...Stable Outlook: Fitch Ratings' Stable Outlook on the U.S. auto sector reflects its expectation for modest global auto sales growth in 2016. The U.S. industry also continues to benefit from its post-recession efforts to improve operational flexibility and strengthen balance sheets, which will help to protect it if demand turns out to be weaker than expected. Downside risks include the potential for rising interest rates, economic weakness in key global markets, heightened consolidation activity and an increased focus on shareholder-friendly activities. 2016 U.S. Sales Forecast: Fitch expects U.S. light vehicle sales to grow at slower rate in 2016, rising to 17.5 million units. This represents a 1.7% increase against Fitch's 2015 forecast of 17.2 million. The rate of U.S. sales growth has slowed for the past several years and Fitch expects it will eventually plateau at a level around 17 million, plus or minus a few hundred thousand, for the next several years, barring an unexpected U.S. economic...
