by Calculated Risk on 1/04/2023 07:01:00 PM

Wards Auto released their estimate of light vehicle sales for December: Fullsize Trucks Lift December U.S. Light-Vehicle Sales Above Expectations; Calendar 2022 Ends at 11-Year Low (pay site).

Wards Auto estimates sales of 13.31 million SAAR in December 2022 (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate), down 5.9% from the November sales rate, and up 4.7% from December 2021. 

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows light vehicle sales since 2006 from the BEA (blue) and Wards Auto's estimate for December (red).

The impact of COVID-19 was significant, and April 2020 was the worst month.  After April 2020, sales increased, and were close to sales in 2019 (the year before the pandemic).  However, sales decreased late last year due to supply issues.  It appears the "supply chain bottom" was in September 2021.

The second graph shows light vehicle sales since the BEA started keeping data in 1967.

Sales in December were above the forecast.