New car sales up 8%, not down as some report
FRANKENMUTH -- One Mid-Michigan auto dealership is angry some media outlets have been reporting doom and gloom for the auto industry.
NBC25 talked to a sales manager about why there's a mix up, and how new car sales are up nearly 10%.
The general sales manager of Schaeffer Bierlein Chrysler in Frankenmuth is fed up with some media outlets.
"They were Detroit outlets," said Kyle Bierlein, the General Sales Manager of Schaeffer Bierlein Auto Dealership in Frankenmuth.
Bierlien says they're reporting car sales are down for this time of year.
"I had a customer come and say I can't believe you guys are still in business, after what you read in the paper, and I said we are doing really well," said Bierlein.
So well, Beirlein has had to hire another salesperson to keep up with business.
"Sales are high, they are high here and everyone I’ve talked to in this area," said Bierlein.
The national average for new car sales is up 8%, but here at Schaeffer Bierlein it’s up more than that, they say in comparison to last year, they've sold 50% more cars.
"And our used car volume is about 100% higher than last year," said Bierlein.
This family from Birch Run came in Saturday to buy a 2007 Grand Caravan.
"We enjoy the products, they've always been reliable," said Mike Corvy who just bought a car.
So why the misreporting? Bierlien says the media is comparing sales numbers to last August when the government program Cash for Clunkers was going on.
"We are on our own right now, and things are good right now, and last year in August they were good, but they were basically free cars in a lot of situations," said Bierlein.
Bierlien hopes negative publicity won't stop customers from buying.
"That's not reality, what you are seeing on TV and reading in the papers is not reality, the prices are right and the customers are coming out," said Bierlein.
And customers like the Corvy's are leaving with smiles on their faces.
"I look forward to getting a new car today," said Bierlein.
Schaeffer Bierlein is also confident the auto industry as a whole will soon turn around in Mid-Michigan.
