Chicago Dealers Report Sales Drop as Car Demand Weakens

OAK BROOK, IL – Total vehicle sales in the first eight months of this year slipped 1.5% in the Chicagoland market to 256,225 units, as car sales plunged 8.2%, while light-truck sales rose 3.9%.

Of the total sales, light trucks accounted for 149,270 units, while cars contributed 106,955, according to figures compiled by IHS Automotive for the Chicago Automobile Trade Assn., the dealer trade group that sponsors the annual Chicago auto show.

According to the just- released data, compact SUVs/CUVs were the top-selling vehicles in the first eight months of this year, with market share rising 1.1%. At the other end of the scale, midsize-sedan sales were down the most, posting a 1.1% decline in market share.

Of the five best-selling vehicle segments, four were CUVs or SUVs and fullsize trucks were the other. The top-selling CUVs and SUVs included luxury models, suggesting buyers moving down in size from bigger sedans don't want to give up luxury amenities or comforts in doing so.

Of the five lowest-selling segments, all were cars – including not only high-mileage subcompacts and low-priced entry-level vehicles, but also luxury sedans and sports cars.