J.D. Power and Associates Reports: New-Vehicle Retail Sales Pace Remains Strong, but Risk is Growing

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 2 May 2011 — April new-vehicle retail sales continue to perform well in the second half of the month despite growing inventory concerns, specifically with compact segment models, 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 retail selling rate in April is expected to come in at 11.1 million units, while the seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total light-vehicle sales is expected to be at 13.1 million units.

“As April’s sales pace confirms, increasing gas prices and shortages in vehicle inventory have yet to trump the overall recovery that has been progressing since the fall of 2010,” said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. “However, looking at the remainder of the year, growing uncertainty in these two variables is increasing the risk that that the industry may not reach the expected 13 million-unit level for total light-vehicle sales.”

J.D. Power and Associates will be tracking new-vehicle sales as they are announced by auto manufacturers on May 3 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.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing forecasting, performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global financial information and education company that helps professionals and students succeed in the Knowledge Economy. Leading brands include Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts energy information services and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has approximately 21,000 employees with more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2010 were $6.2 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.