Versa, Sentra Drive 8.5% Nissan U.S. Sales Increase For July; Suzuki Up 2% on SX4

[Ming]

Nissan U.S. July sales rise 8.5 pct
Fri Aug 1, 2008

DETROIT, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co. said U.S. sales rose 8.5 percent to 95,319 vehicles in July, driven by strong demand for its Versa subcompact and Sentra sedans.

Nissan division's U.S. sales were up 9.9 percent while sales of Infiniti vehicles were down 2.9 percent.

The figures were not adjusted for the two extra selling days last month.

SOURCE



July Auto Sales: Suzuki
Associated Press 08.01.08

BREA, Calif. - American Suzuki Motor Corp. said Friday its U.S. sales crept higher in July, as sharply higher volumes of its SX4 sedan and crossover offset declines of its other models.

The Japanese automaker's U.S. arm said sales rose 2 percent to 8,103 from 7,943 in July last year.

Suzuki said SX4 sales surged 160 percent to 2,595 from 999 a year ago. Sales of its Forenzo and Reno sedans, meanwhile, declined 35 percent to 2,439, while Grand Vitara volumes slipped 8 percent to 1,256.

SOURCE

[Ming]

Notes on Suzuki:

- The SX4 Sport sedan (2WD) only became available within the last year. Up until then it was only offered as a 4WD Hatchback.

- The Forenza / Reno have been decontented over the past couple of years (not as good a value anymore, no alloy wheels standard, for example) and are being phased out this year.

- Forenza / Reno at their peak helped Suzuki break 10,000 in sales. Now that they are being de-emphasized, Suzuki sales have dropped .

- Suzuki USA does not have a true gas-sipper in its lineup (SX4 gets just mediocre fuel economy), and is intruducing a Nissan based Pickup soon...

Seems management at American Suzuki have been trying a little too hard to distance themselves from the image of a maker of motorcycles with all of the SUV and now Pickup focus. Even the SX4 Sedan emphasizes driving feel over fuel economy.

Where's the WagonR when they need it?

My guess is that alot of folks were drawn to Suzuki when gas prices rose, but many just turned and left when they found no Fit or Versa-like gas-sipper, seeking a Honda or Nissan dealer.

[EllwynX]

A woman I work with bought an SX4 sedan a couple months ago. She was hellbent on only getting a Toyota. But she said the current Corolla was too small. She had a 2000 Corolla and wanted something larger, but not Camry size.

She said the SX4 felt larger than the Corolla inside (in the back seat). She hated the Honda Fit all around, but liked the interior of the Nissan Versa despite hating it's exterior.

[silvergoat2k6]

FWIW, I really like the new SX4 sedan...in a few years, I may look to pick up a used one as a new DD after my current Mazda MX-3 dies.

[vsd]

I really like the SX4 crossover, and you can get a 2009 w/ standard nav, which is pretty cool.

[PA Dweller]

I really like the SX4 crossover also. You can get it fully loaded for about $19k and it comes with so much equipment: STANDARD In Dash Navigation system, Smart Key, 4WD which can be switched to 2WD only, and decent fuel economy. I am impressed.

[Ming]

It is the lowest priced car with standard nav in the U.S. market last I checked, this is true.

[Rocket 88]

You guys are full of baloney. People don't want small efficient vehicles with Nav and other features...

And while we're talking...couldn't you use a new truck? Really it cost so little extra in gasoline you'll hardly notice. Plus think how handy it will come in on weekend if you need to stop at Home Depot!

[genjy]

People buy Sentras?

I haven't seen a new Sentra in weeks.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by Rocket 88

You guys are full of baloney. People don't want small efficient vehicles with Nav and other features...

This car would be at the top of my list if I was looking for a commuter car, it has everything I can possibly want. I always wanted a car with a AWD system that can be turned into 2WD. Not to mention all the other tech features.

[Bigbee60]

I bought an SX-4 AWD Crossover last December and have been quite happy with it. It replaced an Audi Allroad, so it had big shoes to fill. It is not a good city car gas mileage wise, but if you can mix in some highway miles and if you keep the highway speeds below 70 mph you can average high 20's mpg per tank. Once it hits about 5K miles and is broken in, fuel mileage also improves some. It does have a small gas tank, so the range seldom exceeds 300 miles per tank and is usually about 275 unless you drive with the low fuel light on for awhile (it comes on way to oearly like my Malibus do). Those are the negatives, the positives are many. The car is very peppy and handles a lot like my 2002 Mini did without the crashing ride on bad roads. It can hold four adults in comfort despite it's small size. With the rear seats down, the hatchback can swallow a lot of stuff. All in all, after rebates my Touring II model with auto transmission and all options offered was $17K out the door after negotiation, rebates ($1000) and auto show cash ($500) and including dealer installed accessories including XM Radio, center arm rest, auto dimming mirror, cargo nets, and rear bumper step protector.

[xunearthhxcx]

i like the sx4 alot. But, its just not as cool as a Swift Sport.. IF and whenever its brought here. im gonna be waiting in line..

Suzuki reminds me of GM with all these bonehead decisions. But what do we know, were just consumers...depressing

[Ach]

The SX4 is a great little car that exudes sophistication beyond its price. I am glad to see it do well.

On the other hand, I'm not quite getting the runaway sales of the Sentra and Versa- to my eyes they are both homely little cars with nasty, plasticky interiors and sloppy suspensions to complete the bargain.

[ohmywrd8]

My friend and I drove a SX4 the other day because he wants a new little car. It was actually really nice. I liked it but I just would feel weird buying a Suzuki for some reason.

[member12]

The Suzuki SX4, Grand Vitara, and XL-7 are surprisingly compotent vehicles....good prices, too.



I don't understand why GM doesn't have better smaller models like this.