Car Sales Up in 2012 | Video

Amy Fox | 1/2/2013

2012 was a record-breaking year for vehicle sales across the country. It didn`t matter if it was new or used, vehicles were speeding off car lots. So, how does Minot compare?

Rows of new and used vehicles fill up the parking lot of the Minot Auto Center. But a few years ago, it was a different picture.

"We weren`t expecting this,” said general sales manager Jerry Leiss. “In the last three years, it`s just been fantastic here. Record years, year after year."

According to a Bloomberg survey of analysts, the number of vehicles sold in December, 2012 increased by 9.6 percent, making it a record-breaking year. In Minot, we`re following similar trends. The number of trucks sold increased by 27 percent in 2012 and that number is expected to go up.

"We call it the heavy heavies. They want the biggest trucks with the diesel with all the leather and the more equipment, the better. We`ve been having the most success with them," said Leiss.

After months of looking, Lauren Sims finally decided it was time to buy a Toyota Tundra. "We looked at the used vehicles and the prices were about the same with the used to the new,” said Sims. "So, we figured we will get a new one and have it last us a really long time."

With low interest rates, incentives, and a factory warranty, Leiss says many customers are purchasing new vehicles. "Every model has a zero-percent offer in addition to a rebate. But, even the conventional keeping all of the rebate APR`s are very low, just makes it affordable and get a little more equipment for the same monthly investment."

"It was perfect timing for us,” said Sims. “It is a 4-wheel drive truck, so we wanted that in the snow, especially in North Dakota.

With more customers, car dealerships are moving their vehicles quicker, so they can offer more selection. Leiss said, "We sold a lot, you know, fewer cars with less equipment, you know. We are able to offer a lot of vehicles because of our increased amount of sales. We`re just stocking a lot more vehicles, giving customers a lot more options."

Car dealerships will continue to keep one foot one the gas petal as they hope to drive in another year of good sales.

If you want to buy a vehicle, Leiss says the best time to buy is at the end of the month. The 2013 fleet is expected arrive sometime in March.

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