SUVs dominated winter buying
Auto industry still saw slower growth in sales
America’s love affair with SUVs is still burning strong, but it wasn’t bright enough to lift the auto industry to sales growth in the first quarter of 2019.
Smaller tax refunds, concerns about tariffs and higher interest rates caused some consumers to hold off on new-vehicle purchases.
For the first three months of the year, several major automakers reported year-over-year sales declines, including General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota and Nissan.
Honda, Volkswagen, Kia and Subaru sales rose. Ford delayed its sales release until Thursday.
Toyota U.S. sales executive Jack Hollis said the industry remains “incredibly healthy” despite some issues. He projected sales in the high 16-million range for the year.
That’s still strong from a historical perspective, but down from three consecutive years above 17 million.
“Sales have been chilled in the first quarter of 2019,” wrote IHS Automotive analyst Stephanie Brinley. “With automakers seeming to hold the line on incentives, we may also be seeing (an) impact of less to draw consumers into showrooms in the first quarter. As the year plays out and more new products arrive, we may still see some bright moments.”
Here’s our list of the five hottest-selling vehicles of the winter (January through March):
1. Ram pickups
First-quarter sales: 120,026, up 15.4% The Ram pickup is enjoying an upswing. In the first quarter, the vehicle passed the Chevrolet Silverado as the second-best-selling vehicle in the U.S.
The Ram’s redesign, revealed at the 2018 Detroit auto show, is paying big dividends. Pickup buyers are famously loyal to their preferred brands, but the Ram seems to be making headway in the still-red-hot war for American pickup fans.
2. Kia Telluride
First-quarter sales: 5,395
This family-oriented, three-row SUV made its debut at the Detroit auto show in January, billed as the brand’s largestever vehicle.
It has been on sale for only one full month, but it already has “exceeded our own high expectations,” Kia U.S. sales vice president Bill Peffer said in a statement.
The vehicle helped Kia post its best first quarter since 2016. The Telluride’s introduction will help Kia adjust to a world with fewer passenger cars, which long have been the brand’s specialty.
3. Acura RDX
First-quarter sales: 14,972, up 34.6% Redesigned for 2019, the RDX is hitting the sweet spot as Americans transition from cars to crossovers and SUVs. Luxury buyers especially are gravitating toward SUVs.
The RDX was easily Acura’s best seller in the first quarter, more than 4,000 vehicles ahead of the second-place finisher, the MDX. It marked its 10th straight monthly record in March with sales of 5,835 units.
4. Subaru Ascent
First-quarter sales: 19,073 This brand-new three-row SUV is capitalizing on Subaru’s hot streak and now contributing to it, as well. After debuting in 2018, the Ascent has established itself as the brand’s fourth-bestseller for the first quarter.
March was the vehicle’s best month yet, topping December. It helped Subaru achieve its 88th straight month of yearover-year sales growth.
5. Chevrolet Trax
First-quarter sales: 24,580, up 20 percent This small crossover appears to be riding a wave of interest as Americans give up small cars in favor of SUVs.
With GM eliminating its compact cars this year, including the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt, shoppers have fewer small sedan options. A small SUV might be the next best option for anyone faithful to the Chevy brand.