Detroit Three Post Strong Sales Gains in August

Chrysler had its best August in five years, with a gain of 14 percent to 148,472.

T

he economy may still be struggling to recover from the Great Recession, but car sales have been showing signs of solid growth as of late.

All of the Detroit Three showed year-over-year sales gains compared to last August. Incentives and other deals have remained commonplace as the automakers look to clear out the 2013 models, but according to one report, they've been more reasonable than in years past.

Steady sales growth bodes well for the industry.

Analysts told the Chicago Tribune that the deals were less irrational than before, and that automakers did a better job of not flooding the market with too much inventory. By keeping supplies from becoming too loose, the automakers will benefit financially.

General Motors was up 10 percent to 240,520; while Ford was up 13 percent, selling 197,249 units.

Chrysler had its best August in five years, with a gain of 14 percent to 148,472. For that, the automaker can thank strong sales of its all-new Dodge Dart compact sedan and Ram full-size pickup truck.

Volkswagen added to the successful month, with a 63-percent gain from last year to 41,011 units, which is the automaker's best since 1973.

The growth bodes well for an industry that was hit hard by the recession, especially if the numbers are climbing steadily and not spiking. Not only does steady growth indicate that the market may be recovering, but if automakers remain disciplined with both incentives and inventory, perhaps the market will be more stable over the long term.

[Source: Chicago Tribune]