U.S. Auto Sales Jump 13% to Fastest Annual Pace in 4.5 Years

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 have grown 15% year over year to 10.9 million vehicles.

September's gains were fueled by a 23% surge in car sales to 601,000 units. Light-truck volume rose only 4% to 587,900 units. Demand for small cars zoomed (+50% to 240,300 units), far outpacing pickup trucks (-3% to 165,700 units).

Domestic brands boosted sales 3% to 522,600 vehicles last month, led by Chrysler's 11% increase to 137,900 units. GM volume advanced 2% to 210,200 vehicles as its 29% advance in car sales (89,000 units) was offset by a 12% drop in truck demand (121,200 units). Ford sales were flat at 174,500 units.

Asian brands hiked sales 23% in September. Demand soared at Toyota (+42% to 171,900 vehicles) and Honda (+31% to 117,200 units). Both companies benefited from a car-rich vehicle mix and a rebound from vehicle shortages a year ago caused by natural disasters in Asia. Nissan volume dipped 1% to 91,900 units.

Sales soared 35% to 48,100 vehicles at Kia, whose growth continues to outpace parent Hyundai (+15% to 60,000 units).

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

Mercedes-Benz hiked 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.