Murphy talks about auto industry

• Murphy

Ron Murphy from Cernohous Chevrolet talked about the store’s remodeling and the future of the auto industry Thursday to Prescott Kiwanis. -- Photo by Jason Schulte

Talk about it

PRESCOTT--It is no secret the automobile industry in the United States a few years ago was in terrible shape.

Just exactly how bad was it? Ron Murphy from Cernohous Chevrolet told Prescott Kiwanis Thursday, during the 1990’s through 2009, the average number of cars sold annually (all makes and models) in the United States was between 16 and 17.5 million.

In 2009, the figure was 10.4 million, which resulted in the reshuffling seen between the “Big 3” – Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.

Since then, the figures have risen from 12.7 million in 2011 and 14.4 million last year.

“That’s a lot, but it’s still not enough,” Murphy said. He added, from what he’s seen and heard, America is predicted not to reach 16 million until 2015 or 2016.

Another surprising number Murphy mentioned was in 2008, the average miles per gallon of a new vehicle sold was 20.9. Four years later, the figure rose to 23.8.

“A 10 percent increase is unheard of,” he continued. “It means truck and SUV sales have declined, and we are selling smaller cars that can do better.”

For more please read the Jan. 16 print version of the Herald.

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