USA May 2013: Sales expected to bounce back

Strong full-sized pickup sales are driving the US market to almost 10% growth in 2013.

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Both LMC Automotive/J.D. Power and TrueCar.com predict May US auto sales will rebound from an April slowdown to exceed 1.4 million units, a 9% year-on-year increase. Both companies agree the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) should be 15.2 million. In April the SAAR was 14.9 million, ending five straight months above the 15 million mark which worried analysts because because the previous 3 years had strong first quarters followed by weak springs, said Jeff Schuster, LMC forecasting boss.

As a comparison the SAAR was just 13.9 million one year ago in May 2012.

“This is the time of year when the automotive industry holds its collective breath [but] the current pace suggests full steam ahead for the second half of 2013,” Schuster said. “Economic and market headwinds have been minimized while demand continues to build momentum.” On top of these good news, TrueCar said average incentives are falling which means more profits for car manufacturers.

Previous month: USA April 2013: Hyundai Elantra in Top 10

One year ago: USA May 2012: Chevrolet Malibu hits highest volume in 10 years

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