AUTOMAKERS on Tuesday reported higher-than-expected U.S. new car sales of 1.6 million in May, with rising consumer demand underpinning a broader recovery in the U.S. economy.

    The auto industry in May recorded its strongest annual sales rate since before the 2008 recession, as transaction prices remained strong and discounts did not increase.

    Industry sales rose 11.3 percent to 1,606,264 vehicles, according to a compilation of manufacturers’ results by Reuters.

    The top seven automakers beat analysts’ expectations, some by a wide margin. General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group said May sales were the best for that month in seven years. Nissan Motor Co. set a sales record for May and Hyundai Motor Co. had its best month ever. Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor also topped forecasts.

    The annual sales rate in May hit 16.77 million vehicles, the strongest pace since it reached the same level in February 2007, according to research firm Autodata. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a rate of 16.1 million.

    “Industry sales in May soared as consumer confidence improved and demand for new vehicles continued to strengthen,” said Bill Fay, group vice president of Toyota Motor Sales.

    A record number of recalls at GM since the first of the year did not crimp demand for the automaker’s new vehicles.

    (SD-Agencies)