American Auto Sales Climb 13%

Carmakers sold 1.19 million light vehicles in the U.S. last month compared to 1.05 million units in September 2011, Autodata Corp. reports.

Last month's volume equates to an annualized sales rate of 14.9 million vehicles the highest since March 2008 compared with 14.5 million units in August and 13.1 million units in September 2011.

In the first nine months of 2012, light-vehicle sales in the U.S. have grown 15% year over year to 10.9 million vehicles.

September's gains were fueled by a 23% jump in car sales to 601,000 units, including a 50% surge in demand for small cars. Light-truck volume rose only 4% to 587,900 units.

America's demand for European brands climbed 17% to 118,600 vehicles last month, paced by a 34% jump to 36,300 vehicles at Volkswagen. VW's Audi brand boosted volume 27% to 12,300 units.

Mercedes-Benz increased sales of cars and SUVs 7% to 23,200 vehicles in September, while BMW brand volume was flat at 21,800 units. As a result, Mercedes widened its lead as America's luxury-car leader this year to 5,300 vehicles.

Sales of U.S. brands rose 3% to 522,600 vehicles in September, led by Chrysler's 11% upturn to 137,900 units. GM volume advanced 2% to 210,200 vehicles. Ford sales were flat at 174,500 units.

Asian brands hiked sales 23% last month. Demand soared at Toyota (+42% to 171,900 vehicles) and Honda (+31% to 117,200 units). Nissan volume dipped 1% to 91,900 units. Sales grew 35% to 48,100 vehicles at Kia and 15% to 60,000 units at Hyundai.