Toyota predicted March would be another dismal month for new car sales, with preliminary reports supporting the automaker’s outlook. Through the first two weeks of March, U.S. auto sales were down 40 percent compared to the same period last year.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, retail sales are expected to fall to just 633,000 units in March, well off the pace from the 1.07 million vehicles sold in March 2008. Total sales are expected to check in at 798,000 units.
If sales were to remain flat, that would net an annual sales rate of about 9.2 million vehicles, which could push many automakers to the brink. Even with the collapse in sales during the second half of last year, automakers sold 13.2 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2008.
However, J.D. Power and Associates is confident that sales should see an uptick within the next few months. It remains to be seen just how much sales might improve, but the industry will take anything at this point.
03/27, 10:07 AM
posted by:
hangonbig3
A lot riding on that “uptick” word.
03/27, 10:25 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
They say slow and steady wins the race but this is like watching an endless caution lap.
03/27, 10:27 AM
posted by:
andy
Toyota must have a crystal ball cuz i dont think anyone else saw that coming…
03/27, 10:35 AM
posted by:
JakeK66
JohnnyC,
Slow and steady didn’t win it for the Canucks. OHH!!!
Blues 8===> Luongo
It’s all in good fun.
03/27, 10:45 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Dammit Jake, I knew I couldn’t hide! Next time we’ll see if we can get the whole team to show up.
03/27, 11:01 AM
posted by:
JakeK66
Well the one thing I can say good about the ‘Nucks is that you’ll never forget what city they’re from with that big ‘ol “VANCOVER” written on the front of the jersey.
03/27, 11:17 AM
posted by:
JakeK66
Yeah, I forgot the U in “Vancouver”
Here’s a good pic:
http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/200708311209.jpg
03/27, 1:02 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
This is our Year
Bruins 2009!
03/27, 2:20 PM
posted by:
Borat
JJT, the year still young
03/30, 10:28 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
GM sales will rise at the expense of Sh1tty Toyotas. Everyone would rather support General Motors because if they fail, we all fail.
What is good for General Motors is good for America