SAAR Returns to 17M on Stronger May Sales

U.S. dealers sold slightly fewer new vehicles last month than in May of 2018, but the annual forecast increased to 17.4 million units — thanks in no small part to strong fleet sales.
U.S. dealers sold slightly fewer new vehicles last month than in May of 2018, but the annual forecast increased to 17.4 million units — thanks in no small part to strong fleet sales.
A survey of Automotive News’ top 150 U.S. auto retailers finds per-copy averages grew 4.6% to $1,482 in 2018, fueling a 7.5% increase in total F&I revenue.
The annual forecast for U.S. light-vehicle sales fell to 16.41 million as volume fell 2.3% year-over-year in an April that was expected to bring the year’s first gain following an underwhelming first quarter.
U.S. manufacturers and dealers are knocking on the door of the all-time record for days’ supply of new vehicles, an issue compounded by higher floorplan expenses, according to the latest figures from Automotive News.
Carvana broke into the top 10 in its first appearance on Automotive News’ list of the nation's Top 100 Used Retailers, more than doubling its output to more than 94,000 units and outpacing the Asbury, Larry H. Miller, and Ken Garff groups.
The U.S. new-vehicle sales forecast improved to 17.42 million units in March, but sales fell 3.1% year-over-year against slowing demand fueled by higher interest rates, prices, and payments and reduced incentive spending.
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