Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 28, 1995 TAG: 9501300003
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PETER S. WILLIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
So this year, folks prepared for the worst and bought new vehicles better equipped for bad weather. Local car dealers say the sales of four-wheel-drive vehicles increase in direct relation to the falling temperature.
"I was trapped in my driveway for three weeks without a four-wheel-drive," said Leslie Slaasted, a massage therapist who lives in Ellett Valley. The winter of 1993 was the driving influence behind her summertime purchase of a Chevrolet Blazer.
Slaasted, who treats many of her clients in their homes, considered the four-wheel-drive essential to her business and personal needs.
Sales representative Chris Spradling of University Motors in Blacksburg predicts rising sales for four-wheel-drive dealerships as this winter progresses.
Some buy the vehicles to deal with bad weather, he said, others for space or comfort.
Shelor Toyota-Chrysler in Christiansburg sold 97 Toyota trucks in August - more than the company had ever sold. Sales manager Terry Hagan attributes some of that to a harsh winter and much to a Toyota rebate. But this winter - with little ice and snow - sales slowed down, Hagan said.
"I know there are people right now who were wanting to buy this year, but they waited and we had good weather. If we have bad weather, that'll bring 'em out."
Bill Harris, truck sales manager at Dick Price Ford in Radford, said he always has a harder time keeping used four-wheel-drives on the lot than new ones, but those sales have picked up, too. "People don't look for 'em as much in the summertime, but when the trees begin to turn and it gets cold, there's more interest," he said.
The Virginia Automobile Association keeps track of overall automobile sales, but lumps all sedans and four-wheel-drives in the same category. Statewide, sales went up to 357,892 new vehicles in 1993 - from 291,278 the preceeding year. Full statistics are not yet available for 1994, but so far figures show higher sales than in 1993, a spokeswoman said.
Ed Gallimore of Today's Auto Sales in Shawsville understands area residents' concerns with harsh weather. His dealership specializes in four-wheel-drives and sales are on the rise.
"When the first cold spell came, business increased. It's just like buying heating oil," he said.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles may be the solution for snow, but they provide little benefit in icy conditions, according to Blacksburg Street Superintendent Bruce Simpson. Simpson believes this winter may not ravage the area as previous winters have, but he and his crews are ready to handle any conditions that may arise.
"We're ready, but I hope it doesn't come," he said.
by CNB