International Automobile Dealers Announce Monthly Sales

International Automakers Continue to Increase Market Share

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 4 -- The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released July 2008 sales figures for the international automobile industry. AIADA represents over 11,000 international franchises, which increased their market share from 54.2 percent in June to 57.3 percent in July.

"This is a challenging time for all carmakers, international and domestic," said American International Automobile Dealers Association President Cody Lusk. "We are experiencing a period of change, as consumers respond to fuel prices, energy concerns, and a downturn in the economy. For now, international dealers are able to take solace in the fact that their reliable, fuel efficient vehicles are well suited for a new era of American driving."

International brands sold 165,598 more vehicles than the domestic brands in July, despite an overall downturn within the industry. Asian brands have a 49 percent share of the market, Europeans have an 8.3 percent share, and domestic brands finish the month off with 42.7 percent. Nissan was the only major brand to see an uptick in sales through July. The Japanese automaker reported a 9.9 percent sales increase from the same time one year earlier.

"We don't see any immediate relief in the next six months," said Lusk. "Dealers are simply tightening their belts and working hard to provide the fuel efficient, affordable vehicles consumers need."