(October 3, 2012) U.S. auto sales, led by Toyota, Kia, Honda and Volkswagen, rose 13 percent last month as the annualized pace of sales accelerated to 14.9 million. That represents the highest rate since March 2008.

Passenger car demand drove industry results last month, with sales of sedans, coupes and wagons up 23 percent. Consumers continued to opt for fuel-efficient models amid high gasoline prices. Light truck volume edged up 4 percent.

Sales have climbed 15 percent to 10.9 million through September and remain on track to top 14 million for the year, automakers and analysts say.

September marked the fourth consecutive month and seventh month this year the SAAR has topped 14 million. August's SAAR of 14.5 million marked the best showing since August 2009, when the U.S. government offered incentives for buyers to swap older vehicles for new models.

Low interest rates, easing credit markets, selective use of incentives, new and redesigned models, and pent-up demand are fueling the industry's sales gains.

At Toyota, combined sales at the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands jumped 42 percent. It was the fourth time in five months deliveries rose 40 percent or more as the automaker continues to rebound from last year's earthquake in Japan.

At Honda, sales jumped 31 percent, with the Honda brand up 29 percent and Acura posting a 44 percent increase. Demand for the Honda Civic and Accord soared 57 percent, Honda said, while deliveries of the CR-V advanced 14 percent.

Chrysler Group posted a 12 percent rise, helped by a 27 percent increase in car deliveries and a 51 percent gain at Fiat.

It was the company's 30th consecutive monthly gain in U.S. sales, but the smallest advance since volume rose 10 percent in May 2011.

Deliveries at General Motors, Ford and Nissan were mostly flat in September.

Source: Automotive News