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AUTOS: Chrysler, Kia, VW Gained In 2011
U.S. results were robust during December with an overall 2011 increase; some Japanese brands off because of earthquake and tsunami.
Bob Golfen  |  Posted January 04, 2012   Detroit, MI
Chrysler introduced the high-performance 300 SRT8 as sales rose for the formerly bankrupt automaker. (Photo: Chrysler)
Chrysler, Kia and Volkswagen were the big winners during December as U.S. sales overall climbed eight percent for the month and 10 percent for all of 2011, compared with 2010, and reached an estimated 12.7 million vehicles sold during the year.

The sales high note ends a tumultuous year for the automakers, particularly those brands affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March. Both Toyota and Honda were down seven percent for the year, while Honda dropped 19 percent for December and Toyota sales were flat. Subaru, which was on a sales roll before the natural disaster, ended the year just one percent helped by strong sales during December.

Kia Soul ruled the boxy class with its quirky styling and hip-hop hamster advertising. (Photo: Kia)
Chrysler emerged as the turnaround king of 2011 with sales gains every month, including a 37 percent jump for December and an annual rise of 26 percent. The increases were led by a booming Jeep division that saw a gain of 41 percent for December and 44 percent for the year.

"When Chrysler came out of bankruptcy in 2009, its survival remained in question, but 2011 proved the doubters wrong,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst for Edmunds.com. “Chrysler increased sales in December – and in 2011 – by more than any major automaker selling vehicles in the United States. That is a phenomenal comeback from its 2009 bankruptcy.

“Having been starved of fresh models under previous ownership, Chrysler has done a remarkable job of replenishing its product pipeline,” Krebs added. “A major turning point for Chrysler came last February when its now-famous ad on the Super Bowl, which was rated one of the best of the year, convinced skeptics that Chrysler was a survivor and truly helped sell cars.”

General Motors and Ford also ended the year in the black, with GM reporting December sales up five percent and a 2011 gain of 13 percent, while Ford scored a 10 percent gain for December and nine percent growth for the year.

Kia’s strong new-product lineup and innovative ads helped push the South Korean brand to a remarkable 43 percent boost for December and a 36 percent rise for the year.

“The quirky little Soul has left the rest of the 'box cars' in its dust,” Krebs said. “The Soul demonstrates that a solid, value-packed product plus attention-grabbing advertising – dancing hamsters – is a winning combination."
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