U.S. vehicle sales broke the all the all-time record in 2015, though they did not finish off the year with quite the strength expected. December’s results still were strong, totaling a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 17.2 million units, rather than the lofty 18 million that many analysts were anticipating. Non-seasonally adjusted, total sales came in at 17.5 million, a +6% increase from 2014 and compared to the 2000 record of 17.4 million. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price for December sales was $34,428, up about $297 from December 2014. They also note that luxury sales spiked in December, accounting for around 15% of the market, more than 2% higher than the rest of the year’s average. In addition, SUVs and trucks continue to make up a larger share of sales, which is also helping to boost average transaction prices. Some individual company highlights included an +8% year-on-year retail sales increase for GM, boosted by high demand for Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. Fiat Chrysler’s annual sales were up +7%, with the groups Jeep brand sales up +42% in December alone. Ford’s full year sales rose by +5.3%, led by increased demand for its Lincoln brand MKC and Navigator SUV models.
