@ 24/7 WALL ST.
The American auto industry nearly collapsed during the recession as car sales plummeted and companies struggled to stay afloat. Since then, U.S. car and light truck sales have steadily increased, reaching 1.6 million in May, up 11% from the year before.
Despite the general recovery, demand for some vehicles continues to underwhelm. According to figures from TrueCar, an auto industry information and technology platform, 15 models spent an average of at least 90 days on dealers’ lots before being sold. No car took longer to turn over than the Volvo S60, at an average of 155.5 days.
Days to turn is useful metric for gauging inventory levels, Eric Lyman, vice president of industry insights at TrueCar, explained in an interview with 24/7 Wall St. “The clock starts when the car lands at the dealership,” Lyman said. This levels the playing field, he added, because production facilities for various carmakers are located at different points across the U.S. or even in foreign countries.
According to Lyman, several factors may contribute to rising inventory levels. Some of these are temporary factors, such as the switch to a new model year.
Because TrueCar data for 2014 covers cars in their 2014 model years, it makes sense that turnover rates are lower for models such as the GM’s (NYSE: GM) GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Cadillac Escalade, all of which have released newly overhauled 2015 models.
In other cases, Lyman added, “high inventory is going to be [due] to a disconnect between the sales goals of the manufacturer and the retail demand for those units.” In some instances, manufacturers overestimate demand for their brands and ship too many units to their dealers. This results in high inventory and turnover levels for the brands.
Many of the brands that take the longest to sell are unpopular with customers, Lyman explained. Both Mitsubishi and Scion have car models that take the most days to turn.
Both were also two of the nation’s lowest rated car brands, according to J.D. Power’s 2013 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study, which measures brands’ appeal with car buyers.
Cars from Cadillac, Ford’s (NYSE: F) Lincoln, Jaguar and Volvo, all of which ranked in the bottom half of premium brands, according to the study, also made the list.
Only one of the cars with the highest days to turn, the Chevrolet Tahoe, was manufactured by one of the survey’s 10 highest rated non-premium brands.
Although there are differences in how brands are perceived, Lyman added that disparities in actual quality among various brands is often relatively small. Five of the 10 cars requiring the most days to sell were made by brands with above-average scores on J.D.
Power’s 2013 Initial Quality Study. Leading these brands was GMC, maker of the Yukon, which trailed only Porsche for fewest problems per 100 cars, according to the Survey.
Only three models belonged to brands with scores considerably below the industry average, although one of these, Scion, was the lowest-rated brand in J.D. Power’s survey.
Based on figures provided by TrueCar, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the car models with the highest number of days to turn. TrueCar turnover and sales data for each model reference a particular model year — figures for 2013 apply to cars in their 2013 model year, while figures for 2014 count data for 2014 model year vehicles.
TrueCar also provided sales data for each of these models. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) data are from manufacturer’s website, and refer to the newest model year.
We also relied on information from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys, and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Safety data are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Sales figures are from The Wall Street Journal, as well as various company press releases.
These are the 10 cars Americans don’t want to buy.
10. Scion tC
> Days to turn: 90.2
> Jan.-May unit sales: 1,571
> MSRP: $19,965
While tC sales for the first five months of 2014 are up roughly 10% over the same period last year, demand remains cool. Through May, a tC hatchback took dealers an average of 90 days to turn, up from just under 63 days last year.
This is despite tC’s MSRP of less than $20,000. Scion cars are typically targeted at younger buyers, a strategy that has so far had mixed results for parent company Toyota. Last year, the company considered repositioning the brand as an entry-level luxury car.
According to J.D. Power’s 2013 Initial Quality Study, Scion vehicles were the worst rated cars nationwide, with 161 problems per 100 vehicles reported by owners within the first 90 days of ownership.
9. Dodge Avenger
> Days to turn: 96.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 7,024
> MSRP: $20,595
It took Dodge dealers an average of over 96 days to sell an Avenger between January and May, up from just under 51 days during the first five months of last year.
As turnover slowed, so did sales, down 34% during January through May versus last year’s period. According to J.D. Power’s 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study, Dodge ranked as one of the least dependable car brands, with 180 problems per 100 cars sold.
Customers were also less satisfied with the Dodge brand than nearly any other make, according to ACSI.
While Dodge’s parent company, Chrysler, has invested considerably in the similarly built Chrysler 200, the company has announced plans to discontinue the Dodge Avenger going-forward.
8. Lincoln MKS
> Days to turn: 97.0
> Jan.-May unit sales: 817
> MSRP: $40,690
The Lincoln MKS is hardly a top seller, with just 817 vehicles sold this year through May. Ford, which owns Lincoln, has worked for years to revive the Lincoln brand.
Often regarded as outdated, the brand has struggled to find a niche among luxury buyers. A Lincoln MKS starts at an MSRP of $40,690, although prices for a fully stocked and customized MKS can exceed $55,000.
For drivers who prioritize safety, however, the MKS may be a good option. The model earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
7. Chevrolet Tahoe
> Days to turn: 101.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 6,938
> MSRP: $44,895
The Tahoe was named Chevrolet’s most dependable model by Consumer Reports last year. Chevrolet itself was among the top car brands in J.D. Power’s 2013 Initial Quality Study, and it received an average rank in the 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study.
Despite these positive reviews consumers were not as satisfied with Chevrolet. The brand was tied for the worst in customer satisfaction, according to ACSI. Sales of the Tahoe have been unspectacular so far this year, down slightly from the first five months of 2013.
And the number of days required to turn over a Tahoe rose from 73.4 to 101.5. This slowdown is likely caused to some extent by the recent release of an overhauled 2015 model year Tacoma.
6. Chrysler 200
> Days to turn: 102.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 7,567
> MSRP: $21,700
The Chrysler 200 took dealers an average of 102 days to sell so far this year as sales dropped by 40%, from 12,531 in the first five months of 2013 to 7,567 in the first five months of 2014. At least part of this decline may be due to the introduction of a new 200 model last month.
Chrysler’s newest model represents a complete redesign of the 200 and a renewed effort to gain a toehold in the highly lucrative mid size sedan market. The 200 competes in a crowded segment against the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry — the nation’s two best-selling cars.
Currently, a Chrysler 200 has a starting price of just $21,700, although fully loaded with optional features a 200 can run well-above $30,000, up to over $35,000.
5. Jaguar XK
> Days to turn: 102.7
> Jan.-May unit sales: 626
> MSRP: $84,500
Jaguar has turned around in recent years following the 2008 acquisition by Tata Motors, and it has been an integral part of a rebounding United Kingdom automotive industry.
Through May, U.S. Jaguar sales this year increased roughly 14.5% from last year. Sales of the XK, however, have barely changed over the last year. On average, it took dealers 102.7 days to turn a Jaguar XK, up from just 39.4 days in the first five months of 2013.
A Jaguar XK carries a higher starting price tag of any car among the longest to turn, with an MSRP of $84,500. A convertible version of the XK starts at $90,500.
4. GMC Yukon
> Days to turn: 112.0
> Jan.-May unit sales: 2,932
> MSRP: $46,335
GMC ranked behind only Porsche in J.D. Power’s 2013 Initial Quality Survey. Consumers were also highly satisfied with GMC, awarding it a higher ACSI score than all but a handful of other brands.
Last year, Consumer Reports ranked the Yukon as GMC’s most reliable car. Interestingly, while sales of the Yukon rose 42% year-over-year in the five months through May, the number of days to turn a Yukon rose from 62.4 in last year’s period to 112 this year.
The Yukon is one of several General Motors’ full-size SUVs, alongside the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. Both the Tahoe and Escalade had among the longest turnover times in the in the U.S. through the first five months of 2014. Like some of its counterparts, figures for the Yukon may be impacted by the recent introduction of a newer model year.
3. Cadillac Escalade
> Days to turn: 115.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 1,498
> MSRP: $71,695
The Cadillac Escalade is one of three full-size General Motors SUVs among the 10 cars with the longest days to turn, alongside Chevrolet’s Tahoe and GMC’s Yukon. It is also the slowest selling American manufactured car, taking an average of 115.5 days to turn in the first five months of 2014.
This is up from 61.2 days to turn between January and May 2013, as sales have dropped 14.7% year-over-year. However, this may not necessarily be an issue of quality.
General Motors recently released a new Escalade, which may affect sales and turnover for the 2014 model year. In fact, Cadillac was one of the top-ranked makes in J.D. Power’s 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study, behind only Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Consumers were also happy with the brand, awarding it one of the industry’s highest ACSI scores.
2. Mitsubishi Outlander > Days to turn: 117.1
> Jan.-May unit sales: 3,788
> MSRP: $22,995
The Mitsubishi Outlander took dealers an average of 117.1 days to turn so far this year. This was actually an improvement from last year, when it took dealers nearly 128 days to turn an Outlander.
Sales of the Outlander have also been strong this year, up 37% in the first five months of 2014 versus the year before. Overall, sales of Mitsubishi cars rose nearly 34% in that time.
However, the carmaker still holds just a 0.5% share of the U.S. car market. Mitsubishi’s model competes in a crowded field against some of the nation’s best selling cars, such as Toyota’s RAV4, Honda’s CR-V and Ford’s Escape.
1. Volvo S60> Days to turn: 155.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 1,777
> MSRP: $33,300
Volvo’s S60 had the longest average days to turn of any car model sold in the U.S., taking an average of 155.5 days to turn in the first five months of 2014.
This was more than twice as long as it took to turn an S60 last year. Sales of the S60 have slid as well, with just 1,777 sold this year through May, down 13% from the same period in 2013. So far this year, total Volvo sales are down roughly 10% nationwide.
As a brand, Volvo has long been considered a carmaker in need of a turnaround. Ford sold it to Chinese carmaker Geely in 2010. The brand still maintains a reputation for safety, and the S60 earned a five star safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ last year.
This is despite tC’s MSRP of less than $20,000. Scion cars are typically targeted at younger buyers, a strategy that has so far had mixed results for parent company Toyota. Last year, the company considered repositioning the brand as an entry-level luxury car.
According to J.D. Power’s 2013 Initial Quality Study, Scion vehicles were the worst rated cars nationwide, with 161 problems per 100 vehicles reported by owners within the first 90 days of ownership.
9. Dodge Avenger
> Days to turn: 96.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 7,024
> MSRP: $20,595
It took Dodge dealers an average of over 96 days to sell an Avenger between January and May, up from just under 51 days during the first five months of last year.
As turnover slowed, so did sales, down 34% during January through May versus last year’s period. According to J.D. Power’s 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study, Dodge ranked as one of the least dependable car brands, with 180 problems per 100 cars sold.
Customers were also less satisfied with the Dodge brand than nearly any other make, according to ACSI.
While Dodge’s parent company, Chrysler, has invested considerably in the similarly built Chrysler 200, the company has announced plans to discontinue the Dodge Avenger going-forward.
8. Lincoln MKS
> Days to turn: 97.0
> Jan.-May unit sales: 817
> MSRP: $40,690
The Lincoln MKS is hardly a top seller, with just 817 vehicles sold this year through May. Ford, which owns Lincoln, has worked for years to revive the Lincoln brand.
Often regarded as outdated, the brand has struggled to find a niche among luxury buyers. A Lincoln MKS starts at an MSRP of $40,690, although prices for a fully stocked and customized MKS can exceed $55,000.
For drivers who prioritize safety, however, the MKS may be a good option. The model earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
7. Chevrolet Tahoe
> Days to turn: 101.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 6,938
> MSRP: $44,895
The Tahoe was named Chevrolet’s most dependable model by Consumer Reports last year. Chevrolet itself was among the top car brands in J.D. Power’s 2013 Initial Quality Study, and it received an average rank in the 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study.
Despite these positive reviews consumers were not as satisfied with Chevrolet. The brand was tied for the worst in customer satisfaction, according to ACSI. Sales of the Tahoe have been unspectacular so far this year, down slightly from the first five months of 2013.
And the number of days required to turn over a Tahoe rose from 73.4 to 101.5. This slowdown is likely caused to some extent by the recent release of an overhauled 2015 model year Tacoma.
6. Chrysler 200
> Days to turn: 102.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 7,567
> MSRP: $21,700
The Chrysler 200 took dealers an average of 102 days to sell so far this year as sales dropped by 40%, from 12,531 in the first five months of 2013 to 7,567 in the first five months of 2014. At least part of this decline may be due to the introduction of a new 200 model last month.
Chrysler’s newest model represents a complete redesign of the 200 and a renewed effort to gain a toehold in the highly lucrative mid size sedan market. The 200 competes in a crowded segment against the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry — the nation’s two best-selling cars.
Currently, a Chrysler 200 has a starting price of just $21,700, although fully loaded with optional features a 200 can run well-above $30,000, up to over $35,000.
5. Jaguar XK
> Days to turn: 102.7
> Jan.-May unit sales: 626
> MSRP: $84,500
Jaguar has turned around in recent years following the 2008 acquisition by Tata Motors, and it has been an integral part of a rebounding United Kingdom automotive industry.
Through May, U.S. Jaguar sales this year increased roughly 14.5% from last year. Sales of the XK, however, have barely changed over the last year. On average, it took dealers 102.7 days to turn a Jaguar XK, up from just 39.4 days in the first five months of 2013.
A Jaguar XK carries a higher starting price tag of any car among the longest to turn, with an MSRP of $84,500. A convertible version of the XK starts at $90,500.
4. GMC Yukon
> Days to turn: 112.0
> Jan.-May unit sales: 2,932
> MSRP: $46,335
GMC ranked behind only Porsche in J.D. Power’s 2013 Initial Quality Survey. Consumers were also highly satisfied with GMC, awarding it a higher ACSI score than all but a handful of other brands.
Last year, Consumer Reports ranked the Yukon as GMC’s most reliable car. Interestingly, while sales of the Yukon rose 42% year-over-year in the five months through May, the number of days to turn a Yukon rose from 62.4 in last year’s period to 112 this year.
The Yukon is one of several General Motors’ full-size SUVs, alongside the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. Both the Tahoe and Escalade had among the longest turnover times in the in the U.S. through the first five months of 2014. Like some of its counterparts, figures for the Yukon may be impacted by the recent introduction of a newer model year.
3. Cadillac Escalade
> Days to turn: 115.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 1,498
> MSRP: $71,695
This is up from 61.2 days to turn between January and May 2013, as sales have dropped 14.7% year-over-year. However, this may not necessarily be an issue of quality.
General Motors recently released a new Escalade, which may affect sales and turnover for the 2014 model year. In fact, Cadillac was one of the top-ranked makes in J.D. Power’s 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study, behind only Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Consumers were also happy with the brand, awarding it one of the industry’s highest ACSI scores.
2. Mitsubishi Outlander > Days to turn: 117.1
> Jan.-May unit sales: 3,788
> MSRP: $22,995
The Mitsubishi Outlander took dealers an average of 117.1 days to turn so far this year. This was actually an improvement from last year, when it took dealers nearly 128 days to turn an Outlander.
Sales of the Outlander have also been strong this year, up 37% in the first five months of 2014 versus the year before. Overall, sales of Mitsubishi cars rose nearly 34% in that time.
However, the carmaker still holds just a 0.5% share of the U.S. car market. Mitsubishi’s model competes in a crowded field against some of the nation’s best selling cars, such as Toyota’s RAV4, Honda’s CR-V and Ford’s Escape.
1. Volvo S60> Days to turn: 155.5
> Jan.-May unit sales: 1,777
> MSRP: $33,300
Volvo’s S60 had the longest average days to turn of any car model sold in the U.S., taking an average of 155.5 days to turn in the first five months of 2014.
This was more than twice as long as it took to turn an S60 last year. Sales of the S60 have slid as well, with just 1,777 sold this year through May, down 13% from the same period in 2013. So far this year, total Volvo sales are down roughly 10% nationwide.
As a brand, Volvo has long been considered a carmaker in need of a turnaround. Ford sold it to Chinese carmaker Geely in 2010. The brand still maintains a reputation for safety, and the S60 earned a five star safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ last year.
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