J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Retail Sales Remain Driving Force Behind Strength in New-Vehicle Sales in November

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- November new-vehicle retail sales continue to track at a strong selling pace as the month closes, with the selling rate expected to come in at 10 million units, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers real-time transaction data from more than 8,900 retail franchisees throughout the United States.

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"Strength in retail sales has continued past mid-November, revealing a trend toward sustained upward momentum," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "It appears that consumer concern regarding the pace of the recovery may be easing as the industry exhibits gradual improvement."

For total sales, the seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) is expected to come in above the 12 million unit level, with fleet sales accounting for 19 percent of the month's sales.

J.D. Power and Associates will be tracking new-vehicle sales as they are announced by auto manufacturers on December 1 and will have automotive analysts available for both print and broadcast interviews after 8:00 a.m. E.T./5:00 a.m. P.T.

To schedule an interview, please contact:

John Tews; Troy, Mich.; (248) 312-4119; [email protected]

Syvetril Perryman; Westlake Village, Calif.; (805) 418-8103; [email protected]

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a global information and education company providing knowledge, insights and analysis in the financial, education and business information sectors through leading brands including Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts, and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2009 were $5.95 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.  

SOURCE J.D. Power and Associates