Good December Wraps Up Bad 2009 for Car Sales

As 2009 fades into the rear-view mirror, local auto dealers are hopeful for what’s to come in 2010.

U.P. dealers are looking to the new year as a new beginning for their industry.

Garry Tollefson of Marquette’s Public Service Garage says they felt the squeeze of the nationwide economic trouble.

He felt September and October were especially rough.

But he and people at other area dealerships are staying optimistic.

Tollefson says Public Service Garage had a substantial increase in demand last month, compared to December 2008.

They sold 20 vehicles last month, which was a more than 50% increase from a year earlier.

Although 2010 is of course still in its earliest stages, dealers say the forecast for the remainder of the year is looking up.