U.S. Auto Sales Achieve Sixth Straight Month of Growth

The seasonally adjusted annual price (SAAR) of gross sales is predicted to complete close to 16.4 million, up barely from September’s surprisingly sturdy 16.3 million price however down from final 12 months’s 16.8 million degree, in line with a forecast launched as we speak by Cox Automotive. 

One other month of quantity enchancment illustrates the resilience of the auto business.

“Given the severity of the well being and financial disaster within the nation proper now, the sturdy car gross sales tempo is a nice shock, significantly when six months in the past most market observers did not count on us to be right here,” stated Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. “Modest enhancements within the U.S. economic system from positive aspects in client confidence and job creation, coupled with the roll-out of recent MY2021 merchandise, are holding shoppers excited about buying even throughout turbulent occasions.” 

The tight stock scenario, which was most extreme earlier in the summertime when factories have been nonetheless reopening, is now moderating and gross sales have adopted. Manufacturing ought to be much less of a hurdle now with factories working near pre-pandemic ranges.

The financial restoration can also be persevering with to indicate modest enhancements, so there’s little motive to count on that the car market will make a considerable change in its present restoration path within the coming months. Nonetheless, there stay many dangers that would maintain again gross sales, together with a second COVID-19 wave, a second dip within the economic system and subsequent week’s election, with potential disruptions that would happen in consequence.