U.S. Auto Sales Analysis From Morgan & Company, Inc.

WEST OLIVE, Mich., Sept. 3 -- Morgan & Company reports that U.S. auto sales totaled 1,630,904 in August, down 4.5% from August of 2002. There were, however, 27 selling days in the current sales month and 28 selling days in August last year. Daily selling rate (DSR) adjusted, light vehicle sales fell by just 1.0% in August compared to the same period last year.

On an annualized basis, August light vehicle sales reached 19.0 million units, the highest rate since October of 2001.

Truck sales continue to roll. Light truck sales were up 5.4% for the month, capturing 54.7% of the total market. Car sales stumbled again in August, down 7.8%.

The traditional Big Three saw a combined sales decline of 5.9% in August which equaled a market share drop of over 3.0%.

  General Motors sales were relatively strong, down 0.7% in August.
  Ford Motor sales dropped 13.1% for the month.
  Chrysler Group sales fell by 6.4%.

Foreign brands increased their share of the market to 42.1% in August. European brand sales increased by 3.7%, and now account for 6.7% of U.S. auto sales. Asian brand sales were up by 7.3%, pushing their share of the market to 35.4%.

Toyota, including Lexus, sold 200,482 vehicles in August, actually surpassing Chrysler for the first time.

Further information including calendar and model year-to-date details, can be obtained online (www.morgancom.com ) or by contacting us directly.

Morgan & Company, Inc., was established in August of 1992 in order to address the needs of automotive manufacturers, suppliers, analysts and journalists. Morgan & Company provides comprehensive statistics, accurate forecasts, and actionable research.