(January 24, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to improve 1.6 percent year-over-year in January to a total of 1.06 million units, and an estimated 15.9 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book www.kbb. 

At 15.9 million, this would be the highest recorded January SAAR since 2007, when it was 16.4 million.

"January is typically the weakest sales month of the year as many consumers take advantage of holiday deals in December.  However, winter storms also could impact new-vehicle sales this month, as much of the country deals with historically cold weather and snowstorms," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "Early estimates indicate fleet sales will be down as well."

Key Highlights for Estimated January 2014 Sales Forecast:

    • In January, new light-vehicle sales, including fleet, are expected to hit 1,060,000 units, up 1.6 percent from January 2013 and down 21.9 percent from December 2013.

    • The seasonally adjusted annual rate for January 2014 is estimated to be 15.9 million, up from 15.2 million in January 2013 and up from 15.3 million in in December 2013.

    • Retail sales are expected to account for 83 percent of volume in January 2014.

New-Car Sales To Improve Nearly 2 Percent From Last Year; Kelley Blue Book Projects Best January Since 2007
Chrysler, Nissan Anticipate Solid Sales Numbers; Full-Size Pickup Truck Growth Expected to Slow in 2014

Compact crossovers will continue to report double-digit growth for the fifteenth month in a row, albeit slower than the 20 percent growth seen last year.  Entry-level luxury cars also will post positive numbers, thanks to the recently launched BMW 4 Series and all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

"Following a huge year in 2013, full-size pickup truck sales should see growth slow in 2014," said Gutierrez.  "General Motors will look to cut back on incentives on the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, while Ford manages their inventory before its new line of F-Series trucks hits the market later this year."