Edmunds.com has forecast 1,145,344 new cars and trucks will be sold in the US in September for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) for the month of 14.4m light vehicles. Earlier this week, WardsAuto.com forecast 1,163,000 light vehicle sales and September SAAR at a 54-month high of 14.6m.
Edmunds said the forecast results would keep the industry on track for its current forecast of 14.4m new cars and trucks sold this year and sales of 15m new cars and trucks in 2013.
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“There’s a feeling among dealers and automakers that car sales are easing into cruise control, and that’s a good feeling for an industry that’s felt more than its share of bumps in the last few years,” said senior analyst Jessica Caldwell.
“This month’s results offer more evidence that car buyers are finding the right signs to jump back into the market.”
Edmunds estimated September’s projected sales would be a 10.8% decrease compared with August 2012, but an 8.8% increase versus September 2011.
Retail SAAR is forecast at 11.9m vehicles in September, with fleet transactions accounting for 17.0% of total sales. An estimated 3.13m used cars will be sold in September, for a SAAR of 36.9m (compared to 3.14m – or a SAAR of 37.6m – used car sales in August).
Edmunds expects Chrysler will enjoy the biggest jump in US market share in September among the major manufacturers. The Detroit automaker’s share is projected to climb 0.5% month over month for a share of 12.1% which would be its highest share for any month since September of last year.
Toyota, meanwhile, will take the biggest hit to its market share this month, falling 0.7% to 14.0% of US sales, Edmunds reckons.
For Edmunds’ sales volume forecast, by manufacturer, click on the ‘press release’ button below
