Cars.com analysts predict that the Nissan Altima may become the best-selling sedan in the U.S. by the end of the year, taking the title from the Toyota Camry, which has held the top spot for 10 years straight.
Overall sales of new cars are predicted to rise by 15 percent in 2012, but the Altima is getting a high-profile redesign. In the past, that has led to even more increased sales. Cars.com predicts a 39 percent boost in sales for the Altima, which would likely push it past the Camry.
"Our research of the last five years of sales shows that the average redesign of top-selling cars results in a 30 percent increase in sales above market growth, so at 24 percent the Altima would underperform the market average," said Kelsey Mays, Cars.com automotive analyst. "This isn't a particularly radical redesign and competition in the family sedan category will be incredibly fierce this fall. That said, this new Altima will be a boon for Nissan dealers and should bring a lot of new shoppers into showrooms."
Drivers planning to trade in their car for an Altima or any other vehicle should be sure to invest in some basic vehicle maintenance, such as an oil change and car tune up.