Automotive Industry Insights - Summer 2018

The auto industry showed signs of moderate improvement in the beginning of 2018, as global sales and earnings increased. The automotive industry continues to evolve as electrification gains a stronger foothold globally but North American automakers shift towards larger, more profitable vehicles.

Global light vehicle sales increased 2.3% in Q1 2018 relative to Q1 2017. In the United States, light vehicle sales grew 2.0% in Q1 2018 to 4.1 million units. Over the last-twelve months, overall light vehicle sales have grown at a slightly slower pace of 1.6% over the prior twelve-month period¹. In March 2018, U.S. light vehicle sales reached an approximately 17.4 million-unit seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR)², offering hope that vehicle sales will remain steady into 2018.