International Nameplate Automobile Dealers Announce July 2013 Monthly Sales

International Nameplate Automobile Dealers Announce Monthly Sales Top Manufacturers Report Double Digit Gains

Alexandria, VA--August 2, 2013: The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released July 2013 sales figures for the international nameplate automobile industry. AIADA represents America's approximately 10,000 international nameplate franchises whose brands accounted for 57 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States last month, up from 53.5 percent in June.

AutoData Corp. estimated the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) at its second highest recorded level since 2007 at 15.67 million units, versus 14.09 million units a year ago. Sales for all brands, unadjusted for business days, were up 14 percent from July 2012 and 8.5 percent for the year. Sales improved 6.3 percent from June 2013.

All of the largest auto manufacturers saw double-digit gains in July. Subaru led the way with a 42.9 percent improvement from July 2012, thanks to record sales of the Forester, Outback, and Impreza. Honda sales were up 21.3 percent, Nissan's were up 16.8 percent, and Toyota saw an improvement of 16.2 percent to outsell Ford for the first time since March 2010. Customers had plenty of reasons to buy in July, including rising incentives. According to Edmunds.com, incentives were up 10 percent from July 2012 for an average of $2,463 per vehicle.

"Low interest rates, a recovering construction industry, and rising consumer confidence are all good news for dealers," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "The auto retail industry appears to be well on the path to recovery."

In July, international brands accounted for 750,254 units sold, down just 359 units from June. Asian nameplates held a 47.5 percent of the market, up from 44.1 percent in June. European nameplates took a 9.5 percent share, up from 9.4 percent in June. Domestic brands occupied a 43 percent share, down from 46.6 in June.