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Trucks, SUVs — and Camry — shine in mixed U.S. January vehicle sales

DETROIT — Automakers posted mixed U.S. new vehicle sales data for January, with American consumers continuing to abandon passenger cars for the larger pickup trucks, SUVs and crossover models that manufacturers also love because they are far more profitable. Total industry auto sales for the month rose 1 percent versus January 2016. According to Autodata Corp, which tracks industry sales, the seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of U.S. car and light truck sales in January fell to 17.12 million units from 17.44 million a year earlier. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a January SAAR of 17.2 million units. U.S. auto industry sales fell 2 percent in 2017 to 17.23 million vehicles after hitting a record high in 2016 and are expected to drop further in 2018 despite a solid economy. Interest rates are rising and around 4 million late-model used cars will return to dealer lots this year to compete with more expensive new ones. Automakers have used consumer discounts to boost sales, a growing concern for observers who say this undermines resale values and profits. Discounts declined in January, but remained above 10 percent of manufacturers' recommended prices. ""I think the industry has accepted that (sales) volumes will fall somewhat in 2018 ... and I don't think the industry is going to go over the cliff with insane incentives," Mike Jackson, chief executive officer of AutoNation Inc, told Reuters after his company, the largest U.S. auto retail chain, posted a higher quarterly net profit. Mark Wakefield, head of the North American automotive practice for consultancy AlixPartners, had a gloomier perspective. The industry's less-than-stellar sales performance for January showed "we are now past the peak," he said. "Automakers are now selling the deal instead of the vehicle," he said. "That's a tough spot to be in because that treadmill is hard to get off once you're on it." General Motors January sales rose 1.3 percent, driven by a 16 percent rise in fleet sales. Sales to consumers fell 2.4 percent. GM posted strong gains for models such as the Silverado pickup truck and Equinox crossover model, while its passenger cars continued to struggle. Ford The Blue Oval posted a 6.6 percent sales decline for January, with retail sales down 4.3 percent. Sales of Ford's F-Series pickup trucks - America's best-selling vehicle brand for decades — rose 1.6 percent. Passenger cars were down more than 23 percent.

Mopar-modified Chrysler 200 reappears in Chicago

Chrysler made what was one of the biggest debuts of the 2014 North American International Auto Show last month when it debuted the heavily redesigned 200. While impressive on its own, the sleek sedan's Mopar counterpart, which was tucked away in a corner during the Detroit show, adds even more visual flair.
Based on the Chrysler 200S, the showcar had already benefitted from Lunar White Tricoat paint and meaty, 19-inch wheels (now in Satin Lite Bronze finish). White leather seats with bronze stitching accented the cabin treatment.
For Chicago, Chrysler added a Mopar body kit and new upper and lower grilles, both of which give the four-door a considerably more menacing look. The rear fascia is set off by a new bumper and a revised set of exhaust tips. The cabin is unchanged from the Detroit car.

Chrysler withdraws from UK market

Ford factors big in the British market, as does GM's Vauxhall brand. But one automaker that will be missing from the UK from here on out will be Chrysler, as the latest reports coming in from the British Isles indicate that the American brand is closing up shop. For the past few years, Chrysler has been selling a combination of its own models as well as rebadged Lancias to British customers, but has been having a tough time making a go of it. After just a few short years of lackluster sales, Chrysler UK ceased selling the Delta, and according to Auto Express, is now withdrawing the 300C and Grand Voyager as well. That leaves just the Ypsilon, which will reportedly continue on an on-demand basis if customers ask for it, but even that will end by 2017. The withdrawal of the Chrysler brand from the British market mirrors that of Lancia, under whose name the same models are sold in continental Europe but which is now being confined strictly to Italy, where it will similarly continue to sell the Ypsilon. Of course that doesn't mean that FCA is withdrawing from the British market altogether. The Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and Jeep brands will continue being offered in the UK, as will Maserati and Ferrari. Just don't expect to see many wing-badged Chryslers on the high street anymore – not that you would have until now. Last year the Chrysler brand reportedly sold fewer than 2,000 units in the UK, compared to the 10,000+ examples of just the Fiat 500 it moves there every month. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon News Source: Auto ExpressImage Credit: Chrysler Chrysler Lancia chrysler ypsilon