October Sales: SAAR Could Hit 17M for 5th Straight Year
The latest report shows U.S. new car dealers are on pace for yet another 17 million-unit year, led by gains at Japanese and Korean factories, increased incentive spending, and fleet sales.
Honda reported a 7.6% year-over-year sales increase in October, propelled by sales of light trucks, including the Ridgeline pickup as well as its lineup of SUVs and crossovers.
Photo courtesy American Honda Motor Co.
(Bobit) — The seasonally adjusted annualized rate of U.S. new vehicle sales could exceed 17 million units for the fifth straight year, according to reports and estimates compiled by Automotive News. That would register as a mild surprise for the industry, for which most forecasters predicted at least a slight dropoff for 2019.
Sales were down 1.8% year-over-year in October and were down 1.6% through September, according to the Automotive News Data Center.
Each of the Detroit 3 manufacturers has ceased issuing monthly sales reports; Q4 numbers are expected in the first week of January. Analysts estimate a prolonged United Auto Workers strike dinged General Motors to the tune of a 12% year-over-year decline and that Ford (-1.9%) and Fiat Chrysler (-2.8%) also suffered minor setbacks in October.
Read: Average New Vehicle Prices Up Nearly 3% in October
Hyundai and Kia (11.1%), Honda (7.6%), and Subaru (0.2%) registered year-over-year gains. Those factories were joined in the winners’ circle by Volvo (20%), Audi (19%), Porsche (13%), Mazda (4.5%), and Land Rover (3.1%). Genesis topped them all with a 420% increase from October 2018.
On the decline was Nissan (-5.8%), Volkswagen (-3.2%), and Toyota (-1.2%). Mini (-18%), Jaguar (-11%), and Mitsubishi (-7.9%) also registered year-over-year losses.
“Although OEM incentives growth has diminished, deals remain plentiful.”
Analysts say much of the credit for a strong October should go to high incentives and sustained fleet sales. ALG reports incentives were up 4.7% overall, led by GM and Fiat Chrysler (both 11%), Honda (10%), and Subaru (6.6%).
“Auto consumers continue to benefit from available incentives and credit levels. Although OEM incentives growth has diminished, deals remain plentiful,” said Chris Hopson, manager of the North America light vehicle sales forecast for IHS Markit. “Additionally, interest rates are not expected to meaningfully rise through the end of the year. Therefore, consumers looking for a new vehicle are still being presented with a fruitful environment.”
Read: Detroit, Japan Factories Suffer in Short September Sales Report
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →