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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

New Vehicle Sales Rocket Upward In February

Cleveland, OH (March 8, 2016) –  After ringing up an increase of over three percent to kick off the year in January, sales of new vehicles rocketed upward in February, with franchised new vehicle dealers selling almost 17 percent more new vehicles than they sold in February of 2015. For the month, dealers sold 16,128 vehicles compared to 13,791 in the month last year, an increase of 16.95 percent, according to figures released by the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association (GCADA).

“With the incentives and advertising surrounding the Cleveland Auto Show, we were expecting an increase in the numbers,” says Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the GCADA. “But these numbers far exceeded our most optimistic expectations.

“While the Cleveland Auto Show always has an impact on sales in the month of February, the mild weather this season also had to be a contributing factor.”

Across the nation, auto industry analysts are only predicting low single-digit growth for the industry this year.

“So clearly, we are bucking the national trend,” adds Vitantonio.

For the year to date, sales of new vehicles are up 8.9 percent across Northern Ohio.

While sales of trucks and SUVs continued to be strong in February, the segment did not drive the market as it has in previous months. While truck sales were up 18.69 percent in the month, sales of cars also increased 16.02 percent.

For two months straight, Chevrolet was Northern Ohio’s best-selling brand, but it only did so with an impressive sales increase of 44.35 percent, outdistancing its rival Ford by selling 2,760 vehicles in the month, compared to 2,738 vehicles for Ford. Ford did have a good month, however, ringing up an increase of 13.7 percent over February of 2015.

Honda took home the bronze medal for February, selling 1,327 new vehicles to 1,246 for its offshore rival Toyota. Many brands showed strong double-digit growth, yet there were some with sales increases that were quite impressive. While their numbers are lower than many everyday brands, upscale offerings from Lincoln and Maserati rang up triple digit growth in the month.

Buick also had an exceptional month, ringing up an increase of 73 percent over February of 2015. Cadillac, Fiat, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen all had sales growth north of 20 percent for the month, with several brands increasing more than 40 percent.

21 Brands Up in February (‘16 v. ‘15)
The following brands posted sales increases in February of 2016 versus February of 2015: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

23 Brands Up for the Year (’16 v. ’15)
The following brands posted sales increases for the year to date in 2016: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Ram, smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

New-car and truck sales in Northern Ohio
February ’16 / February ’15 & YTD

About the GCADA
The Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers' Association (GCADA) has served the retail-automobile industry and community with integrity and distinction since 1915. Today, located in Brecksville, Ohio, GCADA represents over 250 franchised motor vehicle dealer, which include new-car, truck, motorcycle and RV dealers in a 21-county region of Northern Ohio along the Lake Erie shore and beyond.  More information on the GCADA can be found at www.gcada.org. Contact us at 440-746-1500.

About the Cleveland Auto Show 
The Cleveland Auto Show marks the start of the spring selling season in Northern Ohio. Featuring concept, pre-production and production vehicles from the world’s auto manufacturers, the show is held annually at the I-X Center with nearly one million square feet of exhibits. The Show also features an array of entertainment including sports celebrity appearances from the Browns, Cavs, and more. The Cleveland Auto Show is a consumer show and a favorite family tradition since 1903. Find us at facebook.com/TheClevelandAutoShow and @CLEAutoShow.

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