Car Sales Booming, Up for Sixth Straight Year

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Car sales are on their sixth straight year of growth in the United States, with Erie's markets echoing that trend.

Some car dealerships say it's the best business they've since the recession.

Experts say the consumer is finally starting to feel the economy's slow recovery, and getting more comfortable with making big ticket purchases.

Gertrude Kolski of Erie is one of the millions of Americans deciding that now, is the right time to buy a car.

"The prices are lower now," she said. Kolski signed for a 2012 Ford Fusion at Hallman Chevrolet on Wednesday.

"The sales have picked up considerably here at Dave Hallman Chevrolet and Hyundai, with more than a 10 percent increase of year-over-year sales from last year," said Sean Pamula, the used car manager at Hallman Chevrolet. "That's truly a huge number in any business, especially in the auto sales business," he said.

Hallman on State Street sells more than 200 used and new cars every month.

"It's been another great year for us, we're way ahead of where we were last year at this time," said Greg Humes of Humes Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in Waterford.

Nationally, 2014 will mark the sixth year in a row for car sale growth. More people buying cars means more trade-ins and more deals available.

Dale Herring took a first look at his brand new Dodge Ram truck on Wednesday. He agrees that it's a good time to buy.

"The interest rates were low, the rebates were good. I needed a new truck," Herring said. "I absolutely I think it's a good time."

The boost in car sales is driven by job gains, lower prices at the pump, and more readily available credit.

Ultimately, it means customers are feeling more confident, when it comes to making that big-ticket purchase.

"I think people are a little more secure in their jobs so they're entering into a loan or spending some money they may not have a few years ago," Humes said.

"Even in our repair facility, people are spending money repairing cars where they were skimping a little bit before," he added.

In 2008, sales across the country totaled just six million vehicles. In 2015, analysts expect nearly 17 million vehicles to sell - the highest in nearly a decade.

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