Prius and Lexus RXh are the only bright spots.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Oct. 4, 2009
2010 Lexus RX 450h - $42,110 to start, 30 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA gives its owners fuel efficient luxury few other vehicles can match.
Lexus introduced the next generation of its trend-setting hybrid RX 450h luxury utility vehicle for 2010. The all-new RX450h hybrid raises the bar for fuel efficiency and luxury innovation in the premium segment.
Hybrid Powertrain
The 2010 RX 450h includes an updated version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, featuring a 3.5L V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric motors, a smaller and lighter power-control unit and other fuel-saving innovations. It offers up performance similar to V8s with better combined fuel economy than the average four-cylinder compact sedan. With EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) – it earns 16-20 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor.
As a full hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as well as a mode that combines the power of both. Extended electric-mode operation during low-speed or stop-and-go driving conditions helps reduce fuel consumption. Under certain circumstances, a new available driver-selectable EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven short distances using only the electric motors. The RX 450h achieves Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.
Fuel Efficient Non-Hybrids
The “Big 7” fuel efficient non-hybrids October 2009 sales were down 17.7 percent from October 2008. For the year, the fuel efficient non-hybrid group is down a disheartening 25.4 percent.
The Jetta TDI sales breakouts were not entirely disclosed but with over 3,600 sold last month, it would move the yearly percentages in a positive direction more than one may think.
The compact class sales lead was a back and forth battle over the past 6-months appears to have ended. With somewhat paltry Civic sales in Oct., the Corolla appears to be the eventual 2009 sales leader albeit with a large falloff in total sales when compared to 2008.
For October, the Corolla was received by 25,717 new owners, a decrease of 9.4 percent compared to October of 2008. For the year, Corolla sales are off 21.6 percent.
The Civics October 2009 sales were not as vibrant with just 15,868 vehicles sold, a decrease of 17.7 percent vs. October 2008. YTD, Civic sales are off 26.5 percent.
The Honda Fit had a poor month compared to its Toyota rival in the Yaris for Sub-compact sales supremacy. For the month, 3,700 vehicles were sold, a decrease of 44.9 percent vs. October 2008. For the year, sales are off 15.3 percent.
In October, the Yaris had a comeback of sort. With 4,384 vehicles sold, a decline of 13.2 percent vs. October of 2008 was the result. For the year, sales are off 40.9 percent.
The Mini’s panache may have ridden its course as sales were down 20.8 percent to 4,176 vehicles compared to the same period a year ago. For the year, sales are off 14.8 percent.
October sales of the Chevrolet Aveo continue to rack up the same sales declines that we have seen all year other than the August, the C4C month. Sales of 1,459 vehicles were down 53.9 percent vs. Oct. of 2008. For the year, Aveo sales are off 33.8 percent.
The Smart Fortwo’s popularity is gone. Just 616 vehicles were sold in October, down 70.4 percent from the year ago period. For the year, sales are off 35.8 percent and heading in a very negative direction.
October 2009 Fuel Efficient Non-Hybrid Sales Summary
| | | Month to Date | | | Year to Date | |
| Make and Model | Oct. 2009 | Oct. 2008 | DSR* % Change | Oct. 2009 | Oct. 2008 | DSR* % Change |
| Toyota Corolla | 25,717 | 27,386 | -9.4% | 240,755 | 307,071 | -21.6% |
| Honda Civic** | 15,868 | 18,582 | -17.7% | 223,751 | 304,297 | -26.5% |
| Honda Fit | 3,700 | 6,478 | -44.9% | 59,175 | 69,846 | -15.3% |
| Toyota Yaris | 4,384 | 4,871 | -13.2% | 55,169 | 93,366 | -40.9% |
| Mini Cooper | 4,176 | 5,272 | -20.8% | 39,172 | 45,966 | -14.8% |
| Chevrolet Aveo | 1,459 | 3,162 | -53.9% | 32,945 | 49,782 | -33.8% |
| Smart Fortwo | 661 | 2,236 | -70.4% | 13,082 | 20,392 | -35.8% |
DSR*: Daily Selling Rate - There were 28 selling days in Oct. of 09 vs. 27 in Oct. of 2008. YTD, 2009 had 257 selling days as did 2008.
** Honda Civic sales include the HCH-II.
Hybrid’s
Hybrids in October sales again saw the 2010 Prius and Lexus RXh being purchased in volumes above their October 2008 sales achievements. The HS 250h is still gaining traction with its best ever month in just its third month of availability. With sales as low as they are however, it leads many to believe the HS will forever be just an anomaly in the shadows of the Prius and Camry hybrids it is based on.
The “Big 6” excluding the Insight-II, Fusion and HS hybrids September 2009 sales was down 7.7 percent from September 2008. YTD, hybrid sales were down a rather stark 28.1 percent vs. all of 2008 through October.
The Toyota Prius posted sales of 13,496 in October; an increase of 10.3 percent vs. October of 2008. For the year, sales are still off by 16.9 percent YTD by comparison to 2008.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid was received by 1,407 new owners in October, down 51.4 percent from the same period a year ago. More than likely, strong sales of the more capable Fusion Hybrid are taking their toll. YTD, TCH total sales are off 52.8 percent.
The Honda Insight-II sales are still falling well below earlier expectations. In October, 1,739 vehicles were sold, far below that of the initial 7,500 per month projected initially. As the online community both here and elsewhere has spoken, an EX with an MSRP of less than $20K and the vehicle would be a hit. A stripped LX with a starting price above $20K, less size and utility than the Fit... Only $3.00 + gas is going to save this one in the long run.
The Honda Civic Hybrid is all but done as a viable fuel saving candidate. This is the second month in a row when less than 250 vehicles were sold. Sales of 239 vehicles this October revealed yet another large decline of 85.8 percent vs. October of 2008. For the year, sales are down 50.7 percent and heading down much faster than that number suggests. To think the most fuel efficient highway vehicle in the country is being shunned by both Honda and the public is disconcerting.
Ford’s Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrid sales cooled somewhat with 1,333 vehicles sold. 13,935 have been sold YTD.
Similarly, the Ford Escape and Mariner Hybrids were not that well received with just 949 vehicles sold, down 54.2 percent from October of 2008. For the year, sales of 14,363 are off 15.6% vs. Oct. 2008 YTD.
The HiHy is still seeing its sales go from credible to not a player as just 700 vehicles were sold in October. This is down 34.0 percent from the same period a year ago. For 2009 YTD, total sales are off 46.9 percent.
The Lexus RX 450h had another good month by comparison to Oct. 2008 with 1,567 vehicles sold, up 145.7 percent. For 2009 YTD, total sales are off 11.1 percent.
Given the poor uptake of GM Hybrid vehicles, the corporation has decided it is not in their best interest to report their hybrid vehicle sales results.
October 2009 Hybrid Sales Summary
| | | Month to Date | | | Year to Date | |
| Make and Model | Oct. 2009 | Oct. 2008 | DSR* % Change | Oct.2009 | Oct. 2008 | DSR* % Change |
| Toyota Prius | 13,496 | 11,804 | +10.3% | 118,290 | 142,365 | -16.9% |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 1,407 | 2,792 | -51.4% | 19,909 | 42,210 | -52.8% |
| Honda Insight-II | 1,739 | NA | NA | 17, 530 | NA | NA |
| Honda Civic Hybrid | 239 | 1,621 | -85.8% | 14,405 | 29,218 | -50.7% |
| Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrid | 1,333 | NA | NA | 13,935 | NA | NA |
| Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid | 949 | 1,997 | -54.2% | 14,363 | 17,012 | -15.6% |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 700 | 1,022 | -34.0% | 9,335 | 17,594 | -46.9% |
| Lexus RX450h | 1,567 | 615 | +145.7% | 11,656 | 13,113 | -11.1% |
| Lexus HS 250h | 1,527 | NA | NA | 3,312 | NA | NA |
DSR*: Daily Selling Rate - There were 28 selling days in Oct. of 09 vs. 27 in Oct. of 2008. YTD, 2009 had 257 selling days as did 2008.
Big 6 Manufacturers Overall
For the Monthly comparison, sales were mixed.
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