1st Quarter Sales Up 10.2% for Area Dealers

1st Quarter Sales Up 10.2% for Area Dealers

Reflecting the strength of the Washington regional economy, total new vehicle sales of 75,310 for the first quarter of 2004 showed a solid 10.2% gain over last year, according to Washington market figures compiled by R. L. Polk for WANADA. And despite rising gas prices, it was again light trucks that led the way with a whopping 23% increase over 2003 first quarter sales — 38,312 total sales for 2004 versus 31,154 for 2003.

Surprisingly, a 9.7% gain in domestic car sales (10,488 vs. 9,559 last year) offset a 4.0% decline in import cars (26,510 vs. 27,625 in 2003) for total car sales of 36,998, a slight 0.5% decline from 37,184 in 2003. Import cars still represent 71.7% total car sales in the DC metro area, but thatês down from 74.3% for the first quarter of 2003.

Total unit sales for January, February and March were 23,796, 21,824, and 29,514, respectively.

A more detailed, monthly sales summary sheet is enclosed with this WANADA Bulletin, and also is available on the –Members Center” area of our Web site, wanada.org. Use –WANADA” for both the user name and password, click on –General Information,” then –Marketing and Sales Data.”