New Cars Sales Show Hint of Bounce Back for Automakers

It turns out that bad news is good news for automakers still feeling the squeeze during the coronavirus pandemic.

New data shows that carmakers are still selling fewer vehicles than before the healthcare and economic crisis swept the country. But new sales are declining at a slower rate, which could be a sign that the worst part is over.

Toyota, for example, saw sales decline by more than 11 percent in the third quarter, compared to the same three-month stretch a year earlier. But that was much less of a slowdown than the 36 percent drop in new sales the Japanese company experienced in the second quarter of this year, Car and Driver points out.

Similarly, Fiat Chrysler sales were down more than 10 percent over the third quarter. That was a significant improvement from the second quarter, in which FCA's new sales plummeted by nearly 39 percent.

Car and Driver says the numbers have the auto industry optimistic about a quick, v-shaped recovery. Although spiking coronavirus infection rates have raised the possibility of a new round of shutdowns across the country, there is also promising news in the effort to develop a Covid-19 vaccine. 

Owners’ Legal Rights

While the sales data is welcomed news for car manufacturers, the unfortunate reality for everyone on the road is that big carmakers still struggle to produce vehicles that are safe.

Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and other major auto companies recall a combined millions of vehicles per year because of defects that can pose serious safety hazards.

In September, for example, Ford announced it was recalling some 500,000 vehicles over a brake problem that the company said could make it harder for drivers to slow or stop their car.  Around the same time, Honda said it needed to take a look at roughly 600,000 vehicles because of a software snafu that could cause instrument panels not to display important information - like the speedometer, gear position, and engine oil levels - and render backup cameras inoperable.

There is some good news for car owners in the Golden State. The California lemon law requires car manufacturers to make various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also requires the company to buy back or replace vehicles that it is unwilling or not able to fix.

A seasoned California lemon law lawyer can help you understand and enforce your rights.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Lawyer

If you are a California car owner or lessor who is stuck with a malfunctioning vehicle or locked in a dispute with a manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law lawyer can help.

At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. We work tirelessly to get the people we represent the compensation they deserve.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law lawyer today.