According to the quarterly sales analysis, auto sales rose about 20% in April in the U.S. A. Still gradual recovery in the economy was reflected from recession-stunted results from the earlier year. The economic recovery in the United States would appear to be on track. But the pace was not expected to be robust.
The sales of Toyota Motor Corp rose 24 percent. This was weaker than the result that was expected. Due to massive safety recalls the sales tumbled in the earlier year. The company incentives were extended for third consecutive month to jump-start sales.
The largest percentage gain at 35 percent was reported by the Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. Following it are the Hyundai Motor Co at 30 percent, and Chrysler and Ford Motor Co at 25 percent. When compared to the previous year, General Motor Co posted 6.4 percent sales increase. The company was in the first position as the top seller in the United States. Ford and Toyota followed the General Motors. The auto industry was bracing for bankruptcies by GM and Chrysler in the previous year. However, even by excluding the discontinuing brands of the company, the sales of GM in April rose 20 percent. Chrysler was filed for bankruptcy at the end of April 2009 and presently it has been under the management control of Fiat Spa of Italy.
Honda Motor Co. Ltd is considered in the fourth position in the United States. This is based on the number of vehicles sold and it is the most closely shopped brand to Toyota. A 12.5 percent sales increase was reported by Honda. The costly incentives had hurt profit margins and used car prices.