The US' three largest domestic automakers reported significantly improved sales in August.
General Motors Co. dealers delivered 275,847 vehicles in the United States in August, up 15 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 22 percent while fleet sales were down 8 percent. GM's sales in August were the highest of 2013 and the best since September 2008.
Ford Motor Company's August US retail sales grew 20 percent--with total sales up 12 percent-- for the best monthly retail performance since 2006. With inventories remaining tight in several key segments, retail sales gains were broad-based. Car sales were up 15 percent, utilities up 16 percent and trucks up 30 percent. Ford also announced 2013 Q4 production of 785,000 vehicles, up 7 percent from 2012.
Chrysler Group LLC reported US sales of 165,552 units, a 12 percent increase compared with sales in August 2012 (148,472 units), and the group's best August sales since 2007. August was the company's 41st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.