US January auto sales rise

OREANDA-NEWS. US automobile sales rose in January for an 11th straight month, boosted by rising consumer confidence, lower energy prices and a positive economic outlook.

Automobile sales in January rose by 14pc from a year earlier to 1.15mn, according to automotive consultant Autodata. Car sales rose by 8pc, while light truck sales increased by 19pc.

Sales on a seasonally adjusted basis remained high at 16.7mn in January, although the volume was down from 16.9mn in December.

"Consumers feel very good because more people are working, the US economy is expanding and fuel prices are low," said General Motors' US vice-president of sales operations, Kurt McNeil.