Jackson, who runs the largest chain of auto dealerships in the United States, added that March was an “excellent month” at the retail level.
“I think March is going to break through 12 million units,” he said.
He noted that 12 million is still a “depression-level number” but said the rise from last year’s sales is a confirmation of the recovery. He also said incentives would enhance March's sales results.
When asked about the performance of individual auto companies, Jackson said Ford continues to be “red hot.” He attributed this, in part, to the good will momentum the company accrued by not going bankrupt.
As for Toyota , he said the recalls would not be a deathblow to the company but said the event closed the perception gap about the domestics and Japanese cars as far as quality.
“This decade-long shift from the domestics to the Japanese is probably ending right now.”