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2008 Economic Calendar |
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Resource Center » U.S. & Intl Recaps | Release Dates | Why Investors Care | Today's Calendar
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Unit sales of domestically produced cars and light duty trucks (including sport utility vehicles and mini-vans). Individual manufacturers report usually report sales on the first business day of the month. Motor vehicle sales are good indicators of trends in consumer spending. Why Investors Care
| Released on 5/3/05 For Apr 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Highlights
U.S. sales of North American-made vehicles proved stronger than expected in April, at a 5.8-million-unit annual rate for cars and an 8.1-million-rate for trucks. The results represent a solid increase, centered in cars, from the prior two months. Transplants dominated the results with GM and Ford showing, for the most part, declines.
The results came in too late in the day (not to mention overshadowed by the FOMC statement) to have an effect on the capital markets where, often in distinction to the stock market, they are used as an overall economic barometer. But the data do run counter to a pattern of weakening consumer spending, an economic risk cited this afternoon in the Federal Reserve's policy statement.
Vehicle sales are a big chunk of retail trade, and the strength is certain to improve estimates for next week's key data on the sector. Note that concern over the health of GM and Ford could have a separate negative impact on the corporate bond market. Despite the declines, share prices at the two companies firmed.
Motor vehicle sales increased 3.8 percent in March to a 13.5 million-unit rate with sales rising for both light trucks and autos. Autos sold at a 5.5 million-unit rate while light trucks sold at an 8 million-unit rate for the month. With high gasoline prices, one would expect improved sales gains for cars and fewer purchases of gas-guzzling SUVs.
Auto sales Consensus Forecast for Apr 05: 5.3 million-unit rate
Range: 5.3 to 5.6 million-unit rate
Light truck sales Consensus Forecast for Apr 05: 7.9 million-unit rate
Range: 7.8 to 7.9 million-unit rate
![[Chart]](chart.gif)
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Motor vehicle sales remained in the same range in 2004 as 2003. Consumers continue to buy more SUVs than cars: note the share of light trucks (as a percent of the total) increased in 2004 despite rapidly rising gasoline prices. |
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