September 2017 Auto Sales: Carmakers Post Big Gains

For most of the year, automakers have hit a wall when it comes to sales growth. But during the month of September, most of the biggest players in the industry posted gains in the U.S. General Motors, Toyota, and the Volkswagen brand were the biggest winners, all posting double-digit increases compared to the same month a year ago. Unfortunately, not every automaker was as successful, and it goes without saying, not every vehicle performed well.

Check out the list below to find out the September 2017 auto sales winners and losers.

 

Ford (222,248 units, +8.7 percent)

 

Winner: Ford Transit (13,546 units, +25.4 percent)

 

It’s not the most exciting vehicle in Ford’s stable, but this proven hauler raked in healthy sales numbers last month. The smaller Transit Connect dropped 13 percent, however.

 

Loser: Ford Expedition (2,848 units, -52.8 percent)

 

Ford recorded a 19.9 percent increase in truck sales last month but just a 1.8 percent increase in SUV sales. While the Edge and Explorer saw double-digit gains, the larger Expedition lost its way. On sale this fall, the new 2018 Expedition is bigger, lighter, and more technologically advanced than its predecessor.

 

 

GM (279,397 units, +11.9 percent)

 

Winner: Chevrolet Equinox (27,512 units, +80.3 percent)

 

After its recent overhaul, the Chevrolet Equinox is performing well on the sales charts. Sales are up more than 80 percent for the month and 22 percent so far this year. A host of other GM crossovers impressed, including the GMC Acadia, GMC Terrain, Cadillac XT5, and Buick Encore. The Traverse shined with a 50.8 percent increase for the month of September.

 

Loser: Buick Regal (702 units, -58.6 percent)

 

For the longest time, the Regal has lived in the shadow of other more exciting premium sedans on the market. But for the 2018 model year, new wagon and hatchback entries have piqued our interest. The new Regal lineup will more than make up for the discontinuation of the forgettable Verano small sedan.

 

 

FCA (174,266 units, -10 percent)

 

Winner: Jeep Compass (11,356 units, +75 percent)

 

Overall, Jeep sales dropped 4 percent for the month of September thanks in part to a steep decline for the Cherokee. But the Compass reeled Jeep back in as much as it could with a whopping 75 percent increase in sales.

 

Loser: Dodge Grand Caravan (3,113 units, -62 percent)

In a sea of minivans, the Dodge Grand Caravan stands out for its affordability and convenient Stow ‘n Go seats. But these features weren’t enough to keep sales afloat during September. While the Dodge struggled, sales of the new Chrysler Pacifica are booming, with 10,835 units sold in September, an 18-percent increase from the same month a year ago.

 

 

Toyota (226,632 units, +14.9 percent)

 

Winner: Toyota RAV4 (42,395 units, +44 percent)

 

Toyota has provided even more evidence that crossovers have taken over the auto market. During the month of September, Toyota sold more RAV4 crossovers than Corolla or Camry sedans, and by a substantial margin. While the RAV4 commanded 42,395 sales, “only” 30,931 Corolla sedans and 34,732 Camrys were sold. Toyota’s Highlander and 4Runner vehicles also performed well in September.

 

Loser: Toyota Prius (9,286 units, -25.6 percent)

 

If you live in California like we do, it seems like you can’t go a mile without encountering a Prius on the road. But the days of insane gas prices are over, and buyers are flocking to crossovers and trucks in large numbers.

 

 

Honda (142,722 units, +6.8 percent)

 

Winner: Honda Civic (35,452 units, +25.8 percent)

 

The Civic was Honda’s best-selling model last month, and it remains the best seller year-to-date as well. Despite the growing popularity of crossovers, American Honda saw its overall car sales jump 13.5 percent during the month of September. Truck sales remained relatively flat with an increase of 0.5 percent.

 

Loser: Honda Fit (4,073 units, -19.6 percent)

In an overall positive month for Honda, the Fit subcompact proved disappointing. Sales were down 19.6 percent last month, although they’re only down 7.4 percent for the year.

 

 

Nissan (139,932 units, +9.5 percent)

 

Winner: Nissan Armada (4,447 units, +159.8 percent)

 

The Armada was long overdue for a full redesign when it finally received one last year. The model received a new seven-speed automatic, updated safety features, and a fresh 5.6-liter V-8 making 390 hp. Looks like there’s still a market for body-on-frame SUVs after all.

 

Loser: Nissan Juke (545 units, -42.4 percent)

The future of the small Nissan Juke remains unclear at this point. But with the introduction of the Nissan Rogue Sport, there is one less reason for Nissan to keep the niche crossover on the U.S. market. During the first three quarters of the year, sales for the Juke declined 43.9 percent compared to the same time period a year ago.

 

 

Volkswagen Brand (32,112 units, +33.2 percent)

 

Winner: Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (1,946 units, +108.6 percent)

 

SUVs accounted for a whopping 26 percent of total volume for the Volkswagen brand last month, but let’s not forget about wagons. The Golf SportWagen rocketed from 933 units in September 2016 to 1,946 units last month. So far this year, the SportWagen has made up a good chunk of sales for the Golf family. VW has sold 55,476 total Golf vehicles, of which 22,171 are SportWagens. Meanwhile, the traditional Golf hatch has only sold 11,137 units during the first nine months.

 

Loser: Volkswagen Golf R (71 units, -65.2 percent)

As the most niche product in the Golf lineup, the Golf R commands few sales, and that’s not surprising. But sales have dropped off sharply compared to September 2016, when VW sold 204 units. Even the e-Golf is a more popular choice, with 187 units sold last month.

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