The automobile sales figures for May 2008 are in, and it is still a song of woe for virtually the entire OEM channel. Sales are off and continue to slide and at this point, the impact may begin to be felt in the SDARS sector. Penetration rates for satellite radio installations are still increasing, but automobile production is now beginning to see major changes, and at this point the lower sales figures seem a foregone conclusion for the near term.

As we do each month, we have outlined a chart of the automotive brands, and the SDARS relationships. We also include estimates for penetration rates on satellite radio installations. We caution readers that the data relating to satellite radio installations is very general, and should only be used as a guide to gain an understanding of trends within the sector. Those seeking to get more detail (sales for the current quarter, etc.) from the data should look at the monthly reports here on Sirius Buzz.

Position – Long Sirius, XM.