JD Power-LMC see stronger US auto sales for remaining 2013

DETROIT, 19.Juli Reuters) - the U.S. auto industry is ready for a robust second half of the year with revenues that 2008-2009 recorded said influential industry analysts J.D. power & associates and LMC automotive nearing the level before the recession on Friday.

"The general trend in demand for vehicles has overshadowed economic growth, and we are pleased the better economic fundamentals should accelerate demand on the current level to hold, if not in the next few months," said Jeff Schuster, senior Vice President at LMC automotive forecasting.

"With a strong tail wind, it is not unreasonable to over 16 million unit level of demand in 2013 to thinking," said Schuster.

If 2013 car sales in fact rise to 16 million, it would represent the highest annual sales since 2007 the figure of 16.1 million vehicles.

During the year's top sellers 16 million, Schuster says, LMC and JD Power on Friday raised its forecast for 2013 to 15.6 million from the previous 15.4 million.

A large fleet of older vehicles, which need to be replaced, sales connected stronger pickup truck a growing construction industry and consumer confidence have helped stimulate auto sales this year.

US vehicle sales 2012 was 14.5 million. At the bottom of the downturn, sales to 10.4 million vehicles decreased in 2009.

For July forecast, they have increased by 11 percent to 1.34 million new vehicle sales compared to the previous year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 15.9 million vehicles.

4 Percent in the first half of the year was the new vehicle production in North America. Ford Motor Co production rose the best by 14 percent, partly on demand for the fusion sedan.

Chrysler Group LLC production rose by 1 percent and General Motors co output was 4 per cent, "due to weaker large SUV amount before the upcoming redesign and competitive pressure in the medium-sized car" JD Power and LMC said.

Chrysler is majority-owned by Fiat SpA.