Vehicle Sales Jump 13% in America

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, U.S. light-vehicle sales 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.

Asian brands hiked sales 23% in the U.S. last month. Demand soared at Toyota (+42% to 171,900 vehicles) and Honda (+31% to 117,200 units). They 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.

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

American brands boosted sales 3% to 522,600 vehicles in September, led by Chrysler's 11% increase to 137,900 units. GM volume advanced 2% to 210,200 vehicles. Ford sales were flat at 174,500 units.

Demand for European brands climbed 17% to 118,600 vehicles last month, paced by a 34% surge to 36,300 vehicles at Volkswagen.