The Right Brands
Roughly two-thirds of our new car sales are from luxury and mid-line import automobiles. Since 1980, these categories have significantly increased their share of the U.S. auto market. Since 1998, luxury and mid-line imports have taken more than six points of market share from mid-line domestics, and this trend is likely to continue. Luxury and mid-line import vehicles also demonstrate greater resilience to downturns in the economy, garner higher customer loyalty and present more attractive service and used car opportunities. The mid-line import brands are generally viewed as more fuel efficient, and thus perform well during times when gas prices are high. This also bodes well for Asbury given these brands are such a large portion of our mix.
