U.S. Auto Sales: Who Gained, Who Lost?

Many auto companies have released their U.S. sales figures for November. Investors closely follow these monthly data releases as an indication of the strength of the macro-economic environment, the entire auto sector and individual companies.

Barclays boosted its fourth quarter GDP tracking estimate from 1.7 percent to 1.8 percent. Its economists cited an overall solid November auto sales data.

Companies that reported Tuesday included Hyundai, Chrysler, Ford, F General Motors, GM Volkswagen, Subaru, Tata Motors TTM-owned Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota Motors, TM Honda Motor Co HMC and Nissan.

Hyundai: All-Tme Record

Hyndai reported all-time record November sales of 56,005 units, a gain of five percent from a year ago. The company's Santa Fe and Accent brands provided the most growth at 43 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

Chrysler: Strong November Points to a Hot IPO?

Chrysler's sold 142,275 units, representing a 16 percent gain from a year ago. The consensus estimate was for a gain of 10 percent to 14 percent. The sales figures were the best for the company since 2007.

Ford Crushing Consensus

Ford reported total unit sales of 190,449, which represented an increase of 7.1 percent from a year ago. The consensus estimate was for a gain of 5.6 percent.

Sales of Ford Fusion, the world's most popular car, grew by 51 percent to 22,839. Higher margin F-Series trucks grew 16.3 percent to 65,501 units.

General Motors: In-line with Consensus

General Motors reported 212,060 units sold, which represented an increase of 13.7 percent from a year ago. The consensus estimate was for a gain of 13.5 percent.

In a sign that the company has completed its revival, the company reported all four of its brands (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac) grew at double digit rates.

Volkswagen: Tough Time in the U.S

Volkswagen continues to see its market share drop in the U.S. November unit sales of 30,727 represented a decrease of 16.3 percent from a year ago.

Subaru: Hot streak Continues

Subaru reported total unit sales of 36,621, representing an increase of 30 percent from a year ago. September was the company's best month in history, while the company surpassed its previous annual sales record in October.

Jaguar Land Rover: Luxury Demand Remains Strong

Jaguar Land Rover reported total unit sales of 6,047, representing an increase of 37 percent from a year ago.

Land Rover brand sales rose by 25 percent, while sales of Jaguar cars more than doubled from a year ago.

Toyota: Stable as Always

Toyota reported total unit sales of 178,044, representing an increase of 10.1 percent from a year ago. The strong sales figure easily surpassed the consensus of 6.5 percent.

Honda Motors: Missed Estimates

Honda reported total unit sales of 116,057, representing a decrease of 0.1 percent from a year ago. The consensus estimate was calling for a gain of 0.5 percent.

The Acura division reported an increase in sales of 18.9 percent while the Honda division fell 2.3 percent during the month.

Nissan: Huge Beat

Nissan reported unit sales of 106,528, representing a gain of 10.7 percent from a year ago. Analysts were looking for a gain of only 3.5 percent.

Sales of Sentra grew the most at 62.5 percent while the Nissan division grew 10.8 percent and Infiniti gaining 10.5 percent.