The automotive industry slowed in the second half of 2018 as
global sales, earnings and stock prices stalled due primarily to
economic uncertainty and declining consumer confidence globally
after a strong opening half to the year. The automotive industry
continues to evolve as electrification gains a stronger foothold
globally and autonomous vehicle development remains a focus. Late
in the year, North American automakers implemented drastic
restructuring plans to eliminate less profitable sedans from their
lineups and focus on larger vehicles.
Global light vehicle sales declined 0.5% in 2018 relative to
2017 driven by the unexpected decline in China. In the U.S., light
vehicle sales grew 0.6% in 2018 to 17.3 million units.1
In December 2018, U.S. light vehicle sales reached 17.51 million
units at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), in line with
recent historical periods.2
