WardsAuto is forecasting that approximately 1.28 million vehicles will be sold when October numbers are finalized, a 6.5% increase from October 2013. The forecast equates to a 16.4 million-unit SAAR.Looking ahead, analysts also predict U.S. sales will continue to rise, at a slower rate, over the next few years. U.S. auto sales are on pace to rise 5% in 2014. LMC Automotive predicts sales will rise just 2% next year to 16.7 million; and will rise to 17 million by 2018; and as high as 17.5 million in 2020, which would represent the highest ever U.S. auto sales.JD Power recently reported that U.S. consumer spending on new cars and trucks will be approximately $407 billion in 2014, up from $376 billion in 2013.There are potential obstacles to future sales growth, including any potential rise in interest rates and longer financing terms. According to analysts, every one percentage point increase in interest rates could reduce automotive sales by up to 300,000 vehicles. And Standard & Poors reports that some subprime auto lenders are offering repayment periods of 72 months and higher. In 2014, it is estimated that nearly one-in-three new vehicles will be financed for at least 72 months.