Colombia April Car Sales Rise 2.4% On Year To 24,941 Units

Colombia vehicle sales inched higher in April, rising 2.4% compared with a year ago, the latest economic indicator to suggest the country's strong growth rates are beginning to slow.

Data released Monday by the industry group Comite Automotor indicated 24,941 units were sold last month compared with 24,364 units sold in April 2.011.

Colombia's healthy economy, led by booming oil and coal sectors as well as a strong local currency, helped to push vehicles sales to record levels for each of the past two years, with 2.011 purchases totaling 324,570 units.

But it isn't certain yet that 2.012 will be another record-setting year. 

Through the first four months, sales are 3.7% higher from that period of 2.011.

Comite Automotor's statistics cover more than 90% of the vehicles sold in Colombia, including buses, private vehicles, taxis and trucks.