Costco Auto Program Exceeds 650,000 Vehicles Sold in 2018
March 27 2019 - 8:00AM
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.
- hse_graph_FINAL
- 2013AutoProgramOutline
Honey Mae Kenworthy
Costco Auto Program
858-777-6538
hkenworthy@costcoauto.com
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024