Retail sales were up in July, a rare bright spot among dim economic indicators. But consumers and investors being the way they are, the question on everyone's mind immediately becomes: Can August keep up the pace? We found out what the experts are saying.
Among domestic makes, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler all reported total increases in the single digits, but Japanese giants Toyota and Honda slipped.
General Motors reported vehicle sales rose 5.4% in July compared to last year, as cautious consumers continued to buy new cars and trucks. Among its four remaining core brands -- Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC -- the Detroit auto giant said sales rose 24.6% above prior-year levels.
Analysts' expectations are that sales rose to the highest levels of the year last month as increased automaker incentives lured bargain-hunters.
