by Calculated Risk on 1/04/2022 09:42:00 PM

Wards Auto released their estimate of light vehicle sales for December. Wards Auto estimates sales of 12.44 million SAAR in December 2021 (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate), down 3.2% from the November sales rate, and down 23.7% from December 2020. 

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows light vehicle sales since 2006 from the BEA (blue) and Wards Auto's estimate for December (red).

The impact of COVID-19 was significant, and April 2020 was the worst month.

After April 2020, sales increased, and were close to sales in 2019 (the year before the pandemic).  

However, sales decreased earlier this year due to supply issues. It appears the "supply chain bottom" was in September, but sales in December were disappointing again.