Sep 27, 2014 08:34 AM EDT
Strong September Auto Sales Could Mean Big Finish For 2014

September auto sales are expected to rise 11 percent compared to September 2013, as the industry maintains a trend of healthy growth in 2014.

Chrysler, GM, and Nissan are expected to turn in double-digit gains in September, though Ford sales are expected to drop 4 percent compared to the same time last year.

"September sales are consistent with the strength we've seen most of this year," said Jessica Caldwell, an Edmunds.com senior analyst, according to the website. "Buyers have been able to secure low financing deals and have responded to lease offers in record numbers. These are behaviors that bode well for the continued strength of new car sales."

Some of the best deals this month includes: $1,500 cash on a 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe and zero-percent financing for up to 72 months on a 2014 Ford Flex.

New-vehicle sales are now expected to increase 9.1 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.24 million units, resulting in an estimated 16.4 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book.

Based on robust sales pace during the last few months, KBB adjusted its sales outlook for 2014 from 16.3 million to 16.4 million, according to a press release.

"Following an extraordinarily strong month of sales in August, with the industry above 17 million SAAR for the first time in eight years, Kelley Blue Book expects sales to level out in September," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "Sales will remain strong and show healthy year-over-year improvement.  Rising incentive spend in recent months has been more than offset by increasing retail transaction prices, signaling continued consumer demand." 

During September, new light-vehicle sales are expected to hit 1,240,000 units, up 9.1 percent from September 2013 and down 21.7 percent from August 2014.

The compact utility segment is expected to continue its success in September, with an expected volume increase of 19 percent. The compact utility segment has surpassed the full-size pickup truck segment to become the third most popular segment in the industry, trailing mid-size and compact cars this year, according to the release.

"Similar to previous months, growth in the compact utility segment has come at the expense of mid-size and compact cars," said Gutierrez.  "With market share in the mid-size and compact car segments continually under fire and the competitive landscape stronger than ever before, consumers can expect to find great deals on the Camry, Civic and other traditional segment leaders."    

There are 24 sales days in September 2014, compared to 23 in 2013. All percentages are based on raw volume, not daily selling rate.

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