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US automakers report mixed sales for November

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New York: US auto sales offered a mixed picture in November, with Ford reporting an increase but GM and Fiat Chrysler posting declines, according to monthly sales data.


Ford’s 6.7 per cent sales increase compared with November 2016 was driven by solid jumps in sport utility vehicles and trucks — including the best showing for the market-leading F-Series truck since 2000 — as well as higher sales of sedans.


Total sales at the US number-two automaker came in at 210,771 vehicles, slightly better than the forecast by Edmunds.


But at GM, sales fell to 245,387 vehicles, down 2.9 per cent and falling far short of Edmunds’ forecast for a 1.8 per cent gain.


GM said retail sales were flat compared with the year-ago period, but cited the much lower deliveries to rental companies as the main reason for the drop in overall performance.


Sales of many larger “crossover” vehicles increased, however, and the biggest US carmaker said it was optimistic that an improving US economy would keep consumption high.


“US economic growth has stepped up and we expect the momentum will carry over to 2018,” said GM chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem.


“Employment continues to grow at a solid pace, wage growth will accelerate and consumer confidence just hit a 17-year high, so industry sales should remain strong.”


At FCA, retail sales rose two per cent, but as with GM, its overall results were hit by a decline in sales to rental companies. Total sales dropped four per cent to 154,919 vehicles, a bit below the Edmunds projection. — AFP


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