Published

Auto Industry Leads U.S. Factory Output

A booming auto industry pushed U.S. manufacturing output up 0.1% in March, according to the Federal Reserve. it was the manufacturing sector's first year-on-year gain in four months.
#economics

Share

A booming auto industry pushed U.S. manufacturing output up 0.1% in March, according to the Federal Reserve. it was the manufacturing sector's first year-on-year gain in four months.

The central bank says America's output of cars and auto parts grew 3.2% in March, reversing a 3.6% drop in February. When the auto sector is excluded, U.S. factory production last month slipped 0.1%.

Analysts say overall manufacturing in the U.S. is being held back by a strong dollar that raises the price of exported goods. The Fed report says overall industrial production in March shrank 0.6%, the largest decline in nearly three years.

Economists estimate the country's gross domestic product expanded less than 2% in the first quarter compared with 2.2% in the fourth quarter of 2014.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Tariffs on Autos: “No One Wins”

    While talk of tariffs may make the president sound tough and which gives the talking heads on cable something to talk about, the impact of the potential 25 percent tariffs on vehicles imported to the U.S. could have some fairly significant consequences.

  • Mazda, CARB and PSA North America: Car Talk

    The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars, an annual event, was held last week in Traverse City, Michigan.

  • Inside Ford

    On this edition of “Autoline After Hours” Joann Muller, Detroit bureau chief for Forbes, provides insights into what she’s learned about Ford, insights that are amplified on the show by our other panelists, Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst at IHS Markit who specializes in the auto industry, and Todd Lassa, Detroit Bureau Chief for Automobile.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions