Automakers: 2015 Was a Banner Year for Sales
01/06/2016 - As depressed as the steel markets might be, there’s at least this much to hold on to:
Automakers sold a record 17.5 million light vehicles in the U.S. last year. The previous record was set in 2000, when automakers sold 17.4 million vehicles in the U.S.
According to Automotive News, sales are being driven by low gasoline prices, pent-up demand, widespread credit availability, an increase in leasing and employment gains.
“It’s truly remarkable that the auto industry is finishing off its best year ever just six years after the depths of the Great Recession,” Edmunds.com analyst Jessica Caldwell told the publication.
“Low-APR offers and tumbling gas prices are making it easy for shoppers to buy or lease a new car, but don’t overlook the products themselves. If you’re buying a new car today, you’re getting a safer, more fuel-efficient and more technologically packed vehicle than ever before.”
2016 sales may climb even higher as unemployment continues to decline and more young buyers enter the market, according to the Associated Press.
However, growth probably won’t be as steep as in 2015, it said, partly because millions of vehicles will be entering used car lots as two- and three-year leases expire this year.
According to Automotive News, sales are being driven by low gasoline prices, pent-up demand, widespread credit availability, an increase in leasing and employment gains.
“It’s truly remarkable that the auto industry is finishing off its best year ever just six years after the depths of the Great Recession,” Edmunds.com analyst Jessica Caldwell told the publication.
“Low-APR offers and tumbling gas prices are making it easy for shoppers to buy or lease a new car, but don’t overlook the products themselves. If you’re buying a new car today, you’re getting a safer, more fuel-efficient and more technologically packed vehicle than ever before.”
2016 sales may climb even higher as unemployment continues to decline and more young buyers enter the market, according to the Associated Press.
However, growth probably won’t be as steep as in 2015, it said, partly because millions of vehicles will be entering used car lots as two- and three-year leases expire this year.
