43
Valley auto sales up 14.3 percent from last year
YOUNGSTOWN
Auto sales in the Mahoning Valley were up in September from last year, while Chevrolet Cruze sales skyrocketed.
There were 6,705 new and used cars sold last month, a 14.3 percent increase from 5,865 sold in September 2013, according to data released by the Automobile Dealers Association of Eastern Ohio.
Steve Chos, ADAEO executive vice president, said the sales for September were exceptionally high.
“It was a good September,” he said.
Chos noted that the Lordstown-built Cruze had strong sales in September. The Cruze also was the top new model with 255 cars sold last month compared with 83 the previous September.
“I think the Chevy Cruze’s reputation has proven itself,” said Glenn Johnson, president of United Auto Workers Local 1112.
Nationally, Cruze sales were at 18,415 last month compared with 12,730 in September 2013, a 44.7 percent increase.
The Chevrolet Equinox came in second for the Valley with 122 sold, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was third with 108.
Chevrolet also was the top make for new cars with 749 sold, a 14.5 percent increase from last year. In second, Ford sold 342 cars last month, and Honda came in a distant third with 180.
The leading dealer for both new and used cars was Greenwood Chevrolet of Austintown with 285 sold for September.
Greg Greenwood, the owner, said the marketing and incentives were focused on the Cruze and Silverado, which both experienced the highest increases in sales.
“You could say it was mission accomplished,” he said. “It was a great execution strategy for [General Motors] and the local dealerships.”
Additionally, Greenwood said the Cruze has great support from the Valley for its quality and economy.
“Folks love that car,” he said.
Preston Toyota of Boardman came in second with 241 used and new cars sold in September but had the largest increase of the top three dealerships from 119 cars sold the previous September.
“Our incentives were good, we were aggressive on pricing and we had really great deals,” said Shane Lanigan, co-owner of Preston Toyota.
Sweeney Chevrolet of Boardman came in third with 236.
Additionally, the top used car was the Chevrolet Impala with 132 sold last month. The Chevrolet Malibu came in second with 110, and the Ford Escape was third with 96 cars sold.
“It’s a good month,” Chos said. “Now let’s see what happens in October and so forth.”