April Light Vehicle Expected to Show Slowing Trend

05/02/96

Reuters reported that light vehicle sales within the United States are expected to slow down slightly in April. Analysts expect April's sales to weigh in at somewhere between 14.5 million to 15 million units, lower than the rate for March (15.9 million) but up compared to April of last year (14.1 million). March's rate was the highest the industry had seen among strong sales all year.

Sales at Chrysler will be strongest, with the corporation's truck sales gaining 45% over last year's sale figures and car sales growing 30% over what the corporation saw a year ago. Chrysler's April 1996 truck sales will be strong in comparison to 1995, because a year ago April the automaker was in the middle of a model changeover for their new minivans. April 1996 car sales will be augmented by rebates.

General Motors and Ford Motor Company are expected to see only a one or two percent growth in sales as compared to a year ago.

April's sales are expected to reveal interesting results concerning the competition between popular vehicles. Last year at this time the Ford Taurus was the best selling car in the U.S., but it led the Honda Accord by only 486 vehicles. Chrysler's Ram pickups are gaining ground against the Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel