NADA Economist: U.S. Economy Continues to Gain Momentum in 2013
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 9, 2013; The sales momentum of new cars and light trucks established last year is likely to continue in 2013, predicts Paul Taylor, chief economist of the National Automobile Dealers Association.
"Old cars on the nation's roads and available credit assure a good year for car sales as the economy continues to make modest but positive progress in overall growth," Taylor said at the NADA Convention and Expo. "Early in the year, real GDP growth will be about 2.3 percent with that growth approaching 3 percent in the last half of the year."
Taylor expects more than 15.4 million new vehicles will be purchased or
leased in the United States this year, an
increase of 1 million vehicles over 2012. Last year, 14.4 million new
vehicles were sold.
"Pent up demand, affordable auto loans and enticing new-vehicle
designs add up to a solid sales year that will outperform the overall U.S.
economy," he said.
Taylor highlighted seven key factors that will support stronger auto
sales in 2013:
(1) Pent-Up Demand - The continued replacement of
cars and trucks that aged to a record level during the recession will
propel sales this year. Cars on the road are a record 11.1-years-old,
light-duty trucks 10.4-years-old and the mix is 10.8-years-old.
(2) Available Credit - Low interest rates for
auto loans, which are expected to increase in future years, will help
motivate consumers to finance a new-vehicle purchase in 2013.
(3) More New-Vehicle Choices - New-vehicle models
with greater consumer appeal in design and fuel efficiency are headed to
dealerships. New models are being introduced at major auto shows across the
country.
(4) Declining Unemployment - The modestly falling
rate of unemployment has led to solid consumer confidence. Consumers now
expect to avoid layoffs.
(5) Used-Vehicle Shortage - The continued short
supply of used vehicles for sale resulting from the past recession will
cause some consumers to purchase new vehicles this year, instead of used
ones. Elevated prices of used cars assist trade-in equity.
(6) Fiscal Cliff Avoided - So far, modest action
by Congress to avoid the fiscal cliff, which avoids some tax hikes, will
result in more new-vehicle sales early in the year.
(7) Improving Home Values - Residential real
estate prices are showing a recovery in nearly all states in the nation,
increasing the typical family nest egg. As a result, consumers are more
confident about spending on a new vehicle purchase.
The NADA convention runs Feb. 8-11 at the Orange County Convention Center. For up-to-minute news coverage, visit www.nadafrontpage.com/NADA2013.
The NADA Story
The NADA story began in 1917 when 30 auto dealers traveled to the
nation's capital to convince Congress not to impose a luxury tax on the
automobile. They successfully argued that the automobile is a necessity of
American life, not a luxury. From that experience was born the National
Automobile Dealers Association. Today, NADA represents nearly 16,000
new-car and -truck dealers, with 32,500 franchises, both domestic and
international. For more information, visit www.nada.org. Follow NADA on
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