 | 18,373 | -16.0% |
|
Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 722 | 907 | -13.5% | 10,057 | 18,501 | -45.3% |
|
Lexus RX450h | 1,210 | 624 | +110.8% | 12,866 | 13,737 | -5.7% |
|
Lexus HS 250h | 1,407 | NA | NA | 4,719 | NA | NA |
DSR*: Daily Selling Rate - There were 23 selling days in Nov. of 09 vs. 25 in Nov. of 2008. YTD, 2009 had 280 selling days vs. 282 in 2008.
Big 6 Manufacturers Overall
For the Monthly comparison, automobile sales appear to be finally climbing up off the bottom... Other than Chrysler unfortunately.
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