Austin-area auto sales up in May, but pace slows - Austin American-Statesman

Austin-area new car and truck dealers saw sales rise in May, but the sales pace slowed a bit compared with the previous three months.

May sales of new vehicles were up 6.2 percent over the same month a year ago, according to Dallas-based Freeman Auto Report, which tracks new auto registrations.

Austin-area dealers sold 10,402 new vehicles for the month, compared to 9,791 during May 2013, according to the report, which tracks sales in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, Blanco and Caldwell counties.

Sales of new vehicles are considered a key indicator of an area's consumer confidence, as purchases of big-ticket items such as a new car tend to indicate consumers aren't worried about their job status or economic stability.

For the year to date, are sales are up 6.7 percent to 48,241 vehicles, according to Freeman Auto Report.

Area dealers had seen sales rise 9.7 percent in April, 10.3 percent in March and 18.3 percent in February.

Although that pace slowed in May, area dealers say the key is that sales are continuing to grow year-over-year.

"Every single month is just fantastic," said Mike Wilson, general manager at Nyle Maxwell Supercenter in Northwest Austin, which sells Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. "The economy is good, the housing starts and the low unemployment, it's just business is good right now."

The dealership's sales there were up more than 20 percent in May compared to the same month a year ago, Wilson said.

"Our sales were huge in May," he said. "My store sold well over 400 cars. We're aggressive, and we're trying to do everything we can to earn people's business. So no complaints right now."

This year's local sales gains have been fueled at least in part by a healthy local economy, strong population growth and incentives from manufacturers, experts say.

Last month, the Austin Automobile Dealers Association hosted its annual Austin auto show, which showcases new vehicle models that dealers hope would send waves of new customers shopping.

Austin lagged national auto sales figures for May, which saw the industry post its best month since mid 2005. Sales were up 11 percent in a month that is traditionally solid for auto dealers as consumers spend tax returns on new cars ahead of the summer driving season.

In Central Texas, Ford trucks were the hottest sellers in April with 890 sold, followed by Chevrolet cars at 857 vehicles. Those two brands were followed by Toyota cars with 830 sold and Honda cars at 743.

Nissan cars closed out the top five with 678 sold, followed by Ford cars at 632 and Chevrolet trucks at 629.

Year to date, the top seller in Central Texas is the Ford pickup with 4,318 sold, followed by Toyota cars at 3,737 and Chevrolet cars at 3,716.

Source : http://www.statesman.com/news/business/austin-area-auto-sales-up-in-may-but-pace-slows/ngKTm/