NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:                                                                                                  

Louis A. Vitantonio, Jr.

Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association                                                                           

440.746.1500

AUTO SALES CONTINUE TO BUILD STEAM IN OCTOBER

Cleveland, OH (November 11, 2010) – According to figures released today by the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association (GCADA), for October 2010 v. October 2009, new vehicle car and truck sales increased by 30.56% when removing sales statistics for the discontinued Hummer, Pontiac and Saturn brands. A total of 27 brands registered increases over the monthly period, while new vehicle sales year to date through October increased 14.63%. Ford continued to lead all automakers in total new vehicle sales in Northern Ohio, followed by Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda.

“For the second straight month, we continue to see strong double digit growth, especially in the upscale and luxury brands," says Louis A. Vitantonio, Jr., president of the GCADA. “It’s a clear sign that the industry is starting to pick up steam. In increasing numbers, consumers are showing a willingness to invest in their transportation. While we still aren’t back to the record levels we saw earlier this decade, I am confident that we are now on the path of strong, steady growth that will build a good foundation for the future of the industry here in Northern Ohio.”

Nine luxury brands registered strong double-digit growth comparing October 2010 v. October 2009. In terms of percentage increase, Saab registered 412.5% growth over the period. Infiniti was also up triple digits, while Porsche, Acura and Cadillac each grew more than 50%, comparing October 2010 with the same month a year prior.

Luxury bands weren’t alone in enjoying a good October. Chrysler and Jeep registered strong triple-digit growth, while the Dodge brand grew by more than 90%. In domestic-brands, Ford and Chevrolet registered strong double-digit growth as well, while Hyundai, Honda, Kia and Mazda set the pace among offshore brands.

27 Brands Up October (‘10 v. ‘09)

The following 27 brands posted sales increases in October ‘10 versus October ‘09: Acura, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Saab, Smart, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo.

25 Brands Up Year-to-Date

Through October, 2010, 25 brands posted year-to-date sales increases in the region.  They are: Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

New-car and truck sales in Northern Ohio

October ‘10 / October ’09 & 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.

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