International Nameplates Enjoy Strong US Sales in 2005

Washington DC January 5, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that total auto sales in the U.S., despite a decline in December, were up in 2005. International nameplate automakers Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai all reported sales increases of 9 percent or higher for 2005, reports The Associated Press. Overall, sales from Asian brands were up 7 percent, while European brands dropped 3 percent from last year. Jim Press, president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales USA, attributed his company’s 2005 successes to hybrid sales: "Heightened interest in fuel costs and the environment and dependence on foreign oil really stimulated that interest in hybrids." Toyota and Hyundai capped off their strong 2005 sales with a strong December; Toyota was up 8 percent and Hyundai up 16 percent. Total December sales were down 3.8 percent from the same period last year, but overall sales for 2005 finished at 16.99 million units, up 0.5 percent, reports USA Today. Industry analysts expect sales of fuel efficient vehicles to continue their climb in 2006.