J.D. Power and Associates Reports: New-Vehicle Retail Sales Continue to Track Above 10-Million Unit Pace

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 31 October 2011 New-vehicle retail sales in October are expected to post a double-digit increase over the same period a year ago, and remain significantly stronger than the summer selling rate for the second month in a row, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers real-time transaction data from more than 8,900 retail franchisees throughout the United States.

The October retail seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) is expected to come in at 10.5 million units, which is at the same level as September. The total light-vehicle selling rate is forecasted to be at 13.1 million units for the month.

"The relatively strong selling rate seen again in October suggests that the fourth quarter may close stronger than previously expected," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "Recent bright spots in the economy may also help calm nerves and support stable vehicle sales, but risks remain and consumer confidence is still low, tempering the outlook for 2012."

J.D. Power and Associates will be tracking new-vehicle sales as they are announced by auto manufacturers on November 1 and will have automotive analysts available for both print and broadcast interviews after 8 :00 a.m. E.T./5:00 a.m. P.T.