GM, Toyota Defy Headwinds With Big Gains in US New Car Sales

General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. posted double-digit gains in US new car sales for the just-ended quarter even as Stellantis NV sales fell short, evidence that car buyer appetite for vehicles mostly remains hearty heading into the final months of the year.

Most industry officials expect that momentum to carry over through year’s end due to pent-up demand despite headwinds such as the auto worker strike at some Detroit automaker plants and higher financing costs. But a prolonged and expanded labor action would erode gains in vehicle availability and further interest rate hikes may put new cars out of reach of some buyers.