September could be the first time that new-vehicle retail sales have remained strong throughout the month in the U.S. since the stronger selling rates at the beginning of 2011 before the economy stalled, according to projections from consultancy J.D. Power and Associates.
The September retail seasonally adjusted annualized rate – SAAR – is expected to come in at 10.3 million units, which is up from the 9.6 million-unit rate in August. The total light-vehicle selling rate is forecasted at 13 million units for the month. In September of 2010 the retail selling rate was 9.5 million new cars and light trucks.
“As vehicle inventory improves from the shortages during the past four months, buyers are showing resilience despite the troubling economic environment,” said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power. “While conditions remain challenging, a robust selling rate in September will help to ease fears of weaker vehicle sales in the fourth quarter.”
