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The automotive industry in the United States has considerably suffered in sales in the past year. While new vehicle sales have started to recover, there is still so much room for improvement if brands want to make up for all the losses brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

But when approached from a segment’s perspective, SUVs and crossover beg to differ, as reflected in the latest sales data at the end of January 2021. SUVs and crossovers from brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, and Mazda are stunning winners. It’s quite the contrast to the sales decline recorded by Ford and Honda in the past month, though, due to fewer fleet orders and sliding car sales.

“The expected month-over-month uptick in sales pace suggests the vehicle market is starting the year on solid ground even with so much uncertainty in the economy,” Cox Automotive senior economist Charlie Chesbrough said.

red hyundai kona on display
Hyundai owes its sales increase to the Kona (as well as the Santa Fe).

Cox Automotive also said that fleet sales won’t recover until later this year, which spells bad news for Ford.

As if Toyota needed more proof for its success, the brand was able to reclaim the world’s best-selling automaker recognition in 2020. This is largely due to the sales of its bigger models such as the 4Runner and Tacoma.

Hyundai, on the other hand, owes its sales increase to the Kona and Santa Fe, while corporate sibling Kia’s sales were anchored on the K5 and Seltos in early 2020 and the Telluride SUV for most of the year.

Joining the ranks of these distinguished automakers are Subaru, whose sales increase was brought about by the Crosstrek and Outback, and Mazda, thanks to the impressive numbers recorded by the Mazda 3, CX-5, and CX-30.

About The Author
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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