Auto Sales | featured news

Strong pickup demand fueled a big jump in U.S. auto sales last month. GM's August U.S. sales rose 10 percent compared with a year earlier, while Ford's rose 13 percent and Chrysler's 14 percent. Most automakers reported strong gains as Americans flowed into dealer showrooms, drawn by model-year closeouts, low-interest financing and appealing new models. Analysts expect overall sales to rise around 20 percent when companies finish reported later Tuesday.

U.S. auto sales remained soft in July and all three Detroit automakers reported sales for the month that fell slightly short of analyst estimates, as high U.S. unemployment and weak consumer confidence kept would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Chevrolet is trying to pull more customers into its dealerships this summer by offering a money-back guarantee on new cars and trucks. The General Motors brand said Tuesday that buyers can get refunds if they return their 2012 or 2013 vehicles for any reason. The guarantee lasts for up to 60 days from the date of purchase, and the offer ends Sept. 4. Chevy Marketing Chief Chris Perry says research shows that customers like it when companies show confidence in their cars and trucks.

Japan's auto sales in June were up 41% from a year earlier as consumers rushed to collect government incentives before the money runs out.

Consumer spending was flat in May for the first time in five months as Americans eased off on vehicle purchases amid tepid wage growth, but subsiding inflation pressures should keep demand supported.

After several years of heavily discounting their products, automakers are finding themselves back in the driver’s seat – pushing prices to record levels.

The auto industry looks set to ride the appeal of smaller cars to its best monthly performance since 2008. Chrysler reported a 34 percent increase in March auto sales.

Auto sales are growing so fast that Detroit can barely keep up. Three years after the U.S. auto industry nearly collapsed, sales of cars and trucks are surging.

U.S. retail sales rose less than expected in January as consumers cut back on car purchases and did less online shopping.

Chrysler says its U.S. sales rose 26 percent last year as its turnaround gained traction. The company ended the year with a 37 percent increase in December sales on strong demand for the Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 200 sedan. Chrysler is among the first carmakers to report sales Wednesday.