December Auto Sales off to Strong Start, Observers Say
Domestic sales of new cars and trucks appear headed for a strong finish to the year, though further incentives are playing a large role and
could crimp profits, analysts and auto executives say, according to a report from the Associated Press.
In a research note Dec. 19, Goldman Sachs & Co. said General Motors Corp. is powering December sales with hefty incentives as the world's largest automaker strives for a slight market share increase this year.
However, Goldman Sachs said, the push is not coming cheaply. GM has raised incentives by
$585 a vehicle in December, which the investment bank estimates will result in a $115 million net loss, according to AP.
In another report Dec. 19, Burnham Securities Inc. analyst David Healy also cited GM incentives as a reason why December sales should top November's, AP said.
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