Sports Cars are Endangered Species, et to Miata

[SheepDog]

Buick Cascada Sales Decrease 19 Percent To 746 Units In Q1 2019

1

• BY ALEX LUFT
• — APR 9, 2019

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Buick Cascada Sales - Q1 2019 - United States

In the United States, Buick Cascada deliveries totaled 746 units in Q1 2019, a decrease of about 19 percent compared to 918 units sold in Q1 2018.

In the first three months of the year, Cascada sales decreased about 19 percent to 746 units.

CASCADA	-18.74%	746	918

The Buick Cascada is sold exclusively in the United States of America, and is not sold in any other North American market such as Canada or Mexico.


Competitive Sales Comparison

Buick Cascada sales in the first quarter were sufficient to place the drop-top convertible in second place in its most direct rivals, behind the Mazda MX-5 Miata (see Mazda Miata sales) but ahead of the Miata-based Fiat 124 Spider (see Fiat 124 Spider sales). Sales results for the Audi A3 Convertible, which is a direct rival to the Cascada, are not available since Audi does not break out A3 sales by body type, but instead combines A3 line sales to include those of the Convertible and Sedan. Sales Numbers - Mainstream Convertibles - Q1 2019 - USA

MAZDA MX-5 MIATA	-22.18%	1,530	1,966	55%	54%
BUICK CASCADA	-18.74%	746	918	27%	25%
FIAT 124 SPIDER	-29.82%	513	731	18%	20%

On a market share basis, the Cascada accounted for 27 percent share of the segment, up from 25 percent in Q1 2018. The Mazda MX-5 Miata remained in first with 55 percent market share, while the Fiat took up the remaining 18 percent.

It’s worth noting that Buick Cascada sales fell the least in its segment during the first quarter, with Mazda MX-5 Miata sales dropping 22 percent and Fiat 124 Spider dropping 30 percent. This turn of events marks a significant change when compared to the Q4 2018 results, when the Buick convertible saw the higher sales drop among its competitive set.

The mainstream dedicated convertible vehicle segment contracted 23 percent in Q1 2019.

The GM Authority Take

We attribute the ongoing decline in Cascada sales to the following potential circumstances:

1. The saturation of the market for non-luxury convertibles, a segment that includes the overhauled Mazda MX-5 Miata, Fiat 124 Spider and Audi A3 Convertible
2. The ongoing shift in consumer purchase patterns that favors CUVs and SUVs over other vehicle types such as sedans, coupes and convertibles. Though some analysts have noted that this segment has traditionally been resistant to such changes, the segment’s 23 percent contraction during the quarter is undeniable.

Nevertheless, the addition of the Cascada to the Buick lineup was meant to fill “white space” to change the brand’s perception while also attracting new-to-brand customers. Figures released by Buick in 2017 state that the Cascada has been successful in doing exactly that, with nearly 70 percent of Cascada customers being new to GM. In addition, it is believed that any U.S. sales of the Cascada were highly profitable for GM, since the model was developed as an Opel/Vauxhall for various global markets from the onset, and exporting “Buick-ified” units from the Gliwice plant in Poland was a relatively simple and low-cost undertaking.

We expect Cascada sales to continue decreasing in the coming quarters as long as the crossover craze persists or Buick doesn’t offer significant incentives on the vehicle. The Any talk of an update is moot, since the Cascada will be discontinued after the 2019 model year, as per GM’s original plan for the model’s lifecycle. About The Numbers

• All percent change figures compared to Buick Cascada Q1 2018 sales, except as noted
• There were 76 selling days in Q1 2019 and 76 selling days in Q1 2018

About Buick Cascada

The Buick Cascada is a compact convertible. The current, first-generation Cascada was introduced for the 2016 model year. Essentially a rebadged Opel/Vauxhall Cascada, the vehicle is based on a variant of the GM Delta II platform shared with the Opel Astra and first-generation Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt and Opel Astra J.

For the 2018 model year, the Cascada received three new exterior colors, two new convertible top colors and expanded availability of the Dark Effects Package. For the 2019 model year, The Cascada gets two changes: the removal of the Carrageen Metallic exterior color and newfound ability to get the Sport Red exterior color without getting the Dark Effects Package. In addition, the Light Neutral seats with Jet Black accents become newly available with the Sport Red exterior color.



For the 2019 model year, the Cascada lost the Carrageen Metallic exterior color and made the Sport Red exterior color available without the Dark Effects Package or the Light Neutral seats with Jet Black accents interior color combination.

The Buick Cascada is built exclusively at the GM-Opel Gliwice, Poland factory initially owned by GM/Opel Europe but now operated by PSA Groupe as a result of GM selling Opel and Vauxhall in 2017. In February 2019, GM confirmed that the Buick Cascada will be discontinued after the 2019 model year.


Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/04/...#ixzz5kce9ZwGg

[Plasboy]

The Cascadia is butt ugly in the first place and doesn’t really compete with the other models mentioned other than being a convertible. Are car sales down in favor of poot utes, yes apparently so.

[Brad]

I guess Buick isn't on my radar since I didn't even know that vehicle existed.

[C8Driving]

A year from now the reverse will be shown for the Corvette. I expect +100% for the C8 in its first year compared to the previous 12 month C7 period.

[Plasboy]

I have no doubt you are correct.

[SheepDog]

I too never heard of the Cascade . But have heard of MX5 Miata, which only sold 1,530 and the Fiat 124 Spider , which sold only 513. Both are IMO quality cars. Hope Corvette remains rock steady. The C8 will sell as quickly as Bolingreen can make them for at least a few years. The overall trend may reverse or improve by that time. Porsche has done well with wide variety, regular refinement and extreme performance up top the lineup: GT2 RS and GT3 RS.

The top of the C8 line up may be the savior for all of Corvette kind. 1000 HP? Flat crank? High RPM? Symbolic significance beyond usefulness? Would it make sense for Corvette to produce a few dozen strictly collector quality cars like the Ford GT? Or higher up cars.

MAZDA MX-5 MIATA -22.18% 1,530
BUICK CASCADA -18.74% 746
FIAT 124 SPIDER -29.82% 513

[John]

C8 sales will be screaming in the spring of 2020. There will be then so many dealers with so many pre-order lists for their customers who have been waiting for their dealer to call them saying, “I am ready to actually place your order with an allocation I got today.” Those calls will be coming very frequently especially for those in two groups, large dealers with major allocations and high placement within those dealers’ internal priority placement.

As to when the smaller dealers would get their first call, of course we do not know GM’s rollout plan yet. Might GM want to get, early on, a least one to every dealer who has qualified for selling/servicing them? Or instead by some other roll out process?

[John]

SheepDog, you thread’s major point is totally valid, i.e., those percentages of decline for both the Miata and the Fiat 124 Spyder are alarming.

[JB]

The cascada is a far cry from a sports car...its overweight and slow.

the mx5 is a nice little sports car yet its image is that of a hair dressers car.

the fiat 124 is an offshoot of the mx5 with a 1.4 liter old turbo motor. These are not exactly competitive with hot hatches much less than a sports car should have.

all that said todays consumers want practicality. Two seat sports cars dont offer practicality and the image projected of these low powered vehicles is somewhat lacking hence the soft sales.

we shall see who is correct with the 2020 corvette c8. Personally i believe it will be a demand product and will sell well.

i believe we will see corvette sales up at 30k annual units which I believe is peak production at bowling green.

the c7 has been a great seller for the first 3 or 4 years and its market share has also remained strong.

now in its 6 th calender year of production sales are in jeed of an incentive. Something the new GM saved for its sedans and left its specialty product to fend for itself.

hopefully the final year of the c7 will get heavy incentives to motivate many buyers to go for a new7 corvette ..

[Ssscooter66]

I guess Buick isn't on my radar since I didn't even know that vehicle existed.

Same here, I've never seen this car before ...

[Ripper]

The Buick literally looks like a boat... and should have been scuttled like one.

The article is bias by picking only two cars to make the claim that the sky is falling. I say two cars because the Fiat and the Mazda are the same and the Buick is, well... yea I don't know what to say about that atrocity.

Of course Fiat & Mazda are going to tank in sales after the initial launch. IMO the problem for the Fiat & Mazda is they launched two identical cars for buyers and diluted the pool. Had it been just one, Mazda IMO, I feel like the numbers wouldn't reflect as poorly and the single brand would have a more loyal following.

Everything... cars, motorcycles, boats, even children's toys have this pattern because It's a natural cycle. Look at whatever toy is popular for Christmas, they sell like gangbusters, then two months later you see them on the clearance rack at walmart. Why? Because everyone that HAD to have it, has it already! The buyer pool is depleted.

Corvette, Mustang & Camaro have soldiered on because they have had a following, a base that will cycle through cars and into the latest. But even that has tapered off with prices getting so close to other options and the new generation of buyers simply doesn't have the passion for cars like most of us do. Honestly, the only brand that I see making strong appeal to younger buyers is Dodge and It's my guess that Dodge has put a hurt on the mustang and camaro sales. Corvette is Corvette... the only thing that is going to really hurt it is the lack of interest for new buyers. Lets face it, they are for the most part owned by "Mature" (mature is nicer than older) individuals and the current generation doesn't prefer the way its always been. Hence a new Corvette to appeal to younger buyers and those that just want the ME Corvette Super Car we've been teased with for how long now?

Of course... I've done zero research to back up any of what I just typed and is just my opinion.

[Boomer]

Cascada?? Wha?? Thanks for this explanation: "About Buick Cascada" I will likely not choose it over the C8.

[SheepDog]

The Buick literally looks like a boat... and should have been scuttled like one.

The article is bias by picking only two cars to make the claim that the sky is falling. I say two cars because the Fiat and the Mazda are the same and the Buick is, well... yea I don't know what to say about that atrocity.

Of course Fiat & Mazda are going to tank in sales after the initial launch. IMO the problem for the Fiat & Mazda is they launched two identical cars for buyers and diluted the pool. Had it been just one, Mazda IMO, I feel like the numbers wouldn't reflect as poorly and the single brand would have a more loyal following.

Everything... cars, motorcycles, boats, even children's toys have this pattern because It's a natural cycle. Look at whatever toy is popular for Christmas, they sell like gangbusters, then two months later you see them on the clearance rack at walmart. Why? Because everyone that HAD to have it, has it already! The buyer pool is depleted.

Corvette, Mustang & Camaro have soldiered on because they have had a following, a base that will cycle through cars and into the latest. But even that has tapered off with prices getting so close to other options and the new generation of buyers simply doesn't have the passion for cars like most of us do. Honestly, the only brand that I see making strong appeal to younger buyers is Dodge and It's my guess that Dodge has put a hurt on the mustang and camaro sales. Corvette is Corvette... the only thing that is going to really hurt it is the lack of interest for new buyers. Lets face it, they are for the most part owned by "Mature" (mature is nicer than older) individuals and the current generation doesn't prefer the way its always been. Hence a new Corvette to appeal to younger buyers and those that just want the ME Corvette Super Car we've been teased with for how long now?

Of course... I've done zero research to back up any of what I just typed and is just my opinion.

Well. You may have a good point. Seems that cars generally are doing worse than are sports cars. GM, FORD and Chrysler are are dropping just about everything-car, except their Camaros, Mustangs and HellCats, with some exceptions. Camaro and Mustang qualify as sports cars in a world of surging trucks and vanquished sedans. Generations are shifting,,,,,,, and taste too

Moving the Corvette engine to behind the driver's seat is market genius. It is performance too. American Sedans may make a come back after foreign manufactures have 100% of whatever market there is.

The ME Vette may have the most secure future of them all.

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US auto sales are expected to drop below 17 million for first time since 2014

PUBLISHED THU, DEC 13 2018 • 2:50 PM ESTUPDATED THU, DEC 13 2018 • 3:38 PM EST
Robert Ferris@ROBERTOFERRIS

KEY POINTS

• Auto sales are expected to fall to 16.8 million units in 2019, down 1.1 percent from 17 million in 2018.
• Sales hit a peak of 17.6 million vehicles in 2016 and have been falling ever since.
• Rising interest rates are partly to blame.

A man walks by new vehicles at a Queens auto dealership in New York City.
Getty Images

U.S. auto sales are tumbling further and further away from record highs hit just a few years ago.

Automakers are projected to sell 16.8 million passenger vehicles in 2019, a 1.1 percent decline from this year and below 17 million for the the first time since 2014, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association’s annual sales forecast released Thursday. U.S. sales eclipsed 17 million in 2015 for the first time since the recession, peaking at 17.6 million vehicles sold in 2016. They’ve been falling ever since, and they are expected to continue that trend next year.

Higher interest rates and a bevy of new cars coming off lease stand to push more customers into the used market in 2019, said Patrick Manzi, senior economist for the trade group.

For 2018, car dealers are expected to sell 17 million vehicles, a better year than the industry had anticipated.

“This was a little bit unexpected,” Manzi said on a conference call on Thursday. “If you had asked me at the beginning of the year, I was expecting new vehicle sales to fall off more than they had. But then the new tax law was passed. The new tax law put more money in the pockets of consumers including the average new vehicle consumers. And many went out and purchased new vehicles.”

Car buyers mostly purchased light trucks, cross-over vehicles, pickups and SUVs, he said.

But with rising interest rates, dealers are growing concerned about “price creeping” that could keep some buyers out of the market, said NADA Chairman Wes Lutz, who is also president of Extreme Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram in Jackson, Michigan.

Falling incentives and rising rates could put “tremendous” pressure on consumers’ monthly payments, he said, adding that interest rates remain a “wildcard.”

Average interest rates on new-vehicle financing have risen 60 to 70 basis points from 2017 through the third quarter of 2018, Manzi said. That has dramatically the cost of borrowing, he said, and he expects interest rates to continue to rise, though there has been some speculation that the frequency of rate increases may slow.

“Customers who are returning to the store this year and may have leased a car or purchased a car three to four years ago at a very low interest rate and are hoping to keep their payment roughly the same will not be able to do that, because the cost of borrowing has gone up considerably,” he said.

The other side of this of course, is that record sales over the last few years mean used car lots are stocked with robust inventories.

The other big trend is the staggering shift from passenger cars to crossovers and truck-based vehicles that has taken place over the last several years. Automakers have been scrambling to realign portfolios around the shift. Earlier this year, Ford said it will essentially stop selling traditional passenger cars in the U.S. altogether, except for its Mustang sports car.

“As someone who likes to drive sedans, I am a little concerned because there are fewer and fewer choices out there,” Lutz said. However he added that the breadth of choice in SUVs far surpasses what was available several years ago.

General Motors said in November it plans to slash production at several U.S. factories that focus on making passenger cars, such as the Chevrolet Cruze mid-size sedan. The decision has labor leaders and lawmakers in Ohio, Michigan, and Maryland up in arms.

Light trucks are on track to account for about 70 percent of all sales, with cars dropping to 30 percent, NADA said. A decade ago, car sales represented 52 percent while light trucks, including SUVs, accounted for 48 percent of all sales.

Those vehicles tend to be more profitable than sedans and passenger cars, in part because they simply cost more. Customers are willing to spend a bit more on an SUV, crossover or pickup because they feel they are getting more for their dollar in terms of space and flexibility. While these vehicles are becoming more efficient, rising gas prices have been cited by some industry analysts as a potential catalyst for at least a partial swing back into sleeker, more efficient vehicles.

But gas prices are not expected to rise enough to make consumers panic and send them flocking back to cars, Manzi said.

“We haven’t seen the bottom of the car market yet,” he said.

[Milliwatt Rob]

I never liked the name "Cascada". Around here, we have an insect called a Cicada that stays underground for 17 years, emerges and is very noisy, breeds, lays its eggs underground, and dies. Seventeen years later, a new hoard of cicadas come back all over again.

Whenever I heard about a "Cascada", my mind would immediately think of the insect.

[Fireeagle]

Sorry but this is one person that will never buy an SUV, truck or minivan.