The number of unsold vehicles in the U.S. rose slightly in June, but remains below the total at the same point a year ago, and far below the 4.1 million unit peak on May 1 of this year.
The July 1 estimated figure of 3,983,600 units, or a 69-day supply, is an increase from the 3,961,800 unsold units, or 65-day supply, on hand at the start of June. The July 1 figure is about 5.1 percent lower than where inventory levels stood at the same point in 2017, according to the Automotive News Data Center. At that time, automakers and dealers were sitting on an estimated 4,196,800 unsold vehicles, a 74-day supply.
Inventory levels have trended lower all year as automakers and dealers bring their stocks in line with consumers’ move away from cars in favor of light trucks, crossovers and SUVs. Cars represent less than 30 percent of unsold inventory, right in line with their relative selling strength against light trucks.
Among automakers, Subaru of America continued to run the leanest inventory in the industry, beginning July with just 38 days of stock on hand, followed closely by BMW of North America at 40 days and Mercedes-Benz USA at 52 days. At the other end, Mitsubishi Motors N.A. continued to hold the largest supply, though it was down to 87 days. General Motors had the second highest by manufacturer at 86 days, with FCA US at 81 days.
At the brand level, Subaru and BMW both had tight inventories relative to the rest of the industry at 38 days, with Nissan and Audi next at 51-day supplies. Two brands had days-supply numbers above 100: Buick at 108 and the struggling Fiat brand at 166, again the industry’s worst.
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