New-vehicle sales have improved 13.6 percent in August 2013 to a total of 1.46 million units, according to Kelley Blue Book. While affordable financing and generous incentive offers continue to more than offset any downside risk associated with steadily rising average transaction prices, low supply continues to impede the growth of major automakers such as Ford, Subaru and Hyundai. Given current market conditions, Kelley Blue Book believes that sales will remain on track to hit 15.6 million total units in 2013. 

Key Highlights for August 2013 Sales:

• In August, new light-vehicle sales, including fleet hit 1,460,000 units, up 13.6 percent from August 2012 and up 11.0 percent from July 2013.
• The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for August 2013 hit 15.6 million, up from 14.5 million in August 2012 and down from 15.8 million in July 2013.
• Retail sales are expected to account for 86 percent of total sales in August 2013.

Meanwhile, although not expected to post double-digit gains this month, Ford has seen sales volume improve nearly 13 percent so far this year, benefitting from its own batch of well-received redesigns. The bar is raised to new heights with every passing model year and with so many fuel-efficient, stylish alternatives available today, it has never been a better time to buy a new car.

“Most automakers are seeing double-digit sales increases compared to last year as retail sales remain a bright spot, even with more new models entering the market,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. “Subaru continues to shine, estimated to be up 30 percent this month even with capacity constraints, and Honda once again has one of the strongest year-over-year growths. On the other hand, Ford could have been up double digits, but has been hampered with production issues from both the Escape and Fusion.”

Trucks & Crossovers Remain Top Growth Segments

The growth in the truck segment appears to be on the up and up, thanks in large part to the rise in new home construction taking place across the United States in the upward swing of today’s economy. With seasonal demand predicted to increase during the next few months, Kelley Blue Book expects growth in the full-size pickup truck segment to continue unabated.

“The mid-size car segment, which had many redesigned models introduced last year, is expected to be down nearly 2 percent in market share and is being challenged by compact cars for the top segment, while both the large truck and compact crossover segments are seeing the most improvement,” said Tim Fleming, analyst at Kelley Blue Book.