Auto industry feeling economic crunch

The auto industry may be feeling the ongoing economic crisis the worst. Manufacturers from Ford to Toyota are seeing sales decline as banks tighten up on credit. It is becoming much harder to make that sale, since some customers being denied loans.

Gary Paolantonio has been selling cars for 45 years. He said first it was gas prices, now it is the credit crunch delivering a one-two punch to the buying market.

“It is getting harder for people, so to speak, who are on the fringe with their credit bought. They may need to get a little extra down payment or maybe a co-signer. It’s just a little tougher,” said Paolantonio.

For months, Paolantonio has seen a reduction in buyer traffic on the lot. This is also a nationwide trend. According to sales tracker Autodata, September saw the worst decline in sales since 1993. One reason, bank loans are harder to come by.

Stevenson Honda General Manager, Pat Koballa, said they are working less with major banks and more with independent lenders, who offer more incentives like low financing rates and rebates.

“We do work with some independent lenders in the community as well, so sometimes its better to take advantage of the cash incentive and use an independent lender versus going with one of the manufacturers,” said Koballa.

Koballa mentioned that there are still plenty of buying opportunities for vehicles. It is now up to the market to turn around for the better.

“Oce we can stabilize things with our economy and get some consistency with gas prices and get this economic bill behind us, I feel like consumer confidence will increase,” added Kobalah.

Paolantonio said, “It will turn around, even though slowly, it will.”

Koballa said independent lenders have more leeway when it comes to offering credit to buyers. He just hopes the market will bounce back before it gets any worse.