Nissan Altima Edges Toyota Camry in March US Sales
Nissan’s Altima overtook the Toyota Camry in US mid-size car sales for March 2013, ending Camry’s 17-month run at the top as Ford and Honda also gained ground.
Nissan’s Altima outsold the Toyota Camry in the US mid-size car market in March 2013, ending the Camry’s 17-month streak as the country’s top-selling mid-size saloon. According to manufacturer data, Nissan delivered 37,763 Altimas, just edging out the Camry by 100 units for the month. This marked a significant moment in a segment long dominated by Toyota.
Nissan Altima Overtakes Toyota Camry in March 2013
Sales Figures and Market Shifts
In March 2013, the Nissan Altima sold 37,763 units in the US, 100 more than the Toyota Camry. However, both models experienced year-on-year declines: Camry’s US sales fell 12% compared to March 2012, while Altima’s dropped 8%. Despite these declines, the Altima’s narrow lead broke the Camry’s run at the top of the mid-size segment, which is the largest car category by volume in the United States.
Both the Camry and Altima saw their market positions challenged by other rivals. Ford’s Fusion posted a 6% increase in sales for March, while Honda’s Accord surged by 36%. These gains allowed both the Fusion and Accord to surpass the Camry and Altima in market share for the month, further highlighting the changing dynamics in the segment.
The Importance of the US Mid-Size Segment
The US mid-size segment has historically been the most significant for passenger car manufacturers, with leadership in this category seen as a key indicator of market strength. The Camry had led this segment since 2002, regularly topping sales charts by a comfortable margin. March 2013’s result marked the first time since late 2011 that Toyota’s flagship saloon did not lead the monthly figures.
Industry analysts attributed the change in leadership to increased competition and shifting consumer preferences. The segment’s size means that even small changes in sales figures can represent thousands of vehicles, making every monthly result significant for manufacturers.
Competitive Pressure and Manufacturer Strategies
Nissan’s US sales leadership described the March result as evidence that the mid-size market is now more evenly split, with no single model enjoying a dominant lead. Ford and Honda’s gains demonstrate how quickly fortunes can shift as manufacturers update their line-ups and adjust incentives. March’s figures suggest that the days of the Camry as the unchallenged leader may be over, at least for now.
For Nissan, surpassing the Camry, even by a narrow margin, provides a marketing boost and highlights the importance of staying competitive in both product and pricing. The Altima’s performance in March is a sign that competition in the segment is intensifying, and that leadership can change hands quickly.
Impact on Buyers and the Industry
For buyers, increased competition in the mid-size segment has resulted in more aggressive deals and a wider choice of well-equipped models. Manufacturers are under pressure to keep their offerings fresh and pricing attractive, as consumer loyalty is increasingly difficult to secure in this crowded field.
While the Camry remains a key player, the Altima’s performance in March 2013 shows that leadership in the US mid-size market is now genuinely contested. The volatility seen in March could continue as manufacturers respond to shifting consumer tastes and competitive pressure, making the segment one to watch in the coming months.
Summary Table: March 2013 US Mid-Size Car Sales
| Model | Units Sold | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | 37,763 | -8% |
| Toyota Camry | 37,663 | -12% |
| Ford Fusion | (not specified) | 6% increase |
| Honda Accord | (not specified) | 36% increase |
