Auto News 5

After slowing a bit in April, U.S. auto sales are accelerating heading into summer. The annualized sales pace was back over 15 million units in May, driven by continued strong pickup truck sales, residual demand, affordable and available financing, and also some fairly hefty incentives. The industry overall beat last May by a robust 8%. With trucks a major factor -- thanks particularly to a fast-rebounding housing market -- the domestic automakers did particularly well. Nissan and Subaru also were two import brands that enjoyed a particularly strong month. But automakers that saw modest gains overall had at least something to boast about in press releases. It looks like the start of a sizzling summer.