U.S. light-vehicle sales next year likely will resume the 16.8 million-unit annual pace, or lower, 2017 was tracking before the results of the previous two months lifted the year-end trajectory to 17 million.
Going into October, the industry was burdened with excess inventory of ’17 models, with dealer stocks an estimated 10% to 15% higher than necessary.
How much inventory automakers are loaded with in December could determine the strength of a year-end sales surge to lower...
Despite an expected sales downturn, production will rise in 2017 due to added capacity and increased export output.
Midsize cars took a beating in January, with nearly every automaker recording double-digit losses in the segment
Despite announcements of temporary plant shutdowns and shift reductions, North American production still is expected to rise in Q1-2017.
There’s good chance automakers propel December above expectations by boosting incentives and advertising during the holiday period.
While capacity utilization in the U.S. and Canada will decline in 2017, Mexico’s facilities will increase to 104%.