Car sales soar for GM and Chrysler, defying weak economy

[n2doc]

Car companies had a good month in September despite the overall weak economy.

General Motors Co. said its U.S. sales jumped 20% to 207,145 vehicles compared with September 2010. Chrysler Group's sales surged 27% to 127,334 vehicles, marking the company's best September since 2007.

"For GM, all of the factors that say this is a good time to buy a new vehicle outweigh the bad news that appears to be slowing down the broader economic recovery," said Don Johnson, GM's vice president of U.S. sales operations.

Other auto companies also appear to be steering clear of an economic slowdown.

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http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/10/autos-sales-soar-gm-chrysler.html

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. But where are they going to go?

In their new cars?

[liberal N proud]

2. Buying a new car right now can be cheaper than a used one

With the incentives and the cost of used cars being inflated right now, buying new is more attractive than ever.

If I ever get to where I can trade my old rust bucket, I will consider new simply because of the total cost of ownership.

[MADem]

3. I think a lot of people put off buying a new car, and have been for some time.

I know someone who just this week bought an end of model year car, after putting money aside for the last two years to cut the payment way down. I know someone else who is doing the same thing, and is in the "looky-loo" stages right now.

I am driving an old shitbox, and will need to upgrade, eventually. I keep nursing the old thing along, for now.

[Ganja Ninja]

4. That's just it, demand has been penned up for so long that something has to give.

My truck has 470,000 miles on it and it's ready to die. I'm about 2 or 3 years overdue for a new one. I'm just hoping I can get by until next spring.