The Big Automakers Take a Hit, Subaru Shines!

Reminiscent of an Oklahoma City Thunder game, the numbers were just plain brutal and ugly. 2008 auto sales were at their lowest in over a decade. Even old reliables like Toyota and Honda couldn’t escape the bad economy and lack of consumer confidence.

All of the major US and Japanese auto makers finished the year with a thud, a very quite thud. The only company to offer a little sunshine was Subaru. The Japanese based company was the only one to see a positive increase in December sales.

According to an Associated Press article Chrysler sold 30 percent fewer cars in 2008. Ford sales numbers were down 21 percent than the previous year. While Toyota dropped 16 percent and Honda was also down at 8 percent in overall 2008 sales. The only major automaker who saw positive gains in 2008 was Japanese company Subaru.  Subaru sales went up 0.3 percent, not a lot of gain, but an improvement non the less. Buyers flocked to top selling models like the Forester and Impreza.

What’s all those sales numbers mean for Seattle drivers? Maybe more deals to be had, and maybe more Foresters and Imprezas on the road. Subaru could end up being the unofficial car of Seattle – just don’t forget the canopy.

Tough for Car Dealers = Good for Buyers!

The car industry has been a punching bag in 2008. In turn, it’s been a difficult year for those trying to sell cars, maybe the worst year ever. Everything from gas, to the economy and general consumer confidence has hurt those trying to sell cars. Read more