A Volkswagen auto dealer said Wednesday he’s counting on the refreshed Passat sedan that the company will unveil later this year to help breathe added life into sales.
“The new Passat, I’m sure it will be popular,” said Ricky Smith of Al Johnson Volkswagen in Dalton, Ga.
Sales of the Chattanooga-made Passat fell about 30 percent in March, even more than the 18 percent decline that Volkswagen of America posted in the month over a year ago.
U.S. car buyers overall hit the brakes in March. Sales nationally were up less than 1 percent. U.S. consumers bought 1.5 million new cars and trucks in March, according to Autodata Corp.
VW posted sharp success last month for the all-new Golf. Golf family sales totaled 4,643 units. This marks the best March for the Golf in 15 years, according to VW.
“We look forward to keeping this momentum going with the Golf-R and the introduction of the all-new Golf SportWagen,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer for Volkswagen of America.
Smith said the Dalton dealership had its best month “in good while.” He cited tax refunds as one factor, as well as the popularity of VW’s diesel-powered vehicles.
“There’s loyalty to VW being so close to the plant as well,” Smith said.
Some automakers reported sizable gains in March.
Hyundai’s U.S. sales jumped 12 percent over March 2014 after a big boost in incentives. Subaru’s sales were up 10 percent. Toyota’s sales were up 5 percent, and FCA — the parent of Chrysler and Fiat — said its sales rose 2 percent.
But those gains were nearly offset by lower sales at other major automakers. General Motors’ sales fell 2 percent and Ford and Nissan both saw 3 percent declines. Honda’s sales were down 5 percent.
For the most part, March didn’t see the kind of big increases the industry has gotten used to. U.S. auto sales were up 14 percent in January, for example, and 5 percent in February.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.