Over the last five years, there have been peaks in light vehicle sales in the months of March, May, and December. There are two notable exceptions: in 2009, the Cash for Clunkers program caused a spike in sales in August; and in 2011 the tsunami/earthquake in Japan was likely responsible for nearly flat sales from the month of May through November, due to supply constraints. Sales in the beginning of 2012 were near the same level as in early 2008 before the economic recession.

Monthly Light Vehicle Sales, 2008-2012
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Supporting Information

U.S. Light Vehicle Sales by Month, 2008 - 2012 (Millions)
Month20082009201020112012
January1.00.70.70.80.9
February1.20.70.81.01.1
March1.40.91.11.21.4
April1.20.81.01.21.2
May1.40.91.11.11.3
June1.20.91.01.01.3
July1.11.01.01.11.1
August1.21.31.01.11.2
September1.00.71.01.11.2
October0.80.80.91.01.1
November0.70.70.91.01.1
December0.91.11.11.21.4
Total13.210.411.612.714.3
Source: Ward's Automotive.

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