JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Car dealers in northeast Florida and across the country say things are looking up.
"The growth has been amazing since the beginning of the year," said Anderson Premdas, of Keith Pierson Toyota. "It's as if the customers know or something. Our last Saturday here, best Saturday we've had in two to three years."
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Premdas showed off what he calls the innovative approach at his dealership in Orange Park.
Tough times the past five years have forced dealerships to find ways to connect with their customers. Many dealerships are now seeing their hard work and their patience pay off.
Sales so far in 2012 point to the best year since 2007.
Anderson said selling has changed in the last five years, and now it's all about the customer experience.
"All our customers do our ads. We think that helps," he said. "And the obvious increase in consumer confidence, that hasn't hurt either."
"Rebates are as big as ever," said David Hamm, of Jerry Hamm Chevrolet. "Zero percent up to six years on most of our vehicles, and particularly our high gas mileage vehicles."
Hamm echoes the sentiment that tough times meant changing the way business is done. He also agrees it's good to see more buyers than lookers.
"We have seen a renewed interest," he said. "The average age of cars on the road has really increased. People have been putting it off as long as they can, keeping their cars fixed. Thank goodness for our service department. But now it's time they have to buy, and they're out seeing enough positive signs, they're out looking again."
"So we're capitalizing on all things and trying to make it better for people," Anderson said. "The economy's helping, equaling more units."
The increase in gas prices, along with a sharp rise in sales, has some dealerships wondering if there would be a shortage if the sales pace continues the rest of the year.