Friday, January 11, 2013

Good news for automotive category in 2013!

The Polk research firm says auto sales should continue to lead the country's economic recovery, rising nearly 7% over 2012 to 15.3 million new vehicle registrations.

Analysts think sales reached 14.5 million last year, the strongest performance since 2007 -- just before Americans felt the impact of the recession. Sales of more than 15 million are considered a sign of health for the auto industry and the economy, many analysts say.

Polk expects 43 new models to be introduced this year, up 50% from last year. New models usually boost sales. The company also predicts a rebound in sales of large pickups and midsize cars.

Polk predicted a handful of other trends for 2013. Sales will grow for big pickups, which are very profitable for automakers. Demand has been depressed for five years due to the weak economy, but should get a lift in 2013 thanks to redesigned trucks from GM, Toyota and Ford.

Polk also said the midsize sedan segment will continue to lead the industry. It's now at 18.5% of the market, 2 percentage points larger than any other type of segment.