There are healthy numbers on U.S. auto sales this year.
New-vehicle sales in recent weeks are sizing up as some of the biggest year-over-year jumps seen this century.
Three independent forecasts put sales of new vehicles up 3 percent for the month. That would be the industry's second gain so far in 2018.
A little more than three months into 2018, there have already been two months of gains. By comparison, last year started out with eight straight months of declines.
Solid trends are seen in the closely watched spring selling season. KTRH Car Pro Jerry Reynolds says sweeping incentives have fueled those sales.
Reynolds says that if you're thinking about trading up, it’s still a good time for buyers who are willing to shop around. He says most automakers are now pricing their cars to allow room to deal.
In Houston, he says, truck sales still rule and leasing is up. Nationally, he says, people who are retired, or close to it, are trading in their sedans for SUVs and crossovers -- for better accessibility and cruising range.
Reynolds says the mid-sized sedan segment is down, hybrid sales are middling and electrics are still hoping for a foothold.