San Diego, March 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costco members purchased more than 650,000 vehicles through Costco Auto Program’s participating dealerships and during its Limited-Time Specials with vehicle manufacturers in 2018. Costco Auto Program, managed by Affinity Auto, announced an increase of more than 25 percent compared to 2017; significantly outpacing total industry sales, which increased 0.6 percent, according to Automotive News.1 The largest Limited-Time Special held last year was the Holiday Sales Event with General Motors; yielding equally strong results with a 22 percent increase above 2017 sales.
Surpassing two company records in 2018 – the total unit sales for the program overall and total unit sales during the three-month Holiday Sales Event – this continued growth is attributed to the great value and top-notch service provided to Costco members before, during and after the purchase process. The program’s mission is to deliver exceptional value and an outstanding experience by supplying the tools necessary to make an informed buying decision and providing confidence in the value they receive as a Costco member.
The SUV segment is the overall top-performing segment for both the everyday program and the Holiday Sales Event with GM. During the Holiday Sales Event, SUVs represented 47 percent of unit sales, followed by trucks at 37 percent. In contrast, SUV sales make up 58 percent of the everyday program and trucks make up only 8 percent. The truck share increased from 8 percent to 37 percent during the Holiday Sales Event, taking a portion of the sales away from SUVs.
Growth and expansion are in the plans for 2019 at Costco Auto Program including several promotions and member-only incentives. Expansion includes growing its team of more than 300 employees. This increased activity requires a bigger support team to ensure Costco members continue to receive exceptional value and an outstanding experience.
Beyond helping Costco members purchase new cars, Costco Auto Program also offers low, prearranged pricing on certified pre-owned vehicles (CPO). More than 82 percent of all purchases through the program are new vehicles followed by CPO vehicles at almost 16 percent. Additionally, Costco members receive a discount on the majority of parts, service, and accessories at participating automotive service centers.
Learn more by visiting CostcoAuto.com or call 1-855-722-6272.
About Costco Auto Program
Costco Auto Program is operated by Affinity Auto Program, which has operated the program since its inception in 1989. Costco Auto Program is recognized as a leading member-focused auto-buying program in the industry. This service offers prearranged pricing and a first-class buying experience on new and select pre-owned vehicles, RVs, motorcycles and powersports products, as well as discounts on automobile parts, service, and accessories for U.S. Costco members. In 2018, Costco members purchased more than 650,000 vehicles through the program. Costco Auto Program surveys members who use the program to ensure the service continues to meet their high expectations. More than 96 percent of members who responded to the survey gave the program high marks across three categories – value, service and overall experience.
About Costco Wholesale Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) currently operates 770 warehouses, including 535 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 100 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 28 in the United Kingdom, 26 in Japan, 15 in Korea, 13 in Taiwan, 10 in Australia, two in Spain, one in Iceland and one in France. Costco also operates electronic commerce websites in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea and Taiwan.
About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Cadillac, Chevrolet, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, Maven, its personal mobility brand, and Cruise, its autonomous vehicle ride-sharing company, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
- Phillips, David. “U.S. sales rise 2.2% in Dec.; SAAR hits 2018 high” AutomotiveNews.com. Jan. 3, 2019. https://www.autonews.com/sales/us-sales-rise-22-dec-saar-hits-2018-high.
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