Auto industry analysts and automakers appear to be at odds over sales predictions for the coming year, according to a new report from Automotive News.
Many outside groups have projected overall car sales for 2012 to range from 13.6 million on the low end to 13.8 million on the high end. J.D. Power and Associates is among the more optimistic of the groups, placing its tally at the higher end of that spectrum, according to Automotive News. All told, these groups expect growth of 8 percent over the next year.
But when carmakers' predictions are added together, the total blows away industry analysts. Most major brands are setting goals of 15 to 25 percent growth during 2012. For that to happen, total car sales would need to top 14.3 million, according to Automotive News.
Consumers could possibly benefit if the auto industry is overestimating. If a surplus of cars created by inflated sales predictions and high production levels hit the market, carmakers could compete to attract buyers by offering low interest car credit and deals on auto financing.
Automakers may not be entirely off the mark in their optimistic predictions, however. Car sales in January were unusually strong, with Chrysler posting its best January in four years.
