Austin new car sales rose 10.5 percent in August as Central Texas auto dealers continue to bounce back from a super start for the year. For the first eight months, car sales are up 2.5 percent compared with the same period last year, the highest rate for the year.
“Austin is experiencing such rapid growth in its economy and population — at a higher rate than most areas in the U.S.,” said Vicki Roberts, dealer principal for Lexus of Austin and Lakeway. “The automotive industry as a whole is expecting its largest volume year in 2015 and there is no surprise that Austin’s auto sales are reflecting that growth as well.”
Automotive sales are a key of consumer confidence, because they don'r need to worry about their jobs or the economy when it is going to big-ticket purchases.
In 2014, sales of new vehicles in the Central Texas rose nearly 8 %, the region’s highest sales. Experts have said it is because of aa strong local economy and population growth.
According to this year, new car sales keep pace, but that trend began seeing a turnaround this summer. Sales were down with 6 % in January, rose 2.4 % in February and dropped 10.3 % in March and nowadays is keeping this result, according to data from Freeman Auto Report.
Roberts decided to open a second location, Lexus of Lakeway to see have growth of dealerships and satellite services throughout the Central Texas region.
“We feel that the growth of the greater metro areas will increase and is long overdue for quality and high-end luxury businesses, including auto dealerships,” Roberts said. Lexus of Lakeway “has been so well received by the community and Lexus corporate that Lexus has sent several groups… to come tour our new facility to gather new ideas and concepts for their future stores or expansions.”
Overall, Austin dealers have sold a total of 86,117 new vehicles, compared with 83,977 a year ago.
For August and the year so far, Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota are leading automakers with the largest number of area sales.
