YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Of the 104 auto sellers promoting new autos and reporting to the Better Cleveland Vehicle Sellers Affiliation, which incorporates the Youngstown space, 73% had been down final yr in contrast with 2021. Used automotive sellers had been a bit higher at 62%.
Some sellers who spoke to WKBN 27 First Information stated it actually wasn’t all that unhealthy.
Regardless of having new automotive gross sales down 8.5% and used automotive gross sales down 4.5%, Greg Greenwood of Austintown’s Greenwood Chevrolet was nonetheless upbeat on his year-end gross sales.
“We thought we maintain our personal, and we had been actually grateful for the assist of our local people,” he stated.
On the Haus Auto Group in Canfield, proprietor Chris Haus estimated his year-end gross sales had been down from 2% to five%.
“Nothing loopy large. Fairly related however nothing loopy, no,” Haus stated.
Greenwood’s downside final yr was the dearth of automobiles. Right now he had not one of the cheaper Chevrolet Trax or Trailblazers on the lot. His finest sellers final yr had been the Equinox and Blazer.
“We weren’t capable of meet all people’s wants as a result of we didn’t have every thing we would have liked. Additionally, there’s no cause for producers to present any type of additional specials, give them 1.9% charge or rebates,” Greenwood stated.
At Haus, the variety of autos on the lot was not a difficulty.
“Every little thing was actually good for us. We do a extremely good job of buying autos of most people, so we didn’t have any stock points, even in 2021. For us, we had a fantastic yr,” Haus stated.
Haus thinks 2023 can be higher than final yr, even with increased rates of interest, as a result of the prices of used autos are dropping.
“A automotive that was $25,000 six months in the past and now it’s $20,000. Your cost is definitely a little bit bit cheaper with 7% curiosity than it’s at 3% shopping for it as $25,000,” Haus stated.
Greenwood predicts an uptick as effectively.
“Do doubt we’re going to be up. Could possibly be some pace bumps. I want the rates of interest weren’t as excessive as they’re proper now,” he stated.
Greenwood additionally stated there aren’t any electrical autos on his lot, however he expects to see that improve within the subsequent yr or two. His dealership will not be but set as much as deal with them. They want extra charging stations, and his upkeep folks must be skilled on tips on how to repair them.