September 2013 was a tough month across all segments. The economy car market also saw a slower sales month. There were just four nameplates that posted monthly year-over-year growth in September: Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla. Chevrolet Cruze saw its volume cut in half for the month of September compared to last year (we are still investigating). The Cruze thus fell to fifth place for the month.
Most nameplates are looking at significant year-to-date sales growth, and the Hyundai Elantra enjoying a very good year so far. Perennial favorites of this segment: Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are locked in battle for leadership. The Corolla edged out the Civic in the month of September, but the Honda still holds the overall lead for the year at 253,561 units. Ford Focus and Chevy Cruze are fourth and fifth respectively, with the Cruze still barely holding on to the third place for year-to-date sales.
The all-new 2014 Mazda3 is coming very soon and it should significantly elevate the declining sales of the existing 2013 model.
| Sep 2013 # | Sep ’13 / ’12 % | YTD 2013 # | YTD ’13 / ’12 % | |
| Toyota Corolla | 23,251 | 1.0% | 233,547 | 4.9% |
| Honda Civic | 22,983 | 6.7% | 253,561 | 8.3% |
| Hyundai Elantra | 19,691 | 7.6% | 194,593 | 27.5% |
| Ford Focus | 16,733 | -15.2% | 188,654 | 1.1% |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 12,730 | -50.6% | 195,775 | 8.4% |
| VW Jetta | 11,454 | -9.0% | 106,551 | -3.3% |
| Mazda3 | 8,646 | -38.4% | 81,614 | -12.9% |
| Dodge Dart | 7,922 | 51.0% | 65,836 | 611.0% |
| Nissan Sentra | 7,798 | -16.6% | 98,281 | 14.5% |
| Subaru Impreza | 4,622 | -7.4% | 46,573 | -14.0% |
| KIA Forte | 4,618 | -33.1% | 52,715 | -13.9% |
Take a look at this fun TFLcar video review of the 2014 Toyota Corolla:
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
