Economists expect that auto sales rebounded in May to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 17.2 million vehicles after April's results disappointed. In a note to clients ahead of the report, economists at Bank of America Merrill Lynch wrote, "After flat-lining for several months, we expect auto sales to have jumped to a solid 17.2mn saar pace in May." The firm added: "With winter doldrums well in the rearview mirror, and with consumers enjoying several months of relatively low gasoline prices, we see an improvement in vehicle demand.