New vehicle registrations up 12.8 percent in Q1 2010 versus Q1 2009, according to Experian Automotive quarterly industry analysis
GM retains market share lead, but Ford posts largest market share gain, passes GM and Toyota in customer loyalty
Schaumburg, Ill., Aug. 23, 2010 — New vehicle registrations headed in a positive direction in Q1 2010, gaining nearly 300,000 units — a 12.8 percent increase over new vehicle registrations in Q1 2009, according to quarterly industry analysis from Experian Automotive.
“While the automotive industry remains well below peak levels, new vehicle registrations in the first quarter provide reason for optimism that the industry is turning the corner,” said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. “The 12.8 percent increase in new vehicle registrations is a significant step in the right direction, one we hope to see the industry maintain and build upon throughout 2010.”
Ford continued to gather momentum in several areas. Ford’s new vehicle registrations were up nearly 27 percent and 95,000 units in Q1 2010 versus Q1 2009. The company gained 1.8 percentage points in market share, climbing to 16.7 percent. GM remained the market share leader, growing its share from 18.3 percent in Q1 2009 to 18.4 percent in Q1 2010.
In addition, Ford had the industry’s highest customer loyalty during the quarter, surpassing GM and Toyota. When Ford customers returned to market, 49 percent chose another Ford Motor Co. vehicle. GM and Toyota posted customer loyalty of 48.3 percent and 48 percent, respectively. Ford also has the top four vehicle models for customer loyalty, led by the Ford Fusion (65.5 percent), Ford Edge (61.2) percent, Ford Five Hundred (57.6 percent) and Ford Flex (56.2 percent).
“Ford continues to gain momentum with solid performances in customer loyalty, market share and level of vehicle popularity,” said Jeffrey Anderson, director of consulting and analytics for Experian Automotive. “But, overall, there were positive signs during the quarter for nearly every automaker.”
Anderson pointed to several metrics where automakers performed well, including:
• Nissan and Hyundai both gained market share, gaining 0.6 percentage points and 0.4 percentage points, respectively
• Chrysler saw its corporate loyalty rise from 20 percent in August 2009 to 30.4 percent in March 2010
• Honda’s registrations were up 10.7 percent in Q1 2010
• After seeing its corporate loyalty dip to 43 percent in January 2010, Toyota’s loyalty jumped back up to 48 percent in March
The analysis of industry trends was the result of Experian Automotive’s latest quarterly industry study looking at results from the first quarter of 2010. A recorded presentation of Experian Automotive’s full industry analysis can be viewed at http://www.experian.com/automotive/automotive-marketing-webinar.html, and a market insight snapshot of the findings can be downloaded at http://www.experian.com/automotive/auto-resources.html.
Contact
Mike DeVilling
DeVilling Group for Experian Automotive
1 248 875 4207
mjdevilling@yahoo.com
About Experian Automotive
Experian Automotive, a part of Experian, delivers information services to manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies, and consumers. Experian® helps automotive clients increase customer loyalty, target and win new business, and make better lending and vehicle purchase decisions. Its National Vehicle Database, housing more than 625 million vehicles, along with Experian’s credit, consumer and business information assets, meet the industry’s growing demand for an integrated information source. Experian’s advanced decision support services help clients turn this information into improved business results. Experian technology supports top automotive businesses, including eBay Motors, CarsDirect.com, CarMax and NADAguides.com. For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of services, visit our Website at http://www.experianautomotive.com.
About Experian
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