US vehicle sales were soft in December

National data confirm soft numbers from automakers

• AutoData said US vehicle sales were 17.37m in December
• Wards reports they were at 17.22m (SAAR)
• The market was looking for an 18.0m pace, down slightly from 18.05m in December

Like German inflation numbers, the market has a pretty good idea of what the final tally will be before it's finally released.

• GM US December auto sales +5.7% vs +10.0% estimate
• Ford US light vehicle sales +8.3% vs +11% estimate
• Fiat Chrysler US Dec vehicle sales +13% vs +19% est

There's nothing to worry about here. Overall US light vehicle sales at 17.5m set an annual record.