RE:AutoU.S. light vehicle sales unexpectedly surged to 18.5 million units from 16.0 million in August. The 15% surge was the largest month-over-month percent gain since the ’cash-for-clunkers’ program boosted sales in August 2009. The level of sales in September was the highest in more than a decade. Automakers suggested that part — but not all — of the improvement reflected disruptions related to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The former likely caused some sales to be delayed from late August to September and sales likely got a lift from the replacement of damaged vehicles caused by both disasters. Nonetheless, readings over the fourth quarter of the year will provide a ‘cleaner’ read on underlying demand conditions. A
Source RBC