US carmakers see lowest market share ever

For the first time in the US auto industry’s 102 year history American carmakers in July commanded less than 50% of the market. Import brands accounted for 51.9% of sales in July, with GM, Chrysler and Ford making up the remaining 48.1%. Only a year ago, the statistics were reversed.

Actual vehicle sales stood at 679,523 for the imports and 629,569 for the Detroit 3, according to Automotive News, down overall by 12.4% compared with July last year. GM bore the worst of the results, its sales plummeted 22.3%, followed closely by Ford with a drop of 19.2%.
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Qwazywabbit - 8/2/2007 1:01:33 PM

+1 Boost

Is this a surprise to anyone? The Big 3 in Detroit have a lot of work to do in order to "get back on track". Despite having a "lock" on the domestic truck market, the big 3 MUST think outside the box, slim their company structures down, and put more control into the talented hands of people who can make good decisions for the future of American vehicles.

Sadly, I believe they will never again get over the 50% market share hump. The best they can hope for now is to halt the decline in its tracks.

toolatetorace - 8/3/2007 10:04:10 AM

+1 Boost

you must have kind of a death wish for this country

EnnNorak - 8/3/2007 2:03:57 PM

+1 Boost

And I thought GM was going to save the day. I even planned to help by buying a 2008 Saturn VUE which my wife wanted. I changed my mind when I saw what a disappointment this vehicle is: Unacceptably short seat cushions, lack of proper front passenger seat adjustments and a fake-looking engine compartment air vent on the side that looks like some silly thing that was simply stuck on. Moreover, the interior plastic is on the cheap side. I really expected a lot more from GM and especially from Saturn. We have only one GM vehicle left to look at, namely the 2008 Cadillac CTS and if GM blew that one also, I'll stick with premium European brands.