Ken Hunt

Auto registrations upshifted in June in Hamilton County over the prior month, but the first half of 2009 was the worst since recordkeeping began in 1972, figures show.

The number of new cars and trucks titled in the county in June rose 15.7 percent over May, according to the Clerk's Office.

However, for the first six months registrations are down 52.3 percent from last year. Last month compared to June 2008, registrations are off 56.7 percent. Registrations closely correlate to vehicle sales.

Ken Hunt, owner of Hunt Nissan, said business is picking up.

"I see new car sales rebounding very well," said Mr. Hunt, adding the so-called "cash for clunkers" program is expected to help further.

Mr. Hunt said there may be a shortage of some Nissans, particularly larger ones.

Nissan figured out its supplies of vehicles and has been tentative in building additional numbers of certain models, he said.

Used vehicle registrations also were up in June in the county over May, jumping 13.2 percent.

Winston Bland, of Pontotoc, Miss., said he recently bought a used Chevrolet.

"The economy wasn't a factor," he said outside the Tennessee Aquarium on Wednesday.

Ruth Lytle, a Hickory, N.C., resident making a tourist stop here, said she isn't considering buying a new vehicle, though the "cash for clunkers" program might make a difference. Still, she said, depreciation is steep on a new car.