The US car market is showing encouraging signs as sales remain strong, especially on new models.

The latest news from industry observers suggests that February car sales will be particularly high following extensive advertising campaigns and the launching of new products from a number of vehicle manufacturers.

Market analysts are forecasting that sales over the past four weeks will have increased by one to three per cent compared to the same period in 2005.

In particular, leading companies such as General Motors are expected to report increases of around three per cent higher as buyers start to upgrade their existing vehicles.

The month of February is traditionally a strong advertising season for US car makers, especially as television sporting events such as the Super Bowl help push up viewing figures, while good weather in the US has also helped as one industry figure told the Free Press.

"The big thing has just been the weather," said Fred Maibach of Maibach Ford in Ohio.

He added: "If we get a few days of sunshine, we just get busy. People must be in a positive state of mind when they make that major purchase. When the sun comes out, we start feeling better."


Ÿ Adfero Ltd