Automakers report modest sales gains in April - The Detroit News
Automakers on Friday are reporting modest, single-digit sales gains nearly across the board, as analysts expect sales to be up at least 5 percent from April 2014 to about 1. 46 million new cars and trucks, which would mark the best four-month... They are expected to account for more than 55 percent of sales in April. "We're kind of in a familiar patter here, with really strong demand for light trucks and SUVs really propelling the market," said Mark Strand, Autotrader manager of market intelligence. Low gas prices, higher consumer confidence and low interest rates all continue to drive auto sales, Strand said. As of noon Friday, the Detroit automakers as well as Nissan had all reported sales gains between 5 percent and 6 percent compared to April 2014. Toyota reported sales were up 1. 8 percent. General Motors Co. , the largest automaker in the U. S. , is leading the way for automakers in April, with sales up 5. 9 percent to 269,056 vehicles — slightly higher than some industry analysts expected. Strong sales of the Detroit-based automaker's Chevrolet Equinox, new mid-size pickups as well as its luxury Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, up 121. 8 percent and 188. 4 percent, respectively. Source: www.detroitnews.com
