Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The automotive sector, a warhorse of American industry, still has its surprises. U.S. new-vehicle sales, including retail and non-retail transactions, are estimated to surpass 1.35 million units in August, a 15.4% jump from the same period last year, according to a report from J.D. Power and GlobalData. Even with rising inventory levels and interest rates, automakers are benefiting from consistently strong demand.

Industrial Info is tracking nearly $300 million worth of maintenance-related projects in the U.S. automotive sector that are set to kick off from October through December. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) (Toyota City, Japan), which accounts for more maintenance-related investment through December than any other automaker. Honda Motor Company (NYSE:HMC), Tenneco Incorporated and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT) are among other companies planning shutdowns.