Full-Size Pickup in Demand in September

About 13 percent of September vehicle sales are full-size pickups, according to George Pippas, Ford sales analyst. That is an increase of about 4 percent over earlier in the year.

Auto manufacturers are offering deals on full-size pickups because they have inventory. They are spending on incentives and advertising in order to lower inventories. According to Ford, U.S. sales of pickups are at their highest pace since December and the weak housing market has not impacted pickup demand because of the strong incentives.

Dodge dealers offered $1,750 to $4,250 on the 2011 Ram (also click to see 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman images). The There was incentives up to $3,000 on the 2011 F-150. GM put about $4,500 on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra.

Incentives for smaller cars remain low as sales of fuel-efficient cars remain strong.

Annual sales rate January through August is about 12.5 million light vehicles. Analysts expect that full year sales will be lower than 13 million. The lackluster economy, unemployment, global financial uncertainty has lowered the outlook for sales in 2011 and 2012.

The industry is getting closer to a normal sales pace as Asian automakers inventories return to supply after the earthquake last March in Japan.