Research and Markets: United States Autos Report Q4 2011 - Cooper-Standard Releases Statement Outlining Its Plans to Find 'Various Strategic Alternatives to Enhance Shareholder Value'

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/937df2/united_states_auto) has announced the addition of the "United States Autos Report Q4 2011" report to their offering.

Overall light vehicle sales in the US achieved steady growth of 7.5% y-o-y in August, taking sales for the first eight months of the year to 8.46mn units, up 10.5%. Nevertheless, the market's potential was restricted to some extent by an ongoing shortage of some passenger car models from the leading Japanese brands, as well as Hurricane Irene, which closed some dealerships towards the end of the month. While these are factors which can be overcome in the remaining months of the year, the ongoing economic uncertainty hanging over the country has led BMI to stick to the full-year sales forecast of 12.5mn units.

Chrysler reported 42% growth in retail sales and GM achieved a 22% increase. Looking towards the rest of 2011, better sales are not expected in September as potential growth in August was curtailed. Seasonal trends also point to higher monthly sales towards the end of the year. However, it is still believed there are downside risks to keep in mind, as economic uncertainty weighs on consumers, and big ticket purchases will be first to suffer.

Both GM and Chrysler reported double-digit growth overall in August 2011, taking advantage of the problems faced by some of their Japanese rivals. However, while Toyota Motor and Honda Motor continue to struggle, Nissan Motor underlined its relatively speedy recovery from the Japanese disaster, with growth of 19.2% in August, resulting in growth of 13.6% for 8M11.

Companies Mentioned:

• General Motors
• Ford Motor
• Chrysler
• Johnson Controls

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/937df2/united_states_auto