Light-Vehicle Sales Continue Rebound
Sep 26, 2011 11:28 AM, By Sean Kilcarr, Senior Editor, fleetowner.com
The retail sales rate for new light vehicles have taken a healthy bounce in September, reflecting a year-long strengthening trend in sales U.S. automakers, especially where light trucks are concerned.
According to data tracked by J.D. Power and Associates, September new-vehicle retail sales are projected to reach 842,400 units, representing a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 10.3 million units – the first time the retail selling rate has crossed the 10-million unit threshold since April.
Total light-vehicle sales in September are expected to come in at 1,038,700 units, which is 9% higher than in September 2010, the firm noted, with fleet sales expected to be down 1% compared with last September, but accounting for 19% of total sales.
Light truck sales in particular are staying strong in 2011, despite the broader slow down occurring in the U.S. and global economy, with a healthy uptick this August adding to an already strong year-over-year sales numbers. Read more…