Radio’s biggest ad category is expected to report strong numbers for April, according to both J.D. Power and LMC Automotive. U.S. total light vehicle sales are expected to rise 4.9 percent to 1.523 million vehicles, for an annualized rate of 17.6 million vehicles. Both companies report that consumers will spend about $36.9 billion on 1.195 million vehicles in April, that’s compared to $35.3 billion spent a year ago. J.D. Power and LMC forecast a total of 17.8 million vehicles sold this year. That would be a new record, topping last year’s 17.4 million. Kelly Blue Book is also expected new vehicle sales to increase 4 percent to a total of 1.51 million units in April, resulting in an estimated 17.5 million seasonally adjusted annual rate.
