August auto sales preview: The tally for new light vehicles sales in the U.S. is expected to...

August auto sales preview: The tally for new light vehicles sales in the U.S. is expected to come in strong, with an estimate of 1.255M units marking a 17.2% gain from last year and a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 14.2M. Perhaps even more relevant to auto stock investors, margins should improve with incentive spending per unit down 6% Y/Y. Japanese automakers should lead the charge again, boosted by earthquake-affected comps, while Volkwagen (VLKAY.PK) and Ford (NYSE:F) are also tipped for a strong month.