40 Percent of U.S. Market Belonged to Asian Automakers in May 2006

New York, June 1, 2006: The New York Times reported that Asian automakers claimed a record 40 percent of the U.S. market in May, as high gas prices sparked high sales of the smaller cars such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Sonata.

Honda reported an 11.4 percent increase in May, with strong sales by both the Civic and its new subcompact model, the Fit. Meanwhile, Toyota sales were up 12.3 percent, and for the second straight month outsold DaimlerChrysler, making it the third highest selling automaker.

AIADA will have full coverage next week on how international nameplates fared in May.