Contact: Jim Geisking, Public Relations Specialist
Cell: 608.558.0693
Hybrid Sales Drive Economic Recovery
Madison, WI – The signs of economic recovery are continuing to build momentum. The auto industry – a leading indicator of our nation’s economy, reported “good” new-vehicle sales across all brands for May, and a SAAR (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate) of 14 million new-vehicle sales – the highest since 2007. Locally, signs of the economic recovery are alive in southern Wisconsin as well. They’re evident at Smart Motors, a Toyota dealership who after sustaining steady sales during the past few years is seeing life spring forth due to the sales trend of hybrid vehicles.
“A car is a big investment, yet for most people it’s also a necessity,” says Allen Foster, vice president/general manager of Smart Motors. “During the past few years, the entire auto industry saw customers scaling back on their purchases, but so far 2012 has been one of our strongest years. Hybrid vehicles have always been a solid product line for us, but it is exceptionally stronger this year.”
Prior to the recession, Smart Motors saw numerous record setting sales years. Wisconsin’s oldest automotive dealership sold over 3,000 new vehicles in 2008, during its 100th year in business. Through May of this year, Smart is on pace to surpass sales in 2008 – which was the largest new vehicle sales year in their 104 year history.
Not only is Smart Motors selling more vehicles this year, it’s selling more hybrid vehicles. Hybrids, which are gaining in popularity, account for 41.2% of the dealership’s car sales through May 2012. Compare that to 2008, when only 22.7% of the dealership’s car sales came from hybrid vehicles and the differences are staggering.
“As the market begins to rebound, it’s obvious people are more aware, and are planning for the future with fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Prius V, Prius C & Camry hybrid,” says Foster.
When these in-demand models [hybrids] roll in, they almost immediately roll right out the door. The demand is there to quite literally drive intense and quick sales. That’s right, a $20,885 Prius C hybrid drives off the lot almost daily.
About Smart Motors
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and Wisconsin’s #1 volume Toyota dealer. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit www.smartmotors.com
