Most OEMs provided at least one significant product worth far more than the release it was introduced with. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – December 31, 2019 Despite an industry whose sales continue to soften, a rash of new more efficient products have reached or will soon be reaching dealership showrooms offering efficiency that could only be dreamed of just a decade ago. Today, that dream is a reality along with vastly improved safety, interiors that make you feel like a King or Queen, and infotainment choices with an almost infinite number of audio selections controlled by your own voice while keeping your eyes on the road. 2020 Chevrolet Silverado A breakthrough Duramax I6 Turbo Diesel resides under the hood. GM -- The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the all-new 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque 3.0L I6 Duramax turbo-diesel mated to an all-new 10-speed AT is EPA rated at 23/33 mpg city/highway in RWD configuration. Within the all-aluminum block are iron cylinder liners, a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods and blended silicon/aluminum pistons for greater heat resistance and reduced expansion. A large light duty pickup that offers a city/highway result that some performance compacts cannot even match is truly a welcome addition to the automotive landscape. 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax Turbo Diesel – A Record Setting 33 mpg Highway Rating! -- "Another hyper efficient pickup truck turbo diesel enters the fray!" Ford -- As the #2 seller of cars and trucks in the U.S., Ford has made some great moves in 2019 but it could be a while before they payoff. To begin, the 27/29 mpg city/highway rated RWD 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid with a 318 system hp and 322 lb-ft of torque 3.3L V6 mated to a 10-speed AT but with a 44 HP motor mated to via clutch between the engine and the transmission. Driving the 23/26 mpg city/highway rated 4WD variant across the country provided an excellent measured 33.9 mpg. 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Drivetrain The 2020 Ford Motor Company Explorer reveal... -- "The hybrid is coming!" Another all-new arrival that is even more efficient comes in the form of the all-new 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. 2020 Ford Escape PHEV The all-new compact SUV with a 198 combined HP from its 2.5L I4 mated to an electronic CVT provides an amazing 44/37 mpg city/highway rating in FWD configuration. Yes, that is truly a noteworthy compact SUV! But that is not all, there is a PHEV variant with at least 30-miles of all-electric range due to reach dealership showrooms sometime this spring. Ford’s All-new 2020 Escape Hybrid – Welcome Back! -- "The most anticipated Ford launch in a good long time!" And while not offered in 2019, Ford’s biggest splash of the year occurred at the 2019 LA Auto Show where the ground shaking Mustang Mach-E BEV was revealed. The long range RWD variant is said to offer owners an EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles and charge on a 150 kW SAE CCS DC Charger for short stops on long distance drives. Finally, someone says they will compete and they are doing it with an iconic nameplate with historical significance. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E A Tesla Killer Enters the Fray – It is Called Mustang Mach-E --"A 98.8 kWh traction battery provides 300+ miles of all-electric goodness." Toyota -- What was Toyota’s contribution to the automobile universe in 2019? Two things really. Toyota has finally and I should say begrudgingly come around to including Android Auto in many of its high-volume sellers. For the 2020 MY, the Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid were the first to be equipped with std. Android Auto and it is about time! Following on the heels of the RAV4, the Camry, Avalon, and ES are also now equipped with the same as it the upcoming 2020 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid and RX/RXh Hybrid. The 2020 Toyota Prius lineup and Corolla were unfortunately left in the rear view when it comes to this almost necessary feature. 2020 Toyota Hybrid Lineup While at a Toyota event in Greensboro, NC, Toyota introduced its new for all 2020 MY Hybrids, 8-year/100k mile warranty covering the following: Hybrid Battery Control Module (battery voltage sensor) Hybrid Control Module (power management control module) Inverter with Converter New Hybrid Battery Warranty is 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first Toyota’s Electrified Past, Present and Future --"In the auto business, patience is more than just a virtue." 2020 Toyota RAV4 Receives Android Auto! --"Toyota's first is the current 2020 RAV4 Hybrid. Upcoming 2020 Highlander Hybrid and 2020 Lexus RXh are not far behind. " FCA, I mean RAM/Jeep -- For the 2020 MY, RAM and Jeep both introduced their latest gen EcoDiesel into their RAM 1500 light duty pickup and Jeep’s Wrangler <-- a true surprise. 2020 RAM 1500 An honest to goodness 3.0L EcoDiesel under the hood! Following on the superlative experiences with the first gen 3.0L EcoDiesel over the previous 5 years, RAM announced that its more powerful and vastly reengineered 260 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque super diesel will provide new owners with an eye opening towing cap of 12,560 pounds, a 22/32 mpg city/highway rating, and over 1,000-miles range as a 4X2! As a 4WD, owners will receive a 21/29 mpg city/highway rated full size pickup. We are talking about full size pickup truck here, not a midsize and compact CUV or compact pickup. The 3.0L EcoDiesel incorporates a standard dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) w/ 4 valves per cylinder and a 60-degree cylinder ban angle. The block is cast with compacted graphite iron (CGI), which provides strength to dampen vibrations, but weighs less than cast iron. A compacted graphite iron bedplate adds rigidity to the block. Inside, a standard forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods increase strength and durability. The aluminum alloy pistons are cooled on the underside via oil jets. Heat-treated aluminum cylinder heads use individual bearing caps to reduce friction and minimize NVH. The chain-driven overhead camshafts employ roller-finger followers. 2020 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel – 32 mpg Highway! -- "One of America’s favorite trucks receives a major drivetrain upgrade!" And on the Jeep side of the two-manufacturer powerhouse came an unexpected hyper efficient entry in the form of the Wrangler receiving the same 3.0L EcoDiesel. Combined with its iconic and well-deserved off-road heritage, this thing literally shakes the community to its core with off-the-lot stump pulling torque plus all the fittings that make the Wrangler the ultimate rock crawler including lockers and disconnecting stabilizer bars, plus an ultra low low that you can walk faster than it will idle down the road in. 2020 Jeep Wrangler It has always been a hell of an off-road ride. Now it is a hell of an efficient off-road ride. Holy $*%!, 45 MPG From The 2020 Jeep Wrangler? It’s Called “EcoDiesel” -- "The 442 lb-ft. of torque will make a rock crawling beginner into an intermediate right off the lot." Honda -- It was a slow year in terms of releases but there was one from the LA Auto Show that will prove to be a hit in the very near future. That being Honda has finally decided to place its award winning two-motor Accord Hybrid drivetrain into Honda’s best-selling and highly acclaimed CR-V. The 2020 CR-V Hybrid launches this coming spring and is anticipated to achieve a 42 mpgUS city rating, some 50 percent higher than the city rating of the non-hybrid CR-V with the award winning 1.5L turbo! It will also include an 8-year and possibly 100k mile traction battery warranty similar to that provided on the Accord and Insight HEV. Like the standard 2020 Honda CR-V, the CR-V Hybrid will arrive with the full line of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assist technology standard. Missing is Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the base trim of the non-hybrid and I expect the same for the Hybrid. There are no proximity sensors front or rear on any trim. The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid will be built in Honda's Greensburg, Indiana plant, and joins the Accord Hybrid and Insight as the third electrified Honda manufactured in America. 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid LA Auto Show Preview: All-New 2020 Honda CR-V AWD Hybrid - "Safety for Everyone" -- "The all-new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid makes its public debut as the latest vehicle in Honda’s electrified initiative." Nissan -- If there was a tough luck story in the auto industry, Nissan would be it. Instead of reliving the negative details, let us consider its one shiny object on the hill. Namely what I consider to be the best Compact sedan soon to be available. It is called Sentra and in SV trim with the Premium pkg., is a vehicle to be admired. The 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque 2.0L I4 mated to a wide ratio CVT provides a very average 29/39 mpg city/highway rating. Where it excels is the interior appointments for a price the rest of the segment cannot come close to touching. Before sitting in the quilted leather seats, notice the perforated leather thigh bolsters and contrasting leather color edges with dual contrasting stitching. With the beige seats, the contrast plus quality look and feel simple are unmatched in this segment. Now that you are in those seats, they feel made for someone of my stature. Supportive without impinging into my lower or upper back, or along my thighs. Breaking the 106.3” wheelbase with an additional .5” over its rivals, the Sentra offers 1.5” more front seat legroom than its predecessor. In other words, if you are 6’3” tall, you can still find a comfortable seating position vs let us say the Toyota offering… The soft yet thick feel of the D-Shaped leather wrapped wheel is like a worn leather glove that just fits and the wheel control switches do not flop around in their housing and are tactile. 2020 Nissan Sentra SV with the Premium Pkg. New sound deadening treatments in the floor, windows and doors make it a more relaxing experience than its predecessor. Especially when the previous gen was wound up to get it to move. Moving your hands around the rest of the interior, you feel a lot of soft touch high quality material. From the inserts and double stitched armrests to the dash with the same including a faux carbon fiber like trim around the instrument hood edge is a step above what I am used to in this segment. More along the lines of an Infiniti or Lexus than any Nissan I have ever been in. The satin aluminum door handles, window lift control edges, and shift level surrounds is again something to behold and it simply looks and feels right. To your left and far right are angled standard vents while front and center, Mercedes-Benz or as Nissan would say, GT-R inspired round vents stand out. This all culminates with a floating 8” central display with Android Auto and Apple Car Play that integrates very well into the overall interior design. The only misstep I found is a foot operated parking brake placement which feels like a throwback to the 80s. The Sentra offers a better than Infiniti/Acura/Lexus interior and appointments for half the price. AND while not quite available, the short lead was held earlier this month and by the end of next month, another true competitor will enter the hotly contested compact segment. The All-new 2020 Nissan Sentra Achieves Greatness with Style and Grace -- "On the strength of its beautiful and quiet interior, chiseled exterior, excellent value, and a 360 degree safety approach, Sentra has become the best main stream compact available today." Hyundai -- Although the hard charging “Flying H” brand was busy filling out its Crossover lineup from the smallest B-segment Venue onto the largest 7-passenger Palisade, there were some developments on the electrification front that proved to be worthy of our time and effort. Namely the Kona Electric. The Kona Electric was originally introduced in late 2018 as a 2019 MY offering but did not actually arrive until January of 2019 making it a great addition to the U.S. Hyundai lineup. Its real claim to fame however is not that it is an all-electric since the Ioniq has been available as an all-electric for years but that it carries a much larger 64 kWh Li-Ion traction battery providing an EPA rated 258 all-electric range miles. Not quite a Tesla competitor but a decent long-range drivetrain in an award-winning compact CUV platform shows where Hyundai is headed in the not too distant future. 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric If only they could have incorporated an 85 kWh pack, 300+ miles was all but guaranteed. The Kona Electric powertrain employs an efficient 150 kW (201 hp and 291 lb-ft. of torque from a standstill) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a < 1,000 lb., liquid cooled, 356V, 64 kWh Li-Ion battery. Motor power powers the front wheel through a 7.981 reduction gear. The inverter has a power density of 25.4 kVA/L. The Kona Electric utilizes a 7.2 kW Level-II on-board charging system and a Level-III SAE CCS 100 kW quick charger port that can bring the Kona Electric to 80 percent charge from flat in just 54 minutes. The Level-II charger at the rated 7.2 kWs takes 9 hrs. and 35 min. to reach the same 80 percent SoC from flat. 2019 Hyundai Kona BEV Preview -- "Compact Electric CUV with 238 miles of all-electric range." I would be remiss if the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco, 20-month, 156,252-mile Total Cost of Ownership study results were not mentioned. Purchased new for $13,808 and sold for $3,500 -- Depreciation: $10,308 TTL and Reg for 2-years: $2,150 Financing: $0 Insurance: $1,451 Fuel cost: $10,235.45 OCs: $536 (2) sets of tires: $586 (1) set of front brakes: $282 Misc. bulbs, wipers, fluids: $182 $25,730/156,252 miles = $0.165/mile. 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco Parked at the San Diego Harbor on a beautifully calm night, and well over 100k miles on the odometer. 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco Rideshare TCO Study -- "Too many hours but the results proved the 6th gen Elantra’s worth." Tesla -- An always controversial discussion but one that has solidified itself into the future of the automobile and the lexicon that surrounds it. How many times have we heard Tesla is bleeding cash, they will not make it through the year, they are going to go bankrupt? Well, something happened earlier this year that changed the landscape to the detriment of its competitors worldwide. Namely, they turned the corner on profitability all the while continuing to build out their own high-speed DC Charging “Supercharger” network. In fact, at many locations, they have upped the power with version 3 chargers to 250 kW providing an even faster charge for those on the road in need of “energy” to continue on their way to Grandmothers house. The Cybertruck may have stolen everybody’s thunder and lightning, it was the profit turn and Model Y preview that will move the company and its products forward. In late October of this year, Tesla reported a surprising Q3 earnings per share profit of $1.86 vs the Streets consensus of a $0.42/share loss! Revenues of $6.3 billion were down slightly from the $6.33 billion expected. By all appearances, Tesla has finally turned the corner on sustained profitability with the Fremont Factory punching out Model 3s as fast as demand requires and they continue to make money while expanding vehicle services. The eye opener imho is Tesla’s automotive gross margins rose to 22.8% in the Q3, up from Q2s 18.9%. OEMs achieving even 8 percent is noteworthy so all of those expensive Model S’, X, and 3s are making the company $s. Where Tesla is spending those dollars is on the new China Factory where Li-Ion Cells and the vehicles themselves will be produced under the same roof, limited production of the Tesla Semi in 2020, a European factory scheduled for 2021 opening, and its continuous roll out of upgraded and more chargers within the brands Super Charging network. Super Charger V3 upgrade to 250 kW can charge a Model 3 Long Range at over 1,000 miles per hour between 10 and 60 percent SoC! 2021 Tesla Model Y A compact CUV built upon the Model3s underpinnings should provide big profits for the unstoppable force called Tesla. All the while Tesla continues to focus on sustainable transportation with sustainable home and business energy production, sustainable energy consumption, and Electric Cars meeting our transportation needs… Tesla Model Y Preview and (TSLA) Q3 2019 Earnings Up Significantly! -- "An unexpectedly profitable quarter boosts the stock. Going forward, the upcoming Model Y should sell more than the S, X, and Model 3 combined!"
Hi All: And what about 2019 U.S. Auto Sales? Well, let's get after those too! 2019 vs 2018 U.S. Auto Sales -- 2019 U.S. Auto Sales reached 17.05 million, down 1.6 percent from the 17.32 million sold in 2018. Of all the OEMs, Nissan's 2019 sales took the largest hit in terms of market share decline. Wayne
Hi All: Individual OEM 2019 U.S. Auto Sales Results GM sold 2,887,046 vehicles in 2019, down 2.3 percent from the 2,954,037 vehicles sold in 2018. Ford sold 2,422,698 vehicles in 2019, down 3.0 percent from the 2,497,318 vehicles sold in 2018. Toyota sold 2,383,349 vehicles in 2019, down 1.8 percent from the 2,426,673 vehicles sold in 2018. FCA sold 2,203,663 vehicles in 2019, down 1.4 percent from the 2,235,204 vehicles sold in 2018. Honda sold 1,608,170 vehicles in 2019, up 0.2 percent over the 1,604,828 vehicles sold in 2018. Nissan sold 1,345,681 vehicles in 2019, down 9.9 percent from the 1,493,877 vehicles sold in 2018. Subaru sold 700,117 vehicles in 2019, up 2.9 percent over the 680,135 vehicles sold in 2018. Hyundai sold 688,771 vehicles in 2019, up 3.2 percent over the 667,634 vehicles sold in 2018. Kia sold 615,338 vehicles in 2019, up 4.4 percent over the 589,673 vehicles sold in 2018. VW sold 363,322 vehicles in 2019, up 2.6 percent over the 354,064 vehicles sold in 2018. BMW/Mini sold 360,918 vehicles in 2019, up 1.8 percent over the 354,698 vehicles sold in 2018. Mercedes sold 357,729 vehicles in 2019, up 1.0 percent over the 354,137 vehicles sold in 2018. Mazda sold 278,552 vehicles in 2019, down 7.2 percent from the 300,325 vehicles sold in 2018. Audi sold 224,111 vehicles in 2019, up 0.4 percent over the 223,323 vehicles sold in 2018. Tesla sold ~ 192,250 vehicles in 2019, up 0.3 percent over the 191,627 vehicles sold in 2018. Jaguar/Land Rover sold 125,787 vehicles in 2019, up 2.6 percent over the 122,626 vehicles sold in 2018. Mitsubishi sold 121,046 vehicles in 2019, up 2.5 percent over the 118,074 vehicles sold in 2018. Volvo sold 108,234 vehicles in 2019, up 10.1 percent over the 98,263 vehicles sold in 2018. Porsche sold 61,568 vehicles in 2019, up 7.6 percent over the 57,202 vehicles sold in 2018. 2019 U.S. Auto Sales of 17,048,350 were down 1.6 percent below the 17,323,718 vehicles sold in 2018. The big winners in 2017 were Porsche and Kia, up 7.6 and 4.4 percent respectively. The losers were Nissan and Mazda, down 7.2 and 9.9 percent respectively. Moving deeper into 2020, if Tesla can launch its Model Y by summer, I suspect we will see Tesla outsell Audi with Mazda also being toppled not out of the question. Wayne
Hi All: And the Top 10 U.S. Automotive Sales Leaders for 2019 looks like this. Items of note: RAM Pickup sales continue to move onward and upward at a very fast clip. Mostly at the expense of the Silverado while solidly taking over 2nd place within the Top 10 Sales chart. The Chevrolet Equinox is also making noise with a sub Top 10 finish in 2017 to now placing #7 as the Camry, Corolla, and Civic slowly fade. Wayne
Hi All: While the U.S. automotive landscape is not falling apart as evidenced by the LD Vehicle Sales graph from 2004 - 2019, the last 5 years trend appears to be heading south albeit at a gradual decline. Wayne
Commentary: Keep hearing, since the recession (depression for millions), the main portion of the recovery, has poured wealth into the hands of the fewer rich & only very belatedly, have lower classes shown signs of cushioning wealth gains. I'm sure there are other causes, but blunted new vehicle sales in a "bloated stock market' must show the truth of "class suppression".
Hi Litesong: While I am working on the individual OEMs Dec sales results, I just received Hyundai's alternative fuel vehicle sales a few minutes ago, the stock market growing at 20 to 30 percent and the underlying economy is essentially not growing has me deeply concerned. The Corporate and Wealthy tax breaks went into buying stock back and not producing anything extra? Money chasing money for money's sake is not a good thing. Wayne
Hi All: In 2019, GM had a tough go of it but it was not unexpected. They discontinued most of their car line so the more profitable Pickup and SUV lineup was taking its place. In other words, GM was not losing money while volume was shrinking. 2019 was also the year when six sedans were removed from production including the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6 and XTS, Chevrolet Cruze, Impala, and Volt as customer demand moved towards SUVs/CUVs and trucks. In detail, GM achieved its best year in history for crossovers, achieving yearly records in the compact, small and small luxury segments. Crossover deliveries totaled 1,165,769 for the year, up 12.7 percent versus 2018. The Chevrolet Traverse and GM’s best-selling crossover, the Chevrolet Equinox, both continued to grow, achieving their best-ever sales in 2019. The all-new Chevrolet Blazer mid-size SUV debuted in 2019 and gained retail market share nearly every month. Continuing this momentum, the Chevrolet Trailblazer small SUV will arrive in showrooms this Spring. Combined sales of the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra were strong, totaling 802,962 pickups in 2019. GM Fleet Sales GM’s fleet mix was 19.7 percent in the fourth quarter and 21.8 percent for the year. Commercial and government deliveries made up more than half the company’s fleet sales, as planned, for the third year in a row. Overall fleet sales for the year were up, driven by commercial and government sales, in spite of the 40-day UAW work stoppage. This entire paragraph is wrought full of lower residuals for customers of those vehicles sold through fleet. Unless fleet pricing is closing in on retail, this is not the direction GM should be going. 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Midnight Edition Wayne
In essence, General Motors also removed me from ever being a GM customer. Never liked pick-ups or SUVs. The only GM vehicle I really liked was the Cruze. I thot the Chevy Bolt was kinda OK, when introduced, but its been passed by several EVs, now. Bye, GM. You didn't want me & now.....vice versa.
Hi All: With Ford, the bread, butter, and plastic wrap is trucks. In 2019, Trucks again made the iconic brand whole as the Fiesta, Fusion, Taurus and non-hatch Focus production is being drastically reduced in preps for 2022 when they will be discontinued altogether. Only the Mustang is scheduled to continue despite its own slowly declining sales results. Ford F-Series achieved its 43rd straight year as America’s best-selling pickup despite sales off 1.4 percent for the year. Combined sales of F-Series and Ranger totaled 986,097 vehicles, up 8.4 percent. The Ranger was re-introduced to the U.S. market in 2019. 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Wayne
Hi All: Toyota reported December 2019 sales of 207,373 vehicles, down 6.1 percent on a volume basis vs December of 2018. For the year, Toyota reported sales of 2,383,349 vehicles, down 1.8 percent from the 2,426,673 sold through the same period of 2018. Toyota RAV4 sales achieved its best year in history during 2019 with sales of 448,071, up 4.9 percent over the 427,170 sold through the same period of 2018. RAV4 Hybrid achieved 2019 sales of 92,525 vehicles was up 92.3 percent over the 48,124 sold through all of 2018. Toyota hybrid sales were up 56.7 percent in December and 26.3 percent for the year. On the Lexus side of the house, Lexus hybrid sales were up 29.6 percent in December and 43.1 percent for the year, marking a best-ever December and year in total. 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Wayne
Hi All: FCA closed out 2019 with Ram Pickups reaching all-time best sales. FCA U.S. sales of 2,203,663 was down 1.4 percent from the 2,235,204 sold through all of 2018. Ram set records thanks to power, efficiency, and class leading interior design up and down the pickup truck lineup. As mentioned far above, it easily outsold the Chevrolet Silverado, 633,694 to 575,600. Those sales of 633,694 vehicles were up 18.0 percent over the 536,980 sold during all of 2018. The Jeep Grand Cherokee achieved full-year record sales of 242,969 vehicles, up 8.0 percent over the 224,908 sold in 2018. 2020 Jeep Wrangler Wayne
When the recession started, pick-up & large vehicle sales collapsed 20%.... one fifth of sales in that category.... gone. & other vehicle categories (downsizing?) couldn't make up more than 1 or 2% for that sales "disappearance". Another sign a recession isn't near?
Hi Litesong: Pickups took a far larger hit than just 20 percent during the 2008/2009 recession. It was ugly if you were working for an OEM at the time. Wayne
The one piece of info I got back then, indicated 20%. But, that was only one month that I saw. Whatever happened after that, I didn't know.
Hi Litesong: I found these two tidbits here on CleanMPG from way back when... April 2009 Silverado and Sierra sales combined fell 46 percent in the first two months of the year compared with the same period of 2008. AND GM's sales have tumbled in recent months, with declines topping 50%... It was really really bad. Wayne
Hi All: Of the Big 5, GM, Ford, Toyota, FCA and Honda, the H brand was the first to hold their own in 2019 with sales of 1,608,170 vehicles, up 0.2 percent over the 1,604,828 sold through all of 2018. Lead by their award-winning CR-V CUV, Honda’s CUVs set a new all-time annual sales record with HR-V and CR-V both achieving all-time annual bests. 2019 sales of the CR-V reached 384,168 vehicles, up 1.4 percent over the 379,013 sold during all of 2018. Similarly, 2019 sales of the HR-V reached 99,104 vehicles, up 15.9 percent over the 85,494 sold during all of 2018. As we all await the all-new 2020 CR-V Hybrid, together the Accord Hybrid, Insight, and Clarity electrified vehicles set a new annual sales mark, gaining 18.6% on sales of 59,157 units while contributing to a 0.3% gain for the Honda brand in 2019. 2020 Honda Insight Wayne
Hi All: Within the Big 6, Nissan had the toughest year. Dec. Nissan sales reached 104,781, down an incredibly steep 29.5 percent from the 148,720 sold in Dec. of 2018. 2019 sales of 1,345,681 were down 9.9 percent from the 1,493,877 sold through all of 2018. We will be watching Nissan’s sales closely over the next 12-months in hopes it will flatten out and begin to climb. Individual models experienced an even tougher year but there was a standout. The all-new Nissan Altima achieved Dec. 2019 sales of 19,132, up 12.1 percent over the 17,064 sold in Dec. of 2018. Not bad considering the direction most of the lineup was heading. For all of 2019, sales of 209,183 were essentially flat vs the 209,146 sold in all of 2018. Nissan’s best seller, the Rogue, experienced a steep late in the year sales falloff with Dec. 2019 sales of 27,331, down 35.7 percent form the 42,523 sold in Dec. of 2018. For all of 2019, Rogue sales reached 350,447, down 15.0 percent below the 412,110 sold through in all of 2018. While Sentra Dec. and full year sales of 11,033 and 184,618 were down 37.2 and 13.3 percent respectively, the all-new 6th gen 2020 Sentra is due to reach showrooms by the end of January and should help the model and the brands sales through 2020. 2020 Nissan Altima Wayne
Hi All: Subaru set yet another new all-time sales record of 700,117 vehicles, up 2.9 percent over 680,135 sold in 2018. This result marks the 11th consecutive annual sales record! Not all is roses and honey however as Subaru closed out December 2019 with 62,364 vehicles sold, down 3.4 percent from the 64,541 sold in Dec. of 2018. The brands big hitter, the Outback, continued its award-winning ways with 16,661 sold in Dec. of 2019, up 5.1 percent over the 15,851 sold in December of 2018. Through all of 2019, 181,178 were sold, up 1.3 percent over the 178,854 sold in all of 2018. It was the Ascent that kept the AWD brand above water however as the 7-passenger SUV achieved 2019 sales of 81,958, up 126.3 percent over the launch year of 2018 when 36,211 were sold. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV-17 Wayne
Hi All: Hyundai actually achieved one of the best results within the top 15 OEMs with only its sister company, Kia, besting it. Through 2019, Hyundai achieved sales of 688,771 vehicles, up 3.2 percent over the 667,634 sold through all of 2018. While not the absolute peak sales number achieved in 2016 when the Flying H brand sold 775,005 vehicles, it was an increase over both 2017 and 2018’s 685,555 and 677,946 respectively. The month was highlighted by a significant increase in Elantra sales with 18,720 vehicles sold, up 24.2 percent over the 15,076 sold in Dec. of 2018. 2019 Elantra sales of 175,094 were off 12.6 percent from the 200,415 sold in 2018. SUV sales represented 53% of total sales, the highest SUV mix in Hyundai history, up from 46% last year. With the introduction of the Kona BEV, Hyundai’s 2019 alt fuel vehicles sales were up 37 percent over 2018. 2020 Hyundai Sonata Wayne
