According to J.D. Power, new car sales in 2008 will fall by 2 million units, which will be a total of 13.6 million units.  Also, it’s predicted that in 2009 sales will stay in that same range, at approximately 13.2 million units.  That’s a drop of 16%, and J.D. Power claims an additional 200,000 could be lost if things continue to worsen in the last quarter of 2008.

Hopefully, the economy won’t get any worse in the fourth quarter.  Yet, with a 2009 and 2010 lineup that’s very strong and fuel-efficient, we might see a greater amount of sales than projected, since the average vehicle price will probably be lower.

The U.S. has experienced a drastic sales decrease, but it isn’t the only nation to see falling car sales.  The European, Indian and Chinese markets all received lower projections, too.

Hopefully, J.D. Power’s predictions won’t be a reality, but it seems in the meantime that people are holding onto their current vehicles.  Consumers should take extra precautions, such as performing regular maintenance and signing up for a good auto road service program.