KBB: New-Car Sales To Improve 10 Percent In June
Irvine, Calif. - New-car sales are expected to improve 6.0 percent year-over-year in June to a total of 1,363,000 units according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). After adjusting for one fewer selling day this June, the 10.1 percent year-over-year gain will mark the strongest improvement thus far in 2013. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for June 2013 is 15.5 million, which is the highest SAAR since November 2012 at 15.5 million, and highest June SAAR since 2007 at 15.8 million.
"We've had a strong first half of the year with new-car sales up nearly 7 percent compared to the first half of last year," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights, KBB. "The industry continues to benefit from modest improvements in housing, unemployment and consumer confidence."
As in May, Nissan will lead sales gains again this month and is expected to post a 14.9 percent increase, bouyed by demand for the newly redesigned Altima and Sentra. More consumers may be drawn to Nissan products since Nissan cut the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) on seven of its models in May. Ford will rely on a strong pickup truck market and plentiful incentives on its F-150 to drive a 13.4 percent gain. Meanwhile, Hyundai-Kia is expected to decline 3.6 percent, as it faces production capacity constraints and competition from newer product offerings from other manufacturers, especially in the mid-size car segment.
Honda's all-new Accord appears well-positioned to challenge the Toyota Camry for the top spot in mid-size segment sales this month, while the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima are not far behind. Demand remains strong for large pickups and compact utility vehicles, both of which are expected to be up nearly 20 percent.
"Compact crossovers will capture more market share than ever before at 13 percent, fueled by recent redesigns of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4," said Gutierrez. "Sales in the mid-size segment are expected to be relatively flat year-over-year; however, the fight for segment supremacy remains fierce."
More Industry
Consumers Mixed on Economy, Finances
A July survey shows spotty sentiment of current and future conditions, in addition to demographic differences as overall opinion of present circumstances kept sliding.
Read More →
EVs Closing the European Gap
Electrified powertrains led June new-vehicle sales in Europe, reaching 26% of the market.
Read More →
Early Intervention Saves Retention
Sales and service departments have the highest annual dealership turnover rates, according to a new industry report, costing money and time that could be better spent elsewhere.
Read More →
Autos More Appealing
Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.
Read More →
Used EVs Defy Overall Market
While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.
Read More →
Trade-Ins in Negative Equity Reach New Heights
As such trade-ins rise in frequency, so do monthly loan payment amounts and interest rates, according to second-quarter data compiled by Edmunds.
Read More →
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →