Honda Motor Co.'s (HMC, 7267.TO) U.S. vehicle sales climbed
7.1%, driven by higher sales of trucks, as the Japanese auto maker
joined a chorus of auto makers to report demand stayed firm in
October.
Auto makers have broadly reported stronger sales in October,
suggesting the industry wasn't too dented by the federal government
shutdown and debt-ceiling debate in Congress.
Auto executives said that while sales started off a bit slower
at the beginning of the month, the tempo picked up after the
government shutdown ended in the middle of October. Auto sales in
the U.S. have had a stellar performance recently, bolstered by the
growing energy and housing sectors, as well as low interest rates
and steady job growth.
Overall, Honda sold 114,538 vehicles in the U.S. last month, up
from 106,973 in the prior year and rising 8.5% from September's
105,563.
Honda division sales were up 5.7%, bolstered by strong demand
for the Civic, CR-Z and CR-V, offset somewhat by softer sales of
the Fit, Accord, and Crosstour. The smaller luxury Acura division's
sales jumped almost 18%.
Total car sales grew 5.7%, while truck sales jumped 8.8%.
Write to John Kell at john.kell@wsj.com
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