NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Truck and SUV Sales Grow
While Car Sales Slow

Cleveland, OH (October 7, 2016) – Sales of new trucks and SUVs grew by more than five percent in September, while sales of new cars and sedans dropped off during the month. Overall, franchised new vehicle dealers across Northern Ohio sold 22,565 total new vehicles in September compared with 23,906 sold in the same month a year prior, a decrease of 5.61 percent, according to figures released today by the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association (GCADA). For the year to date, overall new vehicle sales are off 2.77 percent.

“Vehicle sales slowed in September, however the current selling pace is still strong and the industry is healthy,” says Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the GCADA. “Trucks and SUVs sales remain brisk given low fuel costs and increased vehicle fuel economy. We look forward to finishing up the fourth quarter on a positive note.”

The GCADA is projecting that franchised new vehicle dealers across Northern Ohio will sell 244,668 total new vehicles this year compared with 251,651 sold in 2015. For the year to date, dealers have sold 187,135 vehicles so far this year, with three months remaining in the year.

Sales of trucks and SUVs are the definite bright spot for 2016, with franchised new vehicle dealers selling 67,857 new trucks or SUVs so far this year compared with 63,819 at the time last year, an increase of 6.33 percent. In addition to improved fuel economy and lower fuel prices, auto manufacturers have introduced smaller crossovers and compact SUVs which are drawing sales away from the traditional car market.

Ford continued to be the dominant brand in Northern Ohio, selling 3,669 new vehicles in the month compared with Chevrolet, which sold 3,122 vehicles. Honda took home the bronze with 2,115 vehicles sold in September, but offshore rival Toyota closed the gap, selling 2,085 new vehicles in the month.

Upscale brands fared well when comparing September of 2016 with September of 2015, with Acura, Buick, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche all ringing up sales increases. Lincoln performed exceptionally well, registering a month-over-month increase in September of 47.19 percent.

17 Brands Up in September (‘16 v. ‘15)

The following brands posted sales increases in September of 2016 versus September of 2015: Acura, Buick, Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep. Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Porsche, Ram, smart, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.

14 Brands Up for the Year (’16 v. ’15)

The following brands have posted sales increases for the year to date in 2016: Buick, Cadillac, Fiat, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mitsubishi, Ram, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.

New-car and truck sales in Northern Ohio

September ’16 / September ’15 & 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.

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 1.2 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 on Facebook at facebook.com/TheClevelandAutoShow.

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If you no longer wish to receive email advertisements from GCADA, please call 440-746-1500, send a fax to 440-746-1504, or send an email to gcada@gcada.org and provide the following information so we can process your request: your name, the name of your company (if applicable), your email address(es), and that you do not wish to receive email advertisements from GCADA. We must process your request within 10 days.  GCADA is located at 10100 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141.