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Vehicle sales weaken by 31 percent in December 2008
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Posted on Jan 05 2009
New car sales dropped 31.48 percent in December 2008 as the islands’ three auto dealerships—Microl Corp., Joeten Motors, and Triple J Motors—sold only 37 units last month compared to 54 during the same month in 2007.
According to the December 2008 report from the Commonwealth Auto Dealers Association, the 37 units that were driven off the three companies’ showrooms and parking lots included 19 cars, three trucks, two vans, and 13 sports utility vehicles.
Microl Corp. experienced the severest drop in sales in December 2008, as the San Jose dealership sold a mere 12 units last month compared to 26 units a year ago—representing a 53.85-percent decrease. In all, it sold a total of seven cars, three SUVs, a truck, and a van last month.
The drop in sales caused the company to cede its traditional leadership in the market, as it only managed to capture 32.43 percent of auto sales in December 2008.
Triple J Motors also felt sales go south, as the Middle Road dealership sold 25 percent less units in December 2008—12 units compared to 16 in December 2007.
The eight cars and four SUVs sold by Triple J Motors represent 32.43 percent of the market, which left it tied with Microl Corp.
Joeten Motors was the only bright spot last month, as the Oleai dealership assumed market leadership after seeing its new car sales increase 8.33 percent in December 2008.
After selling 12 automobiles in December 2007, Joeten Motors sold 13 units last month that gave it a 35.14 percent share of the market. In all, the company sold four cars, two trucks, six SUVs, and a van last month.
Microl Corp. sells Toyota and Chevrolet, while Joeten Motors sells Nissan, Ford, Honda, and Kia. Triple J Motors sells Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Suzuki, Subaru, and Mazda.
