CHICAGO, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite increased competition from a range of mainstream brands, luxury-brand vehicle sales are up 7.3 percent year-to-date, Cars.com reports. Car buyers have shown that, though emerging, less-expensive luxury options are available, the allure of the traditional luxury experience still drives sales.

With industry-wide new-car sales up 5.4 percent through November, the uptick in luxury sales has been aided by an improving stock market and rising consumer confidence, a trend that is forecasted to continue into 2015.

"The luxury segment is enjoying a particularly strong December," said Jesse Toprak, chief analyst for Cars.com. "With the stock market reaching new highs, shoppers are once again comfortable splurging on premium new-vehicles. A rebounding economy and very attractive lease deals will help close out 2014 with some of the best new-car sales numbers luxury automakers have seen all year."

Mirroring consumer demand for small SUVs, November luxury SUV sales were up 4.1 percent year-over-year.

Audi (15.4%), Lincoln (15.0%) and Lexus (13.6%) posted the largest year-to-date increases in total sales, while Cadillac is the lone luxury auto manufacturer to show a decrease in year-to-date sales.

"Cadillac took a major leap to refresh its image by moving to New York City this year," added Toprak, "But the numbers speak for themselves - the brand still has an uphill climb to show consumers they're on par with attractive makes like BMW and Mercedes-Benz."

Though BMW ranks fifth in year-to-date growth, the automaker's 3-Series was the best-selling luxury vehicle in November, followed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Lexus RX.

Luxury vehicle leases now make up approximately 50 percent of all luxury transactions, with lease-heavy markets such as Los Angeles exceeding 65 percent share. 



    Brand         YTD Change (Total Sales)
    -----         -----------------------

    Audi                                   15.4%
    ----                                    ----

    Lincoln                                15.0%
    -------                                 ----

    Lexus                                  13.6%
    -----                                   ----

    Porsche                                11.8%
    -------                                 ----

    BMW                                     9.5%
    ---                                      ---

    Mercedes-Benz                           6.0%
    -------------                            ---

    Jaguar                                  3.8%
    ------                                   ---

    Land Rover                              3.3%
    ----------                               ---

    Infiniti                                2.0%
    --------                                 ---

    Toyota                                  1.3%
    ------                                   ---

    Acura                                   0.2%
    -----                                    ---

    Cadillac                               -5.9%
    --------                                ----


     *Data reflects year-to-date
      change in total manufacturer
      sales through 11/30/2014




    Model        Lease Deal                                Expiration Date
    -----        ----------                                ---------------

    2015 BMW 320             $279/month for 39 months with                   1/2/15
                            $3,754 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015 BMW
     428i Coupe              $389/month for 39 months with                   1/2/15
                            $4,114 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015
     Mercedes-
     Benz GLA                $579/month for 36 months with                 12/31/14
                            $4,973 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015 Acura
     MDX                     $439/month for 36 months with                   1/5/15
                            $3,299 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015 Lexus
     ES 350                   $349/month for 36 months and                   1/5/15
                            $1,999 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015 Lexus
     RX 350                   $399/month for 36 months and                   1/5/15
                            $3,499 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015
     Infiniti
     Q50                      $329/month for 39 months and                   1/2/15
                            $2,799 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015
     Cadillac
     SRX                     $359/month for 36 months with                   1/5/15
                            $3,559 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

    2015
     Cadillac
     Escalade                $939/month for 36 months with                   1/5/15
                            $4,919 down, 10,000 miles/year
    ---                     ------------------------------

About Cars.com
Launched in 1998, Cars.com is a leading independent research site for car shoppers with approximately 30 million visits per month. The Chicago-based company provides shoppers with credible and easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts. Leveraging its growing audience, Cars.com informs digital marketing strategies through consumer insights and innovative products, helping automotive dealers and manufacturers more effectively reach in-market car shoppers. Cars.com is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI). For more information, visit www.dealers.cars.com.

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SOURCE Cars.com