Deliveries of passenger cars and electrified vehicles helped bolster sales of new vehicles in April as Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Genesis, Kia and Subaru all posted double-digit sales increases, according to monthly sales reports released by the automakers.
American Honda reported higher inventory levels of new and refreshed models helped it to post hefty sales gains during April. Honda brand sales topped 102,000 units in April, up 25% for the month with strong sales across the line-up.
Honda electrified models set monthly sales record with CR-V and Accord hybrid-electric models nearing 60% of sales mix. Honda’s continued commitment to the car segment also paid off as combined sales of Civic and Accord sedans reach 35,614.
Acura sales topped 13,000 units for the second straight month, up more than 20% in April. The all-new Integra posted its best month since shipments to dealers began in June 2022, topping 3,300 units to continue leading premium gateway passenger car segment.
Hyundai Motor America reported total April sales of 70,812 units, a 15% increase compared with April 2022 and the second-best April in Hyundai history. At retail, Hyundai sold 64,895 units in April, a 5% year-over-year increase from April 2022.
“Our dealers are experiencing high demand for Hyundai product and our focus is to provide customers with the world class purchasing experience they are expecting,” said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America.
“Hyundai continues to grow market share led by a diverse line-up, including the recently on-sale Ioniq 6 which swept the World Car of the Year awards at the New York International Auto Show,” Parker added.
Genesis Motor America is reporting 5,857 units sold in April 2023, representing a best-ever April U.S. sales achievement for the brand and a 16% increase vs. April 2022.
Electrified vehicles boost Toyota sales
Toyota Motor North America reported April 2023 U.S. sales of 186,310 vehicles, up 0.7% on a volume basis. TMNA’s April 2023 U.S. electrified sales totaled 49,532 vehicles, up 4.4% on a volume basis.
Meanwhile Lexus Division’s electrified sales totaled 7,894 vehicles, up 106.1%, a best-ever April. The division’s electrification sales represented 29.1% of total sales volume.
Toyota Division sales for the month totaled 159,138 vehicles, down 2.2% on a volume basis but Lexus Division sales for the month totaled 27,172 vehicles, up 21.9% on a volume basis, another record for April.
Kia America’s sales and market share growth continued with April delivering the brand’s ninth consecutive year-over-year monthly sales increase with 68,205 units sold, a 15.5% increase over the same period last year.
Sales of its electrified offerings, which totaled 11,798 units, were up 74% over the same period last year and 22% over the previous monthly sales record set in March 2023. In addition, Overall, Kia’s utility vehicles accounted for 71% of April sales.
“Trust in the Kia brand in the U.S. market continues to grow as a direct result of our concerted effort to provide customers with compelling design, reliable products, superior quality and best-ever residual values,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America.
“Kia’s sales momentum will continue as our best-in-class lineup of SUV and electrified models attract and meet the needs of today’s buyers,” Watson added.
Subaru of America Inc. reported 51,014 vehicle sales for April 2023, an 11.5% increase compared with April 2022 (45,748). SOA also reported year-to-date sales of 194,390, a 9.2% increase compared with the same period in 2022.
“We’re continuing our sales winning streak with an 11.5% increase compared to April 2022 and our ninth consecutive month with a sales increase. It’s a testament to our retailers’ efficiency and dedication,” said Jeff Walters, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America Inc.
Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power, said new-vehicle transaction prices continue to rise, with the average price reaching an April record of $46,044. This is a 2% increase from a year ago. The record transaction prices means that consumers are on track to spend nearly $47.5 billion on new vehicles this month — the second highest for the month of April and 2.9% higher than April 2022.