by Calculated Risk on 4/25/2014 01:52:00 PM

Auto sales were clearly impacted by the harsh winter weather in January and February, and then rebounded sharply in March. The rebound in March was predicted by Atif Mian and Amir Sufi Weakening Economy or Just Bad Winter?

Note: The automakers will report April vehicle sales on Thursday, May 1st.  Sales in March were at a 16.3 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), and it appears sales in April will be above 16 million (SAAR) too.

Here are a few forecasts:

From J.D. Power: April New-Vehicle Retail Sales Showing Growth, With Consumer Spending at Record-Level Pace

New light-vehicle retail sales are expected to reach their highest levels for the month of April since 2005, according to a monthly sales forecast developed jointly by J.D. Power and LMC Automotive. ... Total light-vehicle sales in April 2014 are expected to reach 1.4 million units, a 4 percent increase from April 2013. [16.1 million SAAR]

Note: In April 2014, there was one more selling day than in April 2013 (26 days vs. 25 last year).

From Edmunds.com: Car Sales Settle into a Groove in April, Says Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com ... forecasts that 1,401,606 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in April for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 16.2 million. ... The forecast anticipates that the auto industry will enjoy its best April performance since dealers sold 1,444,587 vehicles in April 2006.

From TrueCar: April SAAR to Hit 16.2 Million Vehicles, According to TrueCar; 2014 New Vehicle Sales Expected to be up 8 Percent Year-Over-Year

New light vehicle sales in the U.S. (including fleet) are expected to reach 1,382,000 units, up 7.5 percent from April 2013 and down 10.0 percent from March 2014. ... Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate ("SAAR") of 16.2 million new vehicle sales is up 9.2 percent from April 2013 and down 0.5 percent over March 2014.