Local Auto Sales Halved as Virus Takes Toll

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Auto sales in the Mahoning Valley were cut in half from their levels a year ago as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

In its monthly sales release, the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association reported new- and used-vehicle sales in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties totaled 2,296, down 56% from April 2019.

“The current climate has certainly slowed the automotive retail market throughout April,” said the association’s president, Louis A. Vitantonio, in a statement. “Throughout the month of April and into May, we have seen small signs of recovery as businesses reopen and employees are brought back to work in northern Ohio.”

New-car sales fell to 1,180, down 57.2%. Toyota of Boardman was the only dealership to post triple-digit new-car sales with 103 sold, up nine from a year ago. 

Round out the top five were Sweeney Chevrolet, Boardman, with 82, down from 224 a year ago; Taylor Kia of Boardman with 81, down from 140 a year ago; Sims Buick GMC with 67, down from 84; and Jim Shorkey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram with 63, up from 53 in April 2019.

The only other top-20 dealerships to post gains were Diehl Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (up 11 to 40) and Preston Volkswagen (up seven to 29).

Used-car sales fell 55.5% to 1,061. The chart was also topped by Taylor Kia, which reported 90 used-car sales, down from 144 a year ago. 

Only one dealership in the top 20 posted an increase in sales: Boardman Nissan, which sold 49 used vehicles, up from 41 in April 2019.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.