Survey Finds New Car Sales Up in CA
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) _ A survey has found that new car sales in California are up 23 percent in the first half of 2010.
The industry was really starting to suffer, thanks to the down economy and internal financial woes that forced some automakers to ask the feds for billions in bailout money.
But the new survey by the California New Car Dealership Association shows that sales are up compared to last year.
Podcast
"Actually, we're probably up a little more than that. We're probably up 25 percent," said Craig Perry, the General Sales Manager at Royal Motors in San Francisco.
Tim Heimstra, the New Car Sales Manager at Toyota of Marin wouldn't be specific about his numbers but said they've seen a decent bump in sales as well.
"We have many customers that say, I really want to downsize," said Heimstra. "Yes, I can afford a high-line car, but I really prefer to have something that's going to be economical."
Sonnen of Marin has seen a 47 percent increase in sales so far this year. General Manager Amir Bakhtiari said cars are being sold faster than he can bring in.
"I could probably increase the sales another 20 percent by just getting enough cars from Audi and VW," said Bakhtiari.
Perry said dealers benefit when new cars are selling, but so does the rest of the industry, including auto part manufacturers, truckers who haul parts and gas station attendants.
