New-Car Sales To Jump 5.2 Percent, Report Record April In Last Decade, According To Kelley Blue Book

IRVINE, Calif., April 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- New-vehicle sales are expected to increase 5.2 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.46 million units in April 2015, resulting in an estimated 16.5 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  In terms of volume, this should be the highest April total since 2005.    

"While April won't bring too many surprises, sales should continue to grow at a steady pace," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "Retail sales continue to be strong which continues to keep the overall sales outlook healthy.  There is restrained incentive spending and steadily rising transaction prices, which are both good signs for the industry." 

Total sales in 2015 are projected to hit 16.9 million units overall in 2015, a 2.5 percent year-over-year increase and the highest overall total since 2005, when sales fell just shy of 17 million units overall. 

Key Highlights for Estimated April 2015 Sales Forecast:

• In April, new light-vehicle sales, including fleet, are expected to reach 1,460,000 units, up 5.2 percent from April 2014 and down 5.4 percent from March 2015.
• The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for April 2015 is estimated to be 16.5 million, up from 16 million in April 2014 and down from 17.1 million in March 2015.
• Retail sales are expected to account for 81 percent of volume in April 2015, even with April 2014.

Popular Jeep Brand Driving Sales for Fiat Chrysler; Nissan Benefits from SUV Segment Growth

"Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is expected to have another lift in April, driven by its popular Jeep brand and its SUV models," said Tim Fleming, analyst at Kelley Blue Book.  "Jeep has been setting records for the last few years, and the recent addition of the all-new Renegade to the lineup will certainly bring even more customers to the rapidly growing brand."   

Nissan also will benefit from the growing popularity of SUVs, especially with its Rogue and Murano vehicles.  The Rogue now comprises of nearly 20 percent of Nissan's sales, and is closing much of the gap to segment leaders like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4.  Meanwhile, the recently redesigned Murano should provide a lift in April 2015.

Mid-Size Cars Continue to Decline; Compact and Mid-Size SUVs Still Fastest Growing Segments with Double-Digit Growth

Mid-size cars are expected to decline in overall volume; however, this is primarily due to the discontinuation of the Dodge Avenger.  Regardless, three of the top four models in the segment have had sales declines this year, with only the Toyota Camry increasing, as consumers are shifting more toward SUVs. 

Compact and mid-size SUVs will still be the fastest growing segments in April with double-digit growth expected.  Combined market share for these segments is at 24.6 percent for the year, up a full point from last year.  SUVs as a whole have had growth of 10.7 percent, while cars are only up 0.1 percent.

There are 26 sales days in April 2015, compared to 26 sales days in April 2014.  All percentages are based on raw volume, not daily selling rate.

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About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies.  Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com ranked highest in its category for brand equity by the 2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend^® study and has been named Online Auto Shopping Brand of the Year for three consecutive years.  Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a Cox Automotive company.

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SOURCE Kelley Blue Book