Sales at Orange County auto dealers rose in October.
Sales were up nearly 11% from a year earlier to 8,726 autos, according to the Newport Beach-based Orange County Automobile Dealers Association.
The figure is based on registrations with the state, a barometer of sales.
Nearly all of auto brands saw higher sales in October. Still, last month’s auto sales were below the 14,659 autos that dealers sold in October of 2007, when the market was much stronger.
South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia, which have their U.S. bases in Orange County, continue to boost sales and market share in OC.
Hyundai was up 62% to 569 autos sold. Kia was up 72% to 231 autos.
Luxury car sales were mixed.
Mercedes-Benz was up nearly 8% to 657 autos for October. Lexus was down nearly 9% to 392 autos. BMW was down 1% to 443 autos.
Porsche was up 48% to 80 cars. Jaguar sales were flat at 24 autos.
Toyota continues its upward climb. The Japanese automaker was up nearly 8% to 1,700 autos sold in October.
Key rival Honda was also up. Honda boosted sales nearly 2% to 1,113 autos.
Among the domestic brands, Ford’s sales rose 24% to 741 autos. General Motors’ GMC brand was up 45% to 144 autos.
