U.S. Vehicle Sales Up Modestly

December 2, 2005

By Tom Moeller

· According to the Autodata Corporation, November US sales of light vehicles recovered most of the prior month's decline with a 6.7% m/m rise to 15.74M. The increase, however, failed to recoup the decline during the prior three months. As a result, the average of sales so far during 2005 is about equal to all of 2004.

· Sales of US made cars & trucks improved 8.6% m/m. Domestic truck sales rose 11.8% (-11.8% y/y) while car sales rose a lesser 4.8% (2.6% y/y).

· Sales of imported cars & trucks rose a modest 0.2% m/m (-3.3% y/y) as sales of imported trucks rose 0.8% (-8.5% y/y) and imported auto sales  fell slightly (-0.5% y/y).

· Import's share of the US light vehicle market slipped m/m to 21.2%.

 

Light Vehicle Sales (SAAR, Mil. Units) Nov

Oct

Y/Y

2004 2003

2002

Total 15.74 14.75 -5.5% 16.87 16.63 16.81
  Autos 7.56 7.32 1.7% 7.49 7.62 8.07
  Trucks 8.18 7.42 -11.3% 9.37 9.01 8.74

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