A sales report released by each U.S. automobile manufacturer during the first week of each month. The numbers in the report represent units sold and are adjusted for seasonal variations, allowing them to be examined on a month-over-month as well as a year-over-year basis. Because auto and truck sales are large ticket items and tend to be interest-rate sensitive, the numbers can provide insight into current consumer behavior and its potential impact on the economy in the out-months. See seasonal adjustment.