Used car pricing guide Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has released its sales projections for the month of February, and the company believes that automakers will continue their strong start to the year.
KBB predicts a 6.4 percent increase over February 2011, which would mean total sales of approximately 1,050,000. Automakers expected to improve the most include Chrysler, Volkswagen and Hyundai.
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, KBB expects sales to vary pretty widely from month-to-month, at least compared to last year. Outside influences like the speed of the economic recovery or the price of fuel could also have big effects.
"From a pure volume perspective, in the months ahead sales will continue to exceed last year's figures, but this year there may be more volatility from month-to-month than in 2011," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Sales were remarkably flat from May through November 2011, due to the production woes faced by Toyota and Honda. Now that they are producing vehicles at full capacity, a return to traditional seasonal patterns is likely through 2012."
Drivers looking to purchase a new car may want to take their current vehicle in for auto maintenance, as taking care of any nagging car repairs beforehand can improve the value of a trade-in.