California New Car Sales Projected To Be Best In 10 Years

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — New car sales are on the rise in California, but what's sparking this increase?

On the surface this answer is simple—the rise in new car sales is a reflection of the improved economy, but it goes much deeper. It's also a case of an industry correcting itself and recovering from some of its darkest days.

New car sales had dropped off 50 percent in the state during the recession.

"In California things turned around..slowly in 2010 and 2011 and they've been consistently going up ever since," said Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association.

For the last 15 quarterly sales periods, or just under four years, there has been a jump. By the end of 2014, experts say more than 1.8 million new cars will be sold in a 12-month period. That would be the highest number in the state in a decade.

Experts say with vehicles swimming in new technology, a brand-new pool of car buyers is jumping in. Easier to get financing is another reason for the increase.

But will you, the consumer, be able to bargain with so many potential buyers lining up? That doesn't seem likely, because experts say the industry is competitive.

Lower gas prices could also be attracting new car buyers, especially if they are looking for a larger vehicle.

Hybrid car sales have dropped in 2014 from 6.8 percent last year to 6.2 percent.