Honda, Toyota, others, report declining sales

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted total February vehicle sales of 71,575, down 35.4 percent compared to February 2008, based on the daily selling rate*. Honda Division posted February sales of 63,916, a decline of 34.9 percent versus February 2008. Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, said, “We hope, as spring beckons and the economy strengthens, sales will begin their upswing.”
.
The Acura Division posted sales of 7,659, a decline of 39.0 percent compared to February 2008. Sales of the TSX sports sedan, the brand’s second-best-selling model for the month, increased 4.1, percent to 2,293.

The Toyota Division posted February sales of 96,475 units, a decrease of 37.5 percent from the same period last year. The Lexus Division reported February sales of 13,108 units, a decrease of 35.8 percent from the year-ago month.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced February 2009 sales of 13,660 units, a 17.5 percent decrease over February 2008 sales of 16,556 units.

“The economy continues to be difficult for the Automotive Industry,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Despite the extremely difficult on-going economic conditions; the Volkswagen Brand has been growing market share in the U.S. Our stylish new CC, one of our five all-new models, is helping us gain share with strong sales achieving its best sales month ever in February,” added Barnes.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported February sales of 14,199 vehicles. While sales for the month were down 23.5% from last year, the company’s February volume put it ahead of its mainstream competitors for the month.