9OYS Consumer Watch
Auto industry reports record number of car sales
Despite high gas prices, consumers are buying more cars than ever
Reporter: Corinne Hautala
Web Producer: Mekita Rivas
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Not even increasing gas prices can keep consumers away from the currently booming auto market.
Sales are reaching record highs. Volkswagen has recorded its best numbers since 1973 -- up 62 and a half percent in August. Chrysler's sales rose 14 percent, Ford's sales rose 13 percent and GM's sales rose 10 percent.
"It's just a combination of a lot of right things happening for the industry," said Neb Yonas, general manager of Chapman Automotive in Tucson. "Used car prices are just phenomenal, (so) this is the best time for you to trade in your current vehicle."
Factors like a zero percent interest rate, a wider selection of models and big bucks for trade-ins are influencing consumers to check out the current auto market.
"A lot of people have delayed buying a car for the last couple of years," Yonas said. "This is unprecedented how much value used cars have and that makes the purchase of a new car much more affordable."
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