February 02, 2012
By Dawn Kent -- The Birmingham News
Alabama's auto industry started 2012 on a positive note, as combined U.S. sales of the eight models built in the state rose 9.4 percent in January, according to reports issued Wednesday.
The most significant jumps were seen for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV, as January sales rose 61 percent from a year ago, and the Honda Ridgeline pickup, with sales that increased 45.6 percent.
Both Hyundai sedans -- the Sonata and the Elantra -- continued to make solid showings. Sales of the Elantra grew 13 percent while sales of the Sonata improved 9 percent.
Total U.S. light vehicle sales in January rose 11.4 percent from January 2011, according to Autodata Corp.
The seasonally adjusted annual sales rate for the month reached 14.2 million, a level that beat expectations and the highest since August 2009, when the federal Cash for Clunkers incentives program was in effect.
Automakers that reported overall sales increases included Chrysler, 44 percent; Volkswagen, 40 percent; Kia, 28 percent; Toyota, 7.5 percent; and Ford, 7 percent. General Motors reported a 6 percent sales decline.