J.D. Power says global auto sales may to 80 million units in 2012

Cars are selling in a big way, and analysts expect it to get bigger. Global automobile sales are expected to top 80 million units in 2012 and 118 million units in 2020, according to JD Power & Associates Director of Forecasting Jeff Schuster.

In 2007, a world record of 70.3 million deliveries was set. This year, Schuster expects 71.8 million deliveries. Total light-vehicle sales for December are expected to come in at 1,133,000 units, which is 14 percent higher than December 2009. Fleet sales are projected to decrease in December, with volume expected below 200,000 units—down 3 percent from December 2009. Fleet share of total sales in December is expected to be at 17 percent, the lowest level all year.

JD Power estimates US sales of 12.8 million units next year, with deliveries exceeding 15 million in 2012 and 16 million in 2014.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)