The auto industry saw a nice lift in May for all major U.S. car makers except Toyota and light truck sales reached their peak level since December, said Automotive News.
The recovery of the U.S. auto industry from its long time sales low of 10.4 million vehicles last year is still slow, although it continues to build momentum despite new volatility in the stock market and ongoing housing problems.
Double digit gains for May were reported by Ford (up 22 percent), GM (up 17 percent) and Chrysler (up 33 percent) over the same month in 2009. Toyota sales increased only 7 percent despite incentives while Nissan sales gained 24 percent and American Honda sales grew 19 percent. Also Hyundai-Kia is continuing its growth spurt, with sales up 28 percent.
Industry predictions call for sales of 11.3 million to 11.8 million vehicles for 2010, increasing to over 13 million in 2011.
Source: Automotive News
Photo: 2010 Ford Mustang
UPDATE! AutoNation which claims to be the largest auto dealer in the U.S., said its auto sales for May climbed 22 percent over last year, totaling over 19,000 units. Domestic car sales at the retailer were close to 6,000, up 28 percent, import car sales totaling over 10,000 rose 21 percent and premium luxury cars, totaling over 3,000 rose 15 percent over the previous May. Source: AutoNation
Ford announced Wednesday it will discontinue selling Mercury automobiles this fall after 71 years…. Source: The New York Times
May Car Sales Up By Double Digits; Ford Sheds Mercury
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