This month’s US new vehicle sales (including fleet sales) are expected to be 1.33m units, a 13.2% decrease from March 2007 and a 13.9% increase from February 2008, according to analysts Edmunds.com.

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March 2008 had 26 selling days, two less than last March 2007. When adjusted for this difference, sales decreased 6.5% from March 2007.


“Consumers feel there is no compelling reason to buy a car right now,” said Edmunds’ chief industry analyst Jesse Toprak.


“Some shoppers seem to be waiting for dramatic incentive announcements that seem inevitable, while other consumers are likely more focused on general economic and personal financial concerns.”


The combined monthly US market share for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors (GM) domestic models is estimated to be 51.1% in March 2008, down from 52.7% in March 2007 and down from 52.2% in February 2008.

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“March was tough and virtually no automaker was spared,” added AutoObserver.com senior editor Michelle Krebs. “Unfortunately, the industry is still on track to have the worst year in recent memory.”


Edmunds predicts Chrysler will sell 170,000 units in March 2008, down 17.7% compared to March 2007 and up 13.4% from February 2008. This would result in a new car market share of 12.8% in March 2008, down from 13.5% in March 2007 and even at 12.8% in February 2008.


Ford will sell 217,000 units in March 2008, down 15.1% compared to March 2007 and up 13.5% from February 2008. This would result in a new car market share of 16.3%, down from 16.7% in March 2007 and even at 16.3% in February 2008.


GM will sell 294,000 units in March 2008, down 15.1% compared to March 2007 and up 9.0% from February 2008. GM’s market share is expected to be 22.1% of new vehicle sales in March 2008, down from 22.6% in March 2007 and down from 23.1% in February 2008, Edmunds said.


Amongst ‘import’ brands, it expects Honda to sell 134,000 units in March 2008, down 6.7% from March 2007 and up 16.0% from February 2008. Honda’s market share is expected to be 10.1% in March 2008, up from 9.4% in March 2007 and up slightly from 9.9% in February 2008.


Nissan will sell 102,000 units in March 2008, down 8.4% from March 2007 and up 18.1% from February 2008. Nissan’s market share is expected to be 7.7% in March 2008, up from 7.2% in March 2007 and up slightly from 7.4% in February 2008.


Toyota will sell 211,000 units in March 2008, down 13.0% from March 2007 and up 15.9% from February 2008. Toyota’s market share is expected to be 15.9% in March 2008, up from 15.8% in March 2007 and up slightly from 15.6% in February 2008, Edmunds added.


Automakers are expected to announce their US results on Tuesday.