Auto executives and analysts said shoppers had not been dissuaded by a declining stock market, bleak consumer confidence surveys, a sluggish housing market or high unemployment. Bigger discounts offered by some brands have helped, as have new offerings like the Chevrolet Sonic, a subcompact car, and a bevy of redesigned models from Chrysler.
“I don’t know of any other month where we had positive gains in auto sales with all of those negative factors,” Jesse Toprak, vice president for industry trends and insight at TrueCar.com, which tracks sales and pricing. “The automakers might be convincing some consumers who may not be so eager to spend their money to buy a car because the product is so compelling.”
Mr. Toprak said more consumers also were showing up at dealerships because their current vehicle had outlived its useful life and they had no choice but to buy a replacement. High used-car prices are prompting some in that situation to buy a new one instead.
“As long as things remain relatively stable, even in the face of persistently high unemployment, we’re going to consistently see slow growth,” Don Johnson, G.M.’s vice president for United States sales operations, said in a conference call. “Right now, the pent-up demand due to age of vehicles is what’s keeping this nice, steady, slow growth going.” G.M. sales increased 19.7 percent in September over a year ago.
“It’s beginning to feel like normal, almost,” said Adam Skolnick, the general manager at Toyota of Watertown, near Boston. “We have plenty of cars on the lot, and I’m anticipating many, many more coming in the next 45 days or so.”
Mr. Skolnick said the arrival of the redesigned Toyota Camry sedan a week ago was helping the dealership make a quick recovery. For September, Camry sales fell 19.2 percent, but it was the industry’s top-selling car.
“It’s been like a bakery here, with people taking numbers to see the car,” Mr. Skolnick said. “It makes it feel fun again.”
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