Dealers bullish on U.S. sales outlook, survey says
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More than 92 percent of dealers surveyed by Ally Financial this past week at the 2012 National Automobile Dealers Association convention have a positive overall outlook on new vehicles sales in 2012, with 53 percent expecting the small-car vehicle segment to experience the most growth in 2012. |
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DETROIT -- More than 75 percent of dealers expect their sales to increase by 10 percent or more this year, according to a survey released this week by Ally Financial.
More than 92 percent of dealers surveyed by Ally Financial this past week at the 2012 National Automobile Dealers Association convention have a positive overall outlook on new vehicles sales in 2012, with 53 percent expecting the small-car vehicle segment to experience the most growth in 2012, Ally reports.
U.S. light vehicle demand rose 10 percent last year to 12.8 million units. Sales have climbed each year after hitting a 27-year low of 10.43 million in 2009.
Consumer confidence will be the key in sustaining the industry's sales momentum, said nearly 75 percent of dealers surveyed by the financial services company, eclipsing the availability of incentives or vehicle inventory as driving factors.
"Given improved consumer confidence, full year sales for 2012 could surpass the 14 million unit level in the U.S. and position the industry for even greater growth in 2013," Tim Russi, Ally executive vice president of North American auto operations, said in a statement. "This could factor into dealer decisions on facilities, hiring and ordering."
Price and monthly payment of a car is expected to be the top purchase driver for consumers, according to almost 69 percent of dealers surveyed, followed by fuel economy at almost 15 percent, and styling at a little over 12 percent.
You can reach Ellen Mitchell at emitchell@crain.com.
