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US auto sales expected to hit new record in first 6 months

FILE - In this Thursday, June 5, 2014, file photo, a row of 2014 Lincoln MKX SUVs are lined up on the lot of the dealership in Wexford, Pa. On Friday, July 1, 2016, automakers report sales. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) FILE - In this Thursday, June 5, 2014, file photo, a row of 2014 Lincoln MKX SUVs are lined up on the lot of the dealership in Wexford, Pa. On Friday, July 1, 2016, automakers report sales. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

By Associated Press July 1, 2016 1 min read

DETROIT (AP) – U.S. auto sales are expected to set a record in the first six months of this year.

Sales through June were expected to be up 2 percent over last year, according to Kelley Blue Book.

After six straight years of growth – and record sales of 17.5 million last year- U.S. sales are beginning to plateau. But low gas prices, low interest rates and other factors should keep them at a very high level.

June sales rebounded after a disappointing May. Sales were expected to rise 5.4 percent to more than 1.5 million, according to the car buying site TrueCar.com.

Nissan’s sales jumped 13 percent to 140,553. Sales of its new Maxima sedan more than doubled over last year.

Other automakers report sales later Friday.