Jan. 28, 2013—Total light-vehicle sales in the U.S. are expected to reach 15.1 million units in 2013, according to a J.D. Power and LMC Automotive report.
Thanks to a strong finish in 2012 and a higher-than-expected rate in January 2013, sales are 100,000 units greater than in 2012. In addition, the outlook for retail light-vehicle sales is expected to increase to 12.4 million units in 2013.
"The global industry is looking for the United States to offset risk in Europe and potentially slower growth in the emerging markets in 2013," said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of forecasting at LMC Automotive. "The good news is that the U.S. market is primed to over-deliver as the recovery heats up. The concern now is shifting from the continuing recovery to whether the automotive supply base will be able to keep up with hearty demand."
North American light-vehicle production is also projected to be 15.9 million units in 2013, a 3 percent increase from 2012. Further upside potential is contingent on the pace of demand in the first half of the year.
To access the full report, visit lmc-auto.com.
