U.S. auto makers are accelerating production lines and, in some cases, even canceling the North American industry's traditional summer factory shutdowns to meet strong demand.
The plans highlight the Detroit Three auto maker's recent market share gains against Japanese rivals and the auto industry's prime position in the U.S. economic recovery. Car sales have roared ahead this year even as retail spending on clothing and other goods remains tepid.
General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC are running their factories at full tilt amid continued sales increases. Annualized U.S. automotive sales reached a 14.9 million vehicle pace in April. Auto executives expect U.S. sales for all of 2013 to reach 15 million vehicles, above last year's 14.5 million mark.
Detroit brands have made strong market share gains this year. They held 45.9.% of the U.S. market year-to-date through April, exceeding the 44.9% share of Japanese and South Korean auto makers. A year ago, the U.S. was at 44.4% while Asian auto makers had 46.3%.