The sale of automobiles in Puerto Rico falls in October by 14% compared to 2016

The sale of vehicles in Puerto Rico fell by 14% in October, compared to the same month last year, to stand at 5,635 units and continue the trend this year will end as the worst in sales since there is data tracking.

San Juan, November 15 (EFE) .- The sale of vehicles in Puerto Rico fell by 14% in October, compared to the same month last year, to stand at 5,635 units and continue the trend this year will end up as the worst in sales since there is data tracking.

This was revealed today in a statement by the United Automobile Importers Group (GUIA), organization that represents the automotive industry in Puerto Rico, adding that the aforementioned figures mean a drop of 4.8% so far this year for about 63,388 units.

Ricardo M. García, president of the organization, stressed that "the local automotive industry continues to decrease, for the second month in a row," after the hurricanes Irma and Maria will impact the island.

"The reality is that the increase in fleet sales of 96.1%, impacted mainly by the increase of 125.5% of the so-called 'pick ups' segment full size, mitigated this pattern of contraction, particularly when we take into account that retail sales fell by 22.2 percent, "he added.

That's why" we estimate that the projection for this year could end between 75 to 77,000 units, making 2017 the worst year since we have recorded a record. "

He also stressed that" the industry has been putting all their efforts to recover with the greatest possible speed. complicated the commercial scenario, such as the incessant population contraction, limitations in the shipments to bring the inventory and the high costs of maintaining said inventory with the municipal property taxes, for example. ".

" Despite that, we have been emphatic in bringing the best deals and, together with our business partners, the most aggressive financing so that the Puerto Rican consumer can take advantage of them, "he said.

GUIA is a non-profit organization, created in 2006 to serve matters that directly concern the automotive industry, as well as issues related to the general economy of Puerto Rico.

GUIA members represent 23 brands and around 96 percent of total sales of new vehicles in Puerto Rico.