Automakers in the United States beat the blahs of Black Friday that hit some other retailers by producing strong sales on cars and light trucks as the consumer jumped at the deal for the holiday season.
General Motors, Chrysler Group and Honda Motor posted on Tuesday their best U.S. Sale for November in the past several years, powered in part by strong demand sport-utility vehicles and large size pickup trucks.
Ford Motors the No. 2 automaker in the U.S. said its sale dropped by 2% due to the company starting deliveries of its redesigned F-150 pickup.
Executives in the industry expressed optimism that the sales would remain strong over the coming months, citing gas prices that are falling, an improved job market and the still low rates of interest.
Automakers could also benefit from the launch in mid November of the annual holiday season promotions. The week prior to Black Friday was very strong said on industry expert.
By launching promotions early at the end of the year, the automakers in essence are creating a sale of 60 days.
European carmakers posted results that were mixed. BMW sales dropped less than one percent due mainly from a drop in its sales of SUVs of 14%.
The carmaker based in Munich, Germany said its SUVs made in South Carolina and U.S. dealers must fight for a share of production with dealers in Europe, China and other markets.
Volkswagen said its sales were up 3% for its VW brand helped by its lease promotion that increased the sale of its Jetta and Golf vehicles.
The Audi Luxury unit says an increase of 22% for sales during November.
Daimler AG announced that its Mercedes-Benz SUVs and autos were up less than 1%, despite the drop off in it E-class cars. Mercedes announced it has recorded its best U.S. month ever in sales.
U.S. sales at GM were up 6.5% for a total of 225,800 in November.
