Compared to March of last year used SUV sales were down 14-percent. With gas prices approaching record highs, sales of new SUV'S took an even bigger hit across the country. Both Ford and GM are reporting a double digit drop in sales last month compared to a year ago. But with Ford offering big incentives and 0 percent financing on new SUV's, the general sales manager at a Clovis dealership says his sales did not take a major hit. He also says locally there's still a market for trade-ins. General Sales Manager Frank Mendiola said: "The values on trade-ins are consistent right now. You have folks that can't afford the brand new one, so we like to keep as many trade-ins as we can and recondition them and get them back on that front line."
For those who choose to take the bus instead, FAX says don't expect a whole lot of company. Tough economic times spell slower times for city transit. FAX Planning Manager John Downs said: "Most of our riders are wage earning people so when jobs are cut, they're usually the first to go." At this point, the experts say it's to tell if buyers will go back to their SUV'S once the initial shock at the pump has worn off, and the economy improves. Laurie Penco ABC 30 Action News.