October's annualized selling pace was 10.5 million, according to industry tracker Autodata, little changed from 10.8 million a year earlier.
In that flat market, Chrysler Group was a big loser, its sales down 30.4% and its share of the market plunging to 7.9%, from 11.4% last year, Autodata reported.
Chrysler Group, controlled and part-owned by Italy's Fiat Group, is to present a plan for survival and recovery today in a six-hour event for analysts and journalists.
General Motors' sales were up 4.7%, the company's best year-over-year showing in nearly two years. But in a candid interview a few days before sales were reported, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz noted: "We're past the time when we had good months last year, so the year-over-year comparisons are going to start working for us. I don't think the public cares, but it works to generate positive momentum for us in the media."
He said surveys show that 10% to 15% more shoppers now are willing to consider GM vehicles than before it began an aggressive marketing effort promising a 60-day no-questions-asked return and directly comparing its models with competitors. He says Cadillac SRX and Chevrolet Equinox SUVs, as well as the Chevy Camaro, are "hopelessly sold out."
Ford (F) sales gained 3.3%.
Among October winners:
•Hyundai and Kia, the affiliated South Korean automakers, both up more than 45%. Hyundai was propelled by its redesigned Elantra sedan and the Santa Fe SUV. Kia was driven by its Borrego SUV and new Soul and Forte small cars.
•Subaru, up 40.7% on the strength of its new Legacy. "With its redesign, the Legacy goes from a decent but small family sedan to one in the top of its class," Rik Paul, automotive editor for influential Consumer Reports magazine, said after the magazine's recent test of Legacy.
Biggest October losers:
•Smart, down 70.4%.
•Suzuki, down 49.9%, awaiting the launch of its Kizashi sports sedan.
•Mitsubishi, down 48.3%.
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