The economy may not be at its best, but new car sales in the States keep on rising. J.D. Power and Associates and LMC Automotive said on Thursday that U.S. auto sales in December are expected to top 13 million on an annual rate for the fourth consecutive month.
“For the third straight time, light-vehicle sales are posting strong selling rates at the close of the year”, said LMC Senior Vice President Jeff Schuster.
Both research firms expect December car sales to exceed the 1 million mark, a number last seen in August 2009 when the government was offering incentives through the “cash for clunkers” car replacing program.
J.D. Power and LMC Automotive estimate that total 2011 U.S. car sales will reach 12.7 million units, a significant increase over the 11.6 million vehicles sold last year. They also forecast that 2012 will be even better, with 13.8 million sales.
“Next year, the automotive industry will look to build upon the strong finish to 2011, but the real test in 2012 will be weathering a summer selling slowdown and posting a full year of progressive recovery”, said Schuster.
Story References: Reuters
