For those automakers with a strong lineup of pickup trucks, SUVs and crossovers in their portfolio, there is plenty to be happy about now that August sales have been tallied. Some are predicting a year-end auto sales number above 17 million units, most of which are riding on the backs of full-size pickupsand SUVs. Of course, strong Labor Day sales incentives and good weather across the country didn't hurt sales for the month of August.
Ram continues its winning streak with a strong month, as combined full-size Ram pickup sales for the month are up more than 30 percent from last August. GM also had a strong month with sales gains for both the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in the double digits.
Depending on who you believe, the three-day holiday weekend at the end of August provided just enough push for buyers to get out and purchase new vehicles before the end of summer. But as strong as the first two-thirds of the year has been, many prognosticators see stronger truck sales defining the auto industry since GM has two new midsize pickups coming online and Ford's all-new 2015 F-150 will be reaching dealerships by October (starting with the more expensive, higher trim models).
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