Inflation to put U.S. auto industry in low gear

Oct 3 (Reuters) – Major automakers are expected to report modest declines in U.S. new vehicle sales on Monday but analysts and investors are concerned that a darkening economic picture, not inventory shortages, will lead to a drop in future car sales.Thus far, a shortage of cars due to supply disruptions, combined with a preference for personal transport, has seen consumers willing to shell out more money, largely protecting profits at automakers and auto dealers who have pulled back on discounts.But used-car dealer CarMax Inc (KMX.N) rang the alarm bells on Thursday, suggesting consumers were beginning to …
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