International Nameplate Automobile Dealers Announce Monthly Sales

Holiday Shoppers Boost November's Auto Sales

Alexandria, VA--December 4, 2013: The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released November 2013 sales figures for the international nameplate automobile industry. AIADA represents America's approximately 10,000 international nameplate franchises whose brands accounted for 56.4 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States last month, up from 54 percent in October.

AutoData Corp. estimated the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) at 16.41 million units versus 15.32 million units a year ago and 15.23 million units in October. This is the highest reported SAAR since February 2007 totaled 16.8 million units. Sales for all brands, unadjusted for business days, rose 8.9 percent from November 2012 and 8.4 percent year over year.

November's sales were driven by black Friday promotions, new incentives, and the debut of some attractive new models. The second half of the month was particularly inviting for shoppers looking for a discount. Carmakers offered incentives averaging just over $2,500 per vehicle in November, up from November 2012, but down 2 percent from October 2013. Nissan's sales were up 10.8 percent, Subaru saw an increase of 29.8 percent, and Toyota's sales rose 9.7 percent. Honda's results fell by 2.3 percent, but its luxury Acura division, driven by record sales for the RDX crossover, was up 18.9 percent.

"In November the SAAR topped 16 million for the second time in 2013, proving to many that we are seeing a true and sustainable industry-wide recovery," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "All signs indicate that international nameplate dealers will finish out the year on solid footing."

In November, international brands accounted for 702,810 units sold, up from 652,008 in October. Asian nameplates held 45.4 percent of the market, up from 43.6 in October. European nameplates took an 11 percent share, up from 10.4 percent in October. Domestic brands occupied a 43.6 percent share, down from 46 percent in October and 45.1 percent in September.

Read AIADA's complete coverage of November's international nameplate auto sales here AIADA November.