More jobs, better economy get credit for record car sales

DENVER -- Colorado car sales hit a record high in 2011, translating into good news for buyers and sellers alike.

And more jobs could be part of the reason people are buying a new ride.

The average car in Colorado is more than ten years old, making it the oldest fleet driven by Coloradans.

But that changed in 2011, according to Tim Jackson, with the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, who calls it "the biggest bump in new car sales we've seen, as far as percentage increase, anytime in modern history."

For auto makers like Nissan, it has been a banner year.

"Last month alone we've seen over a 200 percent increase over December 2010," said Mark Evans, sales manager at Tynan Nissan, who attributes the sales increase to growing consumer confidence, low interest rates and easier to get credit.

It's meant a major turnaround for Detroit's automakers, with Chrysler and Chevy rebounding from bankruptcy.

Overall, auto sales were up 14-percent in Colorado for 2011, which is good news for an industry hit with years of cutbacks and layoffs.

The increase in car sales, especially in fuel efficient vehicles, translates into a boost for the economy and for jobs.

"We've hired about 20-percent more people than when we bought the store, and in Greeley we've added about 50 people to a payroll that was non-existent," said Todd Maul, president of John Elway Dealerships.

"I've been in the car business 35 years now, and it's probably one of the best years we've seen," said Nissan's Mark Evans. "2012 only promises to be better."

Some dealers are even having a tough time hiring qualified staff. "Which is tough for the dealerships, but a really good sign?and strong sign for the economy," said Jackson.

Many analysts say the momentum should continue through 2012, and dealers say they hope to use that momentum by hosting a first-ever automotive career fair at the upcoming Denver Auto Show, which gets underway in late March.

Some dealers say they will be hiring qualified candidates on the spot.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/kdvr-news/~3/IrLv5RTq-OM/kdvr-more-jobs-better-economy-get-credit-for-record-car-sales-20120104,0,7493708.story

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