NEWS RELEASE

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

Dealers Enjoy Strong Sales in July

Cleveland, OH (August 3, 2018) – Franchised new vehicle dealers across Northern Ohio rang up strong sales in July, as new vehicle sales rose more than three percent when comparing the month to July of 2017. Sales of used vehicles were also up over six percent over the same time period.

“It was a strong July for Northern Ohio auto dealers as we pass the midyear sales cycle,” said Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association (GCADA). “A strong economy, fuel prices, and a desire for larger vehicles by consumers continue to drive the light truck and SUV market.”

According to figures released by the GCADA, franchised new vehicle dealers sold 22,110 vehicles in July of this year compared with 21,392 last year, an increase of 3.36 percent. While car and sedan sales were basically flat with last year over the period, sales of trucks rose 7.59 percent, with dealers selling 10,077 trucks, vans, SUVs and crossovers during the month compared to 9,366 units last year. For the year to date, dealers have sold 146,446 new vehicles compared with 147,345 last year, a decrease of just over half a percent.

“The commercial truck segment is growing with the boom of delivery services needed to fulfill customer home deliveries,” added Vitantonio. “The used market continues to grow as well, year over year. July’s results have closed the deficit between 2017 and 2018, however we believe the reminder of 2018 sales will slow from the current pace.”

Ford re-established itself as Northern Ohio’s best-selling brand, selling 3,411 new vehicles to edge out Chevrolet, which saw sales of 3,122 units for the month. Toyota took third place away from Honda, selling 1,989 units in the month compared to 1,983 new vehicles for its offshore rival. Jeep was nipping at Honda’s heels with 1,842 new vehicles sold in the month, an increase of 25.22 percent when comparing July of 2018 with July of 2017.

20 Brands Up in July (‘18 v. ‘17)
The following brands posted sales increases in July of 2018 versus July of 2017: Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Ram, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

18 Brands Up Year to Date (’18 v. ’17)
The following brands have posted sales increases for the year to date: Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

New-car and truck sales in Northern Ohio
July ’18 / July ’17 & 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 dealers, 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.