The economy may be floundering but don't tell that to the auto industry. Supply is up, prices are down, and car sales spiked in September to 13.1 million on a Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate (SAAR) basis from 12.1 million in August. A key reason for this upswing is the recovery of Japanese automakers from the March earthquake. Supply is also growing for other automakers that faced high demand in recent months but were unable to immediately respond with increased production.
Indications point to even more momentum for the auto industry as supply continues to grow and push prices to become more competitive. Plus, car-buying conditions should keep improving with lower gas prices easing pressure on the most strained fuel efficient segments. Meanwhile, auto loan finance rates will remain low for the foreseeable future. Still, the economy, and especially tepid consumer confidence, cannot be ignored as a potential drag on new vehicle sales.