15.3 million sales in 2013; 16 million by 2015 R.L. Polk

15.3 million sales in 2013; 16 million by 2015 – R.L. Polk

New-vehicle registrations are expected to rise 6.6 percent this year to 15.3 million, says WANADAs automotive research and marketing firm R.L. Polk. The higher numbers will be driven partly by the improving economy and partly by a slew of new models – 43 new vehicle introductions and 60 redesigns.

The auto sector is likely to continue to be one of the key sectors that lead the U.S. economic recovery, said Anthony Pratt, director of Forecasting for the Americas at Polk. However, we dont expect to realize pre-recession levels in the 17 million vehicle range for many years.

Here are some segments to watch in 2013:

Large pickup trucks: This segment declined in the past five years but will likely grow this year, with several new launches planned by GM, Toyota and Ford. The improving market for new housing starts should help the segment grow, as more construction trucks are needed.

Midsize sedans: These cars make up more than 18.5 percent of the market, making it the largest segment. Thanks in part to recent redesigns of nearly every vehicle in the segment, Polk expects it to continue to grow.

Luxury vehicles: Compact sedans, currently 2.9 percent of the market, will see many new launches. And if gas prices continue to drop, the small luxury crossover segment should continue to grow.

Compact/subcompact cars: Several new models will be introduced this year. Growth should be spurred by more stringent CAFE requirements and an increase in young, first-time buyers.

Hybrids: Despite the CAFE requirements, Polk expects this segment to grow only slightly from its 2.9 percent mark. Hybrids remain substantially more expensive than gasoline cars, many of which now get very good mileage.