US Light Vehicle Sales Above Forecasts

2025-05-02 13:43 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

U.S.

light vehicle sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 17.27 million units in April 2025, down from a four-year high of 17.83 million in March but well above market expectations of 15.7 million.

Over the past two months, sales averaged an annualized rate of 17.6 million, driven largely by tariff-related buying—significantly higher than the estimated 16.0 million rate without such effects.

According to Wards Intelligence, there were signs the surge began to lose momentum by the end of April, likely as tariff-driven "exuberance" faded and inventories tightened.

Demand remained notably stronger for full-size and luxury trucks, while sales of more affordable vehicles—including cars and small to midsize CUVs and SUVs—lagged behind.



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U.S. light vehicle sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 17.27 million units in April 2025, down from a four-year high of 17.83 million in March but well above market expectations of 15.7 million. Over the past two months, sales averaged an annualized rate of 17.6 million, driven largely by tariff-related buying—significantly higher than the estimated 16.0 million rate without such effects. According to Wards Intelligence, there were signs the surge began to lose momentum by the end of April, likely as tariff-driven "exuberance" faded and inventories tightened. Demand remained notably stronger for full-size and luxury trucks, while sales of more affordable vehicles—including cars and small to midsize CUVs and SUVs—lagged behind.
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