NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Panza
Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association
440.746.1500 

Vehicle Sales Register 19th Straight
Month of Growth in Northern Ohio

Cleveland, OH (August 12, 2014) – Sales of new vehicles in Northern Ohio rose almost nine percent when comparing July of 2014 with July of 2013, kicking off the second half of the year in fine fashion, according to figures released today by the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association (GCADA). The numbers are especially impressive because July of 2013 rang up an increase of more than 17 percent over July of 2012. In addition, the numbers mark the 19th straight month of sales increases when comparing one month over the same month a year prior.

“Clearly these numbers represent strong and steady growth for the retail automotive industry in Northern Ohio,” says Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the GCADA. “We expected summer to be strong, but this is a pleasant surprise. It bodes well not just for auto dealers, but our local, state and national economies, which are so dependent on the automotive industry.

“Pent up consumer demand, along with more available financing, the strong return of leasing and more incentives from both dealers and manufacturers continue to drive the market.”

Franchised new vehicle dealers in Northern Ohio sold 23,939 new vehicles in July of this year, compared with 22,004 last year, an increase of 8.79 percent. For the year to date, sales are up just over seven percent over 2013.

Ford had an exceptionally good month, with sales increasing over ten percent over July of 2013. The Blue Oval sold 3,909 vehicles in July, retaining its position as the number one brand in Northern Ohio. Chevrolet was not too far behind selling 3,592 vehicles in the month, an increase of more than 12 percent over July a year ago. Honda came in third with 2,097 vehicles sold, while Toyota was the fourth best selling brand with 1,976 vehicles sold in the month.

Infiniti continued to have a break out year, ringing up an increase of almost 72 percent when comparing July of 2014 with July of 2013. Jeep also had an excellent month ringing up a sales increase of almost 50 percent.

22 Brands Up in July (‘14 v. ‘13)
The following brands posted sales increases in July of 2014 versus July of 2013: Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Volvo.

24 Brands Up Year-to-Date Through July of 2014
The following brands posted sales increases for the year-to-date: Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota.

New-car and truck sales in Northern Ohio
July ‘14 / July ‘13 & YTD 

Retail sales figures are based on vehicle registration reports from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle sales data includes the counties of: Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne.

# # #