US auto sales increased 2.1 percent more vehicles in June, compared to a year ago, according to a Cox Automotive estimate. While passenger car units slipped, sales of SUV’s, crossovers and pickup trucks were strong.
June US auto sales were reportedly at 1,531,133 in June and 8,555,943 for the first six months. IHS Markit auto analyst Stephanie Brinley attributed the increase to a “healthy economy” that has consumers spending. The stronger-than-expected first half caused Cox Automotive to increase its full-year sales forecast from 16.7 million vehicles to 16.8 million. IHS maintained its forecast at 16.9 million. Both estimates lower than the 17.2 million vehicles sold in 2017. A poll of economists by Reuters showed expectations of a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 17.0 million vehicles for the US auto industry in June.
For the second quarter, GM sold 758,376 vehicles, up 4.6 percent from a year earlier. GM no longer reports monthly figures.
Ford Motor sold 230,635 vehicles for June, up 1.2 percent compared to the same month a year ago. Fiat Chrysler sold 202,264 vehicles in the US in June, up 8 percent year-on-year. Toyota achieved sales of 209,602 vehicles, up 3.6 percent in June compared to a year ago. Nissan recorded June sales of 145,096 units, up 1.2 percent compared to the same month last year. Honda sold 146,563 vehicles, up 4.8 percent year-on-year. Volkswagen Group, was up 5.7 percent year-on-year to 28,941 vehicles. Subaru’s June vehicle sales were 59,841. Hyundai was up 17.5 percent year-on-year to 64,052 vehicles while its sister automaker Kia posted a sales increase of 0.8 percent year-on-year to 56,571 vehicles.