Through October, automakers sold almost 9.6 million cars and trucks in the U.S., 11 percent better than a year ago. The industry is on track to sell about 12 million vehicles in 2010, slower than many had hoped at the start of the year, but most certainly headed in the right direction.
Here’s the likely list of bestselling cars of 2010 (based on sales through October). So what’s selling?
F-Series Pickup – 434,920 vehicles sold
Big discounts and attractive features have fueled big market share gains. New fuel-efficient powertrains will keep the momentum going.
2010 Chevrolet Silverado – 301,998 vehicles sold
The oldest pickup in the segment. Work on a replacement was suspended during GM’s bankruptcy, but sales could suffer until the redesigned model arrives in a few years.
2010 Toyota Camry – 275,844 vehicles sold
A perennial leader among passenger cars. Sales are down 6.3% for the year so far, after a crisis of confidence over Toyota quality.
2010 Honda Accord – 236,278 vehicles sold
Tried and true, the Accord is a popular seller. Still, Accord sales are running behind last year’s pace. Honda seems to have stalled out.
2010 Toyota Corolla – 227,822 vehicles sold
Like the Camry, Toyota’s compact has taken a sales hit from quality issues.
2010 Honda Civic – 215,393 vehicles sold
The Civic had a decent October, but is still running behind last year’s sales figures.
2010 Nissan Altima – 187,875 vehicles sold
Up 11% for the year, Nissan’s mid-sized sedan is one reason the automaker has been quietly picking up market share.
2010 Ford Fusion – 178,943 vehicles sold
Recently redesigned and available in a hybrid, the Fusion has been a nice balancing act for Ford’s F-series pickups.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu – 175,599 vehicles sold
Chevy’s mid-sized sedan had a mediocre October, but sales are up 34% for the year, keeping the Malibu on the top 10 list (for now).
2011 Hyundai Sonata – 166,628 vehicles sold
The Korean carmaker’s mid-sized sedan is a runaway hit, propelling Hyundai into the top 10 for the first time.