The Autodata Corporation reported that sales of light vehicles increased 5.3% (1.0% y/y) during March to 17.45 million units (SAAR). The increase recouped declines during the prior two months.

Auto sales improved 3.4% (-6.7% y/y) to a 5.19 million unit pace. Purchases of domestically-produced cars strengthened 4.1% (-6.2% y/y) to 3.80 million units. Sales of imported cars improved 1.5% (-7.9% y/y) to 1.39 million.

Light-truck sales strengthened 6.1% (4.6% y/y) last month to a 12.26 million unit rate and added to February's 2.8% gain. Purchases of domestically-made light trucks gained 7.4% to 9.83 million units (3.3% y/y). Sales of imported light trucks improved 1.7% (10.5% y/y) to a 2.43 million sales rate.

Trucks' share of the U.S. vehicle market increased to a record high of 70.3%.  (The Autodata series dates back to 1990.)

Imports' share of the U.S. vehicle market declined last month to 21.9%, a three-month low. Imports' share of the passenger car market slipped to 26.8% and their share of the light truck market declined to 19.8%, the lowest percentage since August.

U.S. vehicle sales figures can be found in Haver's USECON database. Additional detail by manufacturer is in the INDUSTRY database.