U.S. Dealer Inventories at Post-Recession High

The volume of unsold new cars on dealer lots in the U.S. has ballooned to its highest level since 2009, according to Automotive News.

The newspaper says the industry average has reached an 88-day supply, nearly 50% greater than the 60 days considered normal.

Among Detroit Big Three brands, supplies are at least 100 days. AN says stockpiles of unsold General Motors vehicles surged from an 81-day supply at the end of December to 114 days at the end of January. Ford's inventories expanded from 73 days to 107 days over the same period.

New-car sales in the American market grew 10% in the 12 months to last September but have slowed to 2% since then. Demand shrank 3% in January. Analysts theorize that the binge in post-recession purchases of cars to replace aging vehicles has peaked. They also fret that carmakers have indicated little interest in reducing production.

Some dealers tell AN they expect a renewed surge in buying when the country's winter weather breaks.