In Wake of Clunkers, Auto Sales Drop

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released September 2009 sales figures for the international nameplate automobile industry. AIADA represents over 10,000 international nameplate franchises, which so far this year account for 56.1 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States.

Overall sales, including domestic brands and unadjusted for business days, were down 22.7 percent compared to September 2008 and down 27.4 percent for the year. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for light vehicles now stands at 9.22 million, compared to 12.57 million units in September 2008.

The government's popular Cash for Clunkers program is credited with driving sales up in August, resulting in September's post-clunkers hangover. Sales in September dropped 41 percent from August 2009. "These numbers aren't unexpected, but they also aren't what we hoped for," said AIADA Chairman Russ Darrow. "The focus now is on finishing out 2009 as strong as possible. Growing inventory and gradually rising consumer confidence will work to the dealer's advantage."

According to numbers from Autodata Corp., international brands sold 419,080 vehicles in September, down from 747,689 in August and 460,182 in September 2008. Asian brands accounted for 46.5 percent of the market, down from 52.3 percent in August 2009, and European nameplates had a 9.6 percent share, up from 6.9 percent in August. Domestic brands finished the month with 43.8 percent of the market, up from 40.8 in August.

For more information on automobile sales data, and to view a full report on August automobile sales, click here: http://www.aiada.org/newsroom/newsDetails.asp?id=57400&cmd=article

About AIADA: Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America's 10,000 international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.

SOURCE American International Automobile Dealers Association