(September 26, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to increase 9.1 percent year-over-year in September to a total of 1.24 million units, resulting in an estimated 16.4 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book kbb.com. 

Based on the robust sales pace during the past few months, Kelley Blue Book is adjusting its sales outlook for 2014 from 16.3 million to 16.4 million.    

"Following an extraordinarily strong month of sales in August, with the industry above 17 million SAAR for the first time in eight years, Kelley Blue Book expects sales to level out in September," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Sales will remain strong and show healthy year-over-year improvement.  Rising incentive spend in recent months has been more than offset by increasing retail transaction prices, signaling continued consumer demand."

Key Highlights for Estimated September 2014 Sales Forecast:

    • In September, new light-vehicle sales, including fleet, are expected to hit 1,240,000 units, up 9.1 percent from September 2013 and down 21.7 percent from August 2014.

    • The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for September 2014 is estimated to be 16.4 million, up from 15.3 million in September 2013 and down from 17.4 million in August 2014.

    • Retail sales are expected to account for 85 percent of volume in September 2014.

Chrysler Group continues its reign in September with an anticipated volume increase of 17 percent, marking its seventh month of double-digit growth this year.  Chrysler is benefitting from its Jeep and RAM brands, which have pushed their market share up by a full point this year, to its highest point since 2007.

With the benefit of an extra selling day, big gains are expected for many manufacturers in September.  One exception could be Ford, which may see a decline in F-Series sales as they manage current inventory in preparation for the all-new F-Series launch. 



The compact utility segment will continue its success in September, with an expected volume increase of 19 percent.  In fact, just this year, the compact utility segment has surpassed the full-size pickup truck segment to become the third most popular segment in the industry, trailing mid-size and compact cars.

"Similar to previous months, growth in the compact utility segment has come at the expense of mid-size and compact cars," said Gutierrez.  "With market share in the mid-size and compact car segments continually under fire and the competitive landscape stronger than ever before, consumers can expect to find great deals on the Camry, Civic and other traditional segment leaders."