Total U.S. Auto Sales Up in October 2006

Washington DC November 2, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that U.S. auto sales in October rose 6.1 percent from a year ago to 1,217,689 units, led by gains from Toyota, Nissan, GM, and Ford.

With two months remaining in the year, auto sales are off pace from 2005 by 2.9 percent.

Of the top six automakers, only Toyota and Honda have gained in total sales this year, reports Automotive News.

Toyota's October sales were up 9.2 percent from a year ago, while Nissan rose 3.9 percent from October 2005. Automakers said lower gasoline prices drove a rebound in sales of some trucks and SUVs – pricey vehicles that were shunned by American car buyers earlier this year when fuel prices spiked.