Current Data Center Graphs

Several manufacturers achieved record results for the month, while some others posted double-digit declines.

February inventory in two of the strongest selling segments, Middle CUV and Large Pickup, dropped below year-ago totals.

Fuel-economy improvements for the 2015 model year reversed the effect of increased market share of heavier vehicles.

North American output is slated to rise 2.2% on year-ago in Q2, following a weather- and labor-related first-quarter shortfall.

March’s results likely will get a slight boost from lost sales in February, barring more bad weather or an increase in inventory shortages.

North American deliveries climbed 13.5% to 1.4 million units, the largest year-over-year growth for the region since August 2013’s 14.9% increase.

Forecast LV production 3.1% above year-ago will lift North American plant capacity utilization to 101.0% in Q1 2015.

North American production gains are forecast in each quarter in 2015, but the increases will be stronger in the second half.

The Middle Car segment will make up 36.0% of 2013’s new-product volume, while Midsize CUVs will account for 23.3%, for a 59.3% total market share. The two segments will represent 31.2% of new-product sales in 2014 and 43.6% in 2015. .

A WardsAuto analysis projects the auto maker will produce 96% of its North American-market vehicles locally in 2015, the first full year its new facility in Mexico comes online. But vagaries of the market could push the mix closer to 100%.

Recent announcements of new plant investments by Japan-based car companies reconfirm the move by most manufacturers to locally source more of their products in their major markets.

Light vehicle sales are lagging growth in the economically active population of the U.S., portending stronger pentup demand.

Light vehicle sales are lagging growth in the economically active population of the U.S., portending stronger pentup demand.