Michael Eckenrode and his eight-member family are buying a new SUV.

Despite an 11% lag in car sales nationwide, people in Bryan/ College Station are still buying, and like the Eckenrodes, they're buying big.

"We need something bigger. We're just gonna have to pay for the gas, but we just need more space," said Eckenrode.

Nationally, truck sales have slipped 20% from last year.

"Our truck sales were about 82% of what they were last year, which considering, is very good," said
Jerry Nance of Varsity Ford.

However, that number doesn't mean Varsity Ford can keep trucks stocked.

"We've actually had to go to other dealers to bring in inventory and supplement what we have," said Nance.

Managers say they've brought in an extra 52 trucks from places like Austin and Houston.

Across town, at Allen Honda employees say their business is doing alright. Even nationally, many Honda models are selling better than they did last year.

"This year we've already equalled all of last year," said Jeff Mac Donald. Mac Donald says the dealer has equalled last year in both number of vehicles sold, and profit.

Allen Honda is also doing more repairs, as people hold onto the vehicles they've already got.

"Its not up a great deal, but it is up about 15%," said service manager Kyle Parker.

Managers expect the growth to continue next year, which will likely mean another three to four employees in Allen's service department, by next summer.

While not all vehicle sales are up, it may just mean dealers are willing to bargain.

"We were shopping for a larger vehicle last year and actually we got a better deal this year," said Eckenrode.

A silver lining to the sometimes economically cloudy days.