Mexico September LV Sales Falter

Hampered by heavy coastal flooding from two tropical storms and the fewest number of selling days for September in 11 years, Mexico light-vehicle deliveries last month slumped to 78,144 units from 88,235 in August and 79,801 a year earlier.

While last month’s 23-day average daily selling rate of 3,398 units actually bested prior-year’s 26-day average of 3,069 by 10.7%, it fell well short of the 3,653 LVs sold each of 25 selling days in 2006 on record-September volume of 91,320 vehicles.

However, despite a lackluster economy, many analysts see increased government spending on storm recovery giving consumer confidence the boost needed to bolster LV sales through the end of the year.

Asian makes turned in September’s best performance, with sales of 32,718 units surpassing prior- year’s 31,283 deliveries by 18.2% daily. They also topped August’s selling pace by 10.0%, despite falling short of the month’s 36,208 units.

Likewise, European makes’ 19,580 September sales bested the 18,858 LVs delivered a year earlier, but fell short of August’s 20,587 units.

Sales by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler totaled 25,846 last month, down from 29,661 in September 2012, with average daily sales off 1.5%.

Compared with August’s 31,440 units, the Detroit Three sold slightly more LVs daily in September, but their overall volume was off 17.8%. 

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