New car sales in Valley build momentum

By GRACE WYLER

gwyler@vindy.com

youngstown

Mahoning Valley auto dealers saw new-car sales continue to rise last month, as incentives and an improved economic climate brought customers to showrooms.

Year-over-year new-vehicle sales in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties rose for the third consecutive month in May. Local dealers sold 1,517 new vehicles last month, compared with 1,261 in May 2009.

Incentives and increased leasing have been key factors in driving sales, said Bobby Stackhouse, general manager of Sweeney Chevrolet in Boardman. Sweeney Chevrolet doubled 2009 May sales last month, he added.

“This year has a totally different tone to it,” Stackhouse said. “Things are definitely starting on the right foot.”

Local auto dealers have sold 7,262 cars so far this year, compared with 6,897 sold in the first five months of 2009.

New-car sales are likely to continue to improve compared to last year, Stackhouse said.

“I see this year being a great year,” he said. “We really have the momentum.”

The Chevy Malibu was the most popular new car for the sixth consecutive month, with 148 vehicles sold compared with 62 a year earlier. The Chevy Cobalt came in second, with 82 sales, up from 45 sold in May 2009. The other top five best-sellers were the Ford Focus, the Chevy Equinox and the Ford F-150.

Spitzer Chevrolet in North Jackson has had trouble keeping Cobalts on the lot, said general manager Barry Gonis.

“There is a better attitude towards General Motors now,” Gonis said. “People are getting their jobs back, there is just a better feeling about everything that is going on.”

Consumers are also excited about the September arrival of the Lordstown-built Chevy Cruze, car dealers said. Local Chevrolet dealerships have already started taking orders for the Cruze.

“We are now open for business on the Cruze,” Gonis said. “We can’t wait to get our Cruze shirts on and have a party.”