WardsAuto Says U.S. Light-Vehicle Sales Will Top Year-Ago In May for Second Month in a Row

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 10 -- U.S. light-vehicle sales are expected to rise for the second straight month from a year ago and maintain April's torrid 17-million-unit annual pace, says WardsAuto.com.

The subscription auto-industry website offered by PRIMEDIA Inc. also forecasts that the market strength will extend into June, with the second quarter's overall 17-million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) topping the 16.7 million recorded during April-June 2001.

"A rebound in fleet deliveries will drive sales volume in May and June, along with generally good economic news, generous retail incentives and low interest rates," said Haig Stoddard, WardsAuto manager of industry analysis. Underscoring the industry's optimism, May-June vehicle production schedules are strong even though inventory rose 1.6% during April.

WardsAuto forecasts May's SAAR at 17.0 million, down slightly from April's 17.3 million but topping year-ago's 16.4 million. Actual unit volume is pegged at 1.635 million units, 2.2% above same-month 2001 on a daily sales basis. It's the second month this year with a gain on year-ago. April sales were up 2.8%. Among the high-volume automakers, only Ford Motor Co. is expected to have lower sales.

With May's forecast, the year-to-date SAAR becomes 16.8 million, same as a year ago. That's slightly higher than the 16.6-million units WardsAuto expects will be sold during calendar 2002 as a whole.

About Ward's Communications

A world leader in automotive information, Ward's Communications, a PRIMEDIA company, has covered the auto industry more than 75 years. With a variety of information products ranging from monthly magazines (the widely read Ward's Auto World and Ward's Dealer Business) to weekly and twice-monthly newsletters (Ward's Automotive Reports, Ward's Engine and Vehicle Technology Update), as well as database products and the continually updated website, WardsAuto.com, Ward's Communications is widely regarded as the source for global auto industry news and analysis. More information about subscriptions and sponsorship opportunities is available at http://www.WardsAuto.com.