Fall 2016 issue of Horizons

In 2009, the unemployment rate was between 8.0% and 10.0%, and auto sales were 10.4 million on an annualized basis. During 2015 the average unemployment rate was 5.3% and auto sales were 17.5 million. Economic signs point to 2016 being the healthiest year for the domestic auto industry in decades thanks to an improving labor market and low interest rates. Cheap gasoline also is spurring the sales of more profitable trucks and sport-utility vehicles, while the average cost of a vehicle sold is rising enough to offset rising sales incentives.

Many industry analysts expect 2016 new- vehicle sales to top 2015, which would make for a second-consecutive year of record sales and a seventh-consecutive year of annual increases. Overall, the U.S. auto industry looks set for a good year. Strong auto sales also bode well for the overall U.S. economy as the automobile industry is a major contributor to economic growth.

RubinBrown’s Transportation & Dealerships Services Group RubinBrown assists the transportation industry through accounting, income tax, retirement, estate and benefit planning.

John Butler, CPA, CGMA — St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.290.3333 john.butler@rubinbrown.com

Russ White, CPA — Denver Partner Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 303.952.1247 russ.white@rubinbrown.com

Aaron Pollard, CPA, CGMA — St. Louis Manager & Vice Chair Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.290.3369 aaron.pollard@rubinbrown.com

Lindsay Priebe, CPA — St. Louis Manager Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.678.3581 lindsay.priebe@rubinbrown.com

Mary Ramm, CPA — Kansas City Partner Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 913.499.4406 mary.ramm@rubinbrown.com

Kendrick Coleman, CPA — St. Louis Accountant Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.290.3279 kendrick.coleman@rubinbrown.com

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