New-Car Sales climbing

New-vehicle sales are expected to increase 8 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.29 million units in February 2015, resulting in an estimated 16.6 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.

«While consumer confidence fell month-over-month in February, it still remains high from last year», said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  «Along with an unemployment rate that continues to drop and low interest rates, most signs remain very positive in the automotive market.  In fact, February marks 12 straight months of industry growth».

Moving into the coming months, the rate of sales growth should slow down considerably.  Total sales in 2015 are projected to hit 16.9 million units overall, a 2.5 percent year-over-year increase and the highest overall total since 2005 sales fell just below 17 million units total.

In February, new light-vehicle sales, including fleet, are expected to reach 1,286,000 units, up 8 percent from February 2014 and up 11.9 percent from January 2015. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for February 2015 is estimated to be 16.6 million, up from 15.3 million in February 2014 and flat compared to January 2015. Retail sales are expected to account for 80 percent of volume in February 2015, up from 79 percent in February 2014.