Local Auto Sales Show Gains for First Time Since Pandemic Hit

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the local auto market appear to be wearing off, as the latest data from the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association show local sales increased 7.8% in June to 5,392.

After new- and used-car sales in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties were down 56% year-over-year in April and 19.6% in May, June marks the first time since the pandemic hit the area that sales have increased.

“Many manufacturers resumed building and shipping vehicles in June, providing much-needed inventory to the dealers,” said Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the dealership association, in a statement. “Low interest rates and numerous attractive offers have brought consumers back into the marketplace.”

In the tri-county area, new-car sales totaled 2,738, 91 fewer than June 2019. Topping the chart was Boardman Subaru with 186 sold, followed by Fred Martin Ford, Austintown, with 161. Rounding out the top five were Sweeney Chevrolet, Boardman, with 149; Sweeney Buick GMC, Boardman, 147; and Stadium GM Superstore, Salem, 125.

Used-car sales fared much better, seeing a 22.6% jump from a year ago as 2,539 were sold. Fairway Ford in Canfield was sold the most used cars locally, with 118 delivered to customers. Also hitting triple-digit sales were Greenwood Chevrolet, Austintown, with 101 and Boardman Subaru and Toyota of Boardman with 100 apiece.

Across the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association’s 22-county membership area, three local stores ranked in the top 10 for combined new- and used-car sales. Fairway Ford ranked sixth overall with 329, Boardman Subaru ninth with 305 and Fred Martin Ford with 283.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.