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Economy in Brief

U.S. Light Vehicle Sales Fell
by Tom Moeller June 2, 2005

May sales of light vehicles reversed all of the prior month's gain and fell 4.5% to 16.67M according to the Autodata Corporation.

Car sales were notably weak following a firm April and fell 7.5%. So far this year the average level of car sales is 1.2% above last year.

Sales of light trucks fell 2.0% m/m to 9.14M. The average of truck sales so far this year is down 2.1% versus the first five months of 2004.

Imports' share of the US market for new vehicles was about stable at 20.5% in May, up from 19.9% in 2004.

Gasoline prices fell to an average $2.10 per gallon during the last week of May, down 8.0% from the weekly high of $2.28 in early April but still up 13.2% from last year's average $1.85.
Light Vehicle Sales (SAAR, Mil. Units) May April Y/Y 2004 2003 2002
Total 16.67 17.46 -5.9% 16.88 16.63 16.81
  Autos 7.53 8.14 -4.7% 7.49 7.62 8.07
  Trucks 9.14 9.32 -6.9% 9.39 9.01 8.74
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