Auto Sales in America Could Top 16 Million Units by 2015

U.S. light vehicle sales, which jumped 14% to 14.46 million units in 2012, will rise 6% to a six-year high of 15.4 million units this year, LMC Automotive Ltd. predicts.

The Oxford, England-based research firm notes that consumer auto demand has been remarkably resilient amid uncertainties about the American budget deficit and spending cuts.

LMC expects vehicle sales growth to accelerate in the second half of 2013 because of the need to replace aging vehicles, the launch of 51 new or revamped models this year and greater consumer confidence fostered by stronger job and housing markets.

After double-digit sales expansion in 2010 through 2012, 3% gains in both 2014 and 2015 will boost volume to 16.35 million vehicles by 2015, according to the research group.