According to the latest estimate from TrueCar.com, May car sales in the U.S. will end up 32 percent higher than the same month last year. That would also mark an 18.3 percent improvement over April's final tally.
Barclays Capital has released a similar forecast, predicting May says to increase to 1.4 million units. That pace would keep 2012 on track for annual sales of about 14.5 million units.
Barclays says "moderating gas prices" are "fueling increased light truck purchases."
Although all major automakers should see a healthy sales bump for the month, Barclays expects the Japanese automakers to see the biggest increases. Toyota and Honda have finally recovered from last year's earthquake and tsunami, which should result in much improved sales.
