Memorial Day sales propping up May results, Edmunds says

(May 26, 2017) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds forecasts that 1,527,363 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in May for an estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.8 million. This reflects a 7.5 percent increase in sales from April 2017 and a 0.3 percent increase from May 2016.

"Generous incentives are keeping traffic flowing to dealer lots, but a lot is riding on Memorial Day sales for automakers to keep momentum strong through the critical summer selling months," said Edmunds Executive Director of Industry Analysis Jessica Caldwell.

"As long as high inventories continue to drive attractive deals and the economy remains strong, consumers will be in a great position to take advantage of a buyer's market this summer."