General Market Conditions

The market continues to be a very healthy one.  In addition to the substantial Automotive dollars flowing in, most all other major categories have increased year-to-year spending.

Automotive

It is the battle of incentives in March for auto dealers, and divide and conquer, they have.  The daily retail sales rate so far in March are up 16.8% from parallel dates in February. Edmunds.com writes, (Sales) are “at the highest levels since the Cash-for-Clunkers surge” in August 2009.

Spending levels surged for February and March.  In Domestic autos, Southern Ford is in strong for the quarter, covering Sports well. General Motors has covered it bases through March, but GM products have a ways to go before catching up to the competition.  Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler placed late for February & March, at levels that pale GM.

In Imports, the Toyota recalls barely nicked spending; Weight was shifted rather than reduced. Honda, Acura, and Toyota were first in, followed by Hyundai, then Nissan. All had base buys for the quarter, with additional incremental weight added for some. Second quarter negotiations indicate the spending trends will continue upward.