New-vehicle sales are expected to rise 10 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.415 million units, and an estimated 16.3 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  This increase would bring the year-to-date total to 5.15 million units sold, which is a 3.6 percent increase from this time last year. 

"Following a big rebound in March, Kelley Blue Book expects April to continue with another solid month of sales, which will be supported by rising consumer confidence and improving employment conditions," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "Sales also are supported by improved credit availability, low interest rates and attractive lease offers.  Leasing has accounted for approximately 25 percent of all retail sales so far this year, a trend which is supported by a continued strong outlook for used-car values along with low interest rates." 

Key Highlights for Estimated April 2014 Sales Forecast:

• In April, new light-vehicle sales, including fleet, are expected to hit 1,415,000 units, up 10.1 percent from April 2013and down 7.8 percent from March 2014.
• The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for April 2014 is estimated to be 16.3 million, up from 15.2 million inApril 2013 and flat with March 2014.
• Retail sales are expected to account for 82 percent of volume in April 2014.

Nissan to Report Greatest Automaker Gains; Chrysler Dominates in Volume

For April, Nissan is expected to show the greatest gains of all major manufacturers at 19.5 percent year-over-year.  Driven primarily by strong sales of the redesigned Rogue and Sentra, Nissan has captured nearly one percentage point of market share from last year.  In terms of volume, Kelley Blue Book anticipates Chrysler will pick up the most units year-over-year with 18.1 percent growth.  The popularity of the Jeep and RAM brands this year (up 44.5 percent and 27.3 percent respectively) has more than made up for the sale declines from both Dodge and Chrysler brands. 

Compact Utility Vehicles to Reveal Double-Digit Growth; RAM Leading Full-Size Pickup Truck Segment Growth

Compact utility vehicles will continue with double-digit growth this month, even though the segment leader, Ford Escape, has seen sales decline this year.  Many models in this segment have earned growth in excess of 40 percent so far this year, including the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5. 

"Full-size pickup trucks also should reveal healthy growth in April," said Gutierrez.  "RAM pickup sales are leading the segment's growth, but look for GM's trucks to turn around recent sales declines after bumping up their incentives this month.  Meanwhile, the F-Series will continue to dominate the segment as Ford prepares to launch the new generation later this year."