Car Dealers To See Busy Week Ahead
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: December 27, 2010
MIDLAND -- Car dealers around the Basin are getting ready for one of their biggest sales periods of the year.
The last week of December is usually when dealers see a huge upswing in business.
In the car business, weekends are usually the busiest, but this week Mazda of Midland told me that everyday is like a weekend.
I learned that there isn't a specific reason why, but with all the customers I saw browsing, it seems like the economy is looking up.
An adjustable steering wheel, blue tooth, and a spacious trunk. Car salesman Matthew Rhead gave me his best sales pitch -- the same one dozens of customers have been hearing.
"I want to say first of all the car business is coming back," said Rhead, of Mazda of Midland.
With customers, walking down the aisles, looking at the shiny prices painted on each car, it looks like Rhead is right.
"It's been a while, I have been looking for a convertible, BMW," said Patrick Okimi.
This customer says the only reason he's looking is because he has time.
"I have time to drive around, and see whats available in the market and take advantage of the time for the price," said Okimi.
Other customers like Sergio Pardo who took multiple vehicles out for a spin says the good economy is why he's here.
"The economy has been great for me, this part of the country has been pretty good," said Pardo.
But Rhead says its much more than that.
"Everyone is trying to blow up their inventory before the end of the year comes out," said Rhead.
And with dealers more willing to wheel and deal.
"4,000 off M.S.R.P. and 0 percent financing," said Rhead.
Customers are flocking in, hoping to start the new year with a new car.
"The year 2011 I am going to drive a different car, a brand new car," said Okimi.
Another reason for the crowds, there's also pent up demand among customers who held back on big-ticket purchases during the recession.
Rhead says his team is ready and is already seeing sales soar compared to last year.
Jackie Smith can be reached at jsmith@kmid.tv.
