Steel Markets
October 23, 2015
US Vehicle Sales and NAFTA Vehicle Production in September 2015
Written by Peter Wright
In September, vehicle sales reached a new post-recession high of almost 18.2 million units at a seasonally adjusted annual rate. This followed the August rate of 17.8 million units. Both at the time were the best pace since July 2005, when incentives caused sales to surge. Sales in September were 10 percent higher than the same month a year ago. Light trucks continued to dominate with 10.3 million, the balance, 7.9 million being autos. Crossover vehicles are classified as light trucks. The light truck share at 57 percent was the highest in 10 years.
So far this year, the sales pace average is 17.2 million units and it is likely that 2015 will have the best pace since 2001. Pent-up demand for vehicles is being quickly absorbed and the decline in gasoline prices is encouraging consumers to buy larger vehicles. The Ford F series has maintained its #1 spot in spite of reservations about the F150 aluminum body. Year to date Ford F series sales through September were 527,583 units, the Chevy Silverado was 440,904 units and the Dodge Ram was 319,704 units. The only car to make it into the top four was the Toyota Camry with 326,330 units. North American assembled vehicles had a market share of >80 percent in September.
