WardsAuto.com Forecasts Strong April Light Vehicle Sales

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 15 -- U.S. light-vehicle sales are continuing their hardy ways this month, reports WardsAuto.com. The subscription auto-industry website offered by PRIMEDIA Inc. forecasts April sales will track at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.6 million, matching year-ago but down from 16.9 million in March.

``An improving economy, increased incentives and a strong April production schedule all point to a solid month,'' explains Haig Stoddard, Ward's Communications manager of industry analysis.

The WardsAuto.com forecast, updated monthly for subscribers, calls for April unit volume of 1.38 million cars and light trucks, off 1.5% from like- 2001 on a daily sales rate basis. Imported light vehicles are seen surging nearly 11% from April 2001, while domestically made models slip 4%.

For the year to date, including April's forecast, sales are running at an annual pace of 16.5 million. That's below the 17.0-million rate for last year's first four months, but higher than the industry earlier had envisioned.

``Although inventory is expected to rise sharply during April, expect increases to May and June production schedules as manufacturers slowly move away from a conservative view of the year,'' Stoddard says. ``The Big Three, especially, will be hard-pressed not to continue a heated incentive war as they continue to see market share slip away to other North American manufacturers and major importers. That should assure 16 million-plus annual sales rates in May and June.''