This past December had one more selling day than December 2013 and November 2014, so that helps a little. But Edmunds.com analyst Jessica Caldwell pointed out other factors that helped boost sales:
Many factors have helped car sales recently. Low gas prices, a record stock market and the improving economy are making people feel more financially comfortable, and even the weather has cooperated, for the most part.
According to the firm, the biggest year-over-year gain will be posted by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (NYSE: FCAU), with a jump of nearly 25% year-over-year and more than 17% month-over-month. The company’s Jeep Cherokee continues to be a top seller, as Edmunds.com predicts total December sales of 200,621 vehicles. Chrysler is expected to add 1.4% to its U.S. market share, bringing its total share to 13.3%.
Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) is expected to post a year-over-year sales increase of about 15% and a month-over-month increase of nearly 20%. Edmunds.com forecasts total sales of 219,587 vehicles in December. Toyota’s market share is projected at 14.5%, good for third place in the U.S. market.
General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) is forecast to sell 262,191 units in December and maintain its market share lead with more than 17% of the U.S. market. The forecast represents an increase of nearly 14% year-over-year and about 16% compared with November sales.
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) is projected to sell 224,914 vehicles in December, a gain of 3.8% over December 2013 and up nearly 21% month-over-month. The company’s new F-150 Series pickups are getting delivered to dealers and this can only help Ford’s sales. Ford is expected to hold on to the second-largest U.S. market share with 14.9%.
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) is forecast to post a 9.3% share of the U.S. market, with sales of 140,023 vehicles in December. That is a sales gain of 3.5% year-over-year and 14.9% month-over-month. But the company’s share of the U.S. market is down 0.7% compared with December 2013.
ALSO READ: Can BMW Sell a $135,000 Electric Car?
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