From AAIA AutoFacts

U.S. wholesale stockpiles grew 1.1 percent in December vs. November, the biggest increase in 17 months, according to the Department of Commerce. Wholesale inventories grew by a revised 0.8 percent in November vs. the month before.

Economists interpreted the inventory buildup as a sign that demand is slowing, which could signal manufacturing cutbacks during the current quarter. Wholesalers account for about one-quarter of all business inventories.

Automotive inventories rose 3.5 percent in December – the biggest advance since April 2006 – following a 2.6 percent increase in November. Sales for the month were down 2.2 percent, according to the Commerce Dept. December auto inventories were 5 percent higher than a year earlier.

Sales by U.S wholesalers, which grew by a revised 1.9 percent in November, fell by 0.7 percent in December. Wholesale inventories for the full year rose 6.5 percent, and sales improved by 9.2 percent.