State of Suburbs: Pent-up demand fueling auto market - Chicago Daily Herald
Although the Great Recession ended years ago, Colin Wickstrom still sees a good amount of pent-up demand in the automobile market. "During the recession period of 2008-2010, people sat back and watched the market," said Wickstrom, who with brother Richard operates Wickstrom Auto Group in Barrington. The 440 or so new car dealers in the greater Chicago area sold 152,595 vehicles this year through May, according to the Oakbrook Terrace-based Chicago Auto Trade Association. Sales for the year are up 3. 1 percent over the same period in 2014, while 2014 saw a 10-percent increase in sales over 2013. While some local dealers closed during the recession -- in part due to automakers such as General Motors and Ford... Ray Scarpelli Jr. , owner of Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake, notes that while some people still may be loyal to a particular auto nameplate, more buyers are looking for the best overall sales and service. "Brand loyalty is still there, but it works in tandem with loyalty with the business that's offering that brand," Scarpelli said. Source: www.dailyherald.com
