NEW YORK—U.S. automobile companies recorded double-digit sales gains in August, a somewhat surprising turn of events given last month’s stock market volatility and depressed consumer confidence.
Detroit-based General Motors said Thursday that August auto sales increased by 18 percent over the same month last year—after the company sold 218,479 vehicles last month. The improvements were across the board, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Ford Motor Co., the second biggest U.S.-based automaker, said August sales were up 11 percent from last year. The company saw 175,220 vehicles leave dealership lots.
Smaller rival Chrysler Group reported the biggest sales jump last month, with a gain of 31 percent, by selling 130,000 vehicles. The company is rolling out the Fiat 500 smaller car this year, which is being developed by Italian parent Fiat S.p.A.
“In our view, consumers are being cautious, yes, and rightly so, but they are not retrenching,” GM’s U.S. chief of sales Don Johnson said in a statement Thursday. GM and its U.S. brethren are confident that small cars and SUVs will continue to sell well.
While Ford posted smaller increases than its rivals, two of its newest models enjoyed success. The Fiesta compact car sold 76 percent more units last month than a year ago, and the new Ford Explorer SUV quadrupled its sales figures.
Among other automakers, Germany’s Volkswagen AG said its sales were up 10 percent last month, and Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. reported gains of 19 percent.
Toyota Motor Sales USA’s August sales slumped, with the company reporting a 12.7 percent decline last month. Honda also saw a decline last month.
