NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Auto Dealers Start off New Year on Positive Note
for Fourth Straight Year

Cleveland, OH (February 9, 2016) –  Franchised new vehicle dealers across Northern Ohio started off the new year on a positive note for the fourth straight year, with overall new vehicles sales of 19,770 units in the month compared to 19,172 units in January of 2015, according to figures released today by the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association (GCADA). The numbers represent an increase of 3.12 percent for the month.

“The numbers are positive, which is always good news for our market,” says Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the GCADA. “However, many industry experts are expecting a slight contraction in the overall market this year. Nationally, many automakers have also reported a slight decrease in sales for the month. So we are bucking a trend in a positive way. 

“We also expect a strong jump start to the market from the upcoming Cleveland Auto Show, which will open on Friday, February 26. The Cleveland Auto Show marks the start of the spring selling season in Northern Ohio.” 

In an ongoing trend observed last year, sales of cars dropped 1.95 percent for the month, while sales of light trucks and SUVs climbed over 14 percent when comparing January of this year with January of 2015. 

There were also a few surprises in the month, especially when it came to individual brands. For the first time in recent history, Chevrolet is starting out 2016 as Northern Ohio’s best selling brand. Ringing up a sales increase of over 16 percent, Chevrolet outperformed its rival Ford, selling 3,247 vehicles to Ford’s 3,123 vehicles in the month. Honda reclaimed its spot at number three, selling 1,707 vehicles compared to Toyota’s 1,702, a margin of just five vehicles. 

In addition to Chevrolet, many brands kicked off the year with double-digit growth in the month, including Buick, Fiat, Honda, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Smart, Toyota and Volvo. 

15 Brands Up in January  (‘16 v. ‘15)
The following brands posted sales increases in January of 2016 versus January of 2015: Buick, Chevrolet, Fiat, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Smart, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.

New-car and truck sales in Northern Ohio
January ’16 / January ’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 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.

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.