The U.S. auto sales forecast in 2016 remains at 17.4 million vehicles, but with a bias toward the upside. That would allow a new record beyond last year's record of 17.39 million vehicles or 17.47 million vehicles.
Next year is pivotal for the auto industry, due to the chance of an economic stimulus plan under a Donald Trump presidency and the likelihood that attractive consumer discounts, or incentives, are pulling some 2017 sales into the current year. The U.S. economy and auto industry could be facing a boom or bust, depending on which policies are focused on and implemented. The U.S. Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend is expected to account for one-fourth of November car sales. She also said consumer discounts on new vehicles so far in November were nearly $3,900 per vehicle, up about 15 percent from a year earlier.
Current strength in U.S. auto sales, are being driven in part by elevated incentive (discount) levels, which represent a meaningful risk to the long-term health of the auto industry.
