Auto dealers in the area are still reeling from sluggish sales last year. Many say they need to make a comeback this new year, and the Detroit Auto Show might help.  Ohio is actually second in the nation for the production of vehicles, with 16-billion dollars worth of goods made each year.  But when it comes to selling, the Valley has seen less success. That's why local dealers are banking on new goods.

"REALLY EXCITED ABOUT WHAT 2008 WILL BRING."

With low auto sales in 2007, local dealers have a lot to look forward to this new year.

"WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW MALIBU COMING OUT, PRETTY EXCITING NEWS IT WAS ONE OF THE FINALISTS FOR CAR OF THE YEAR. SO THAT'S GOT US REALLY EXCITED. IN FACT IT'S SUCH A HOT CAR, WE CAN'T KEEP THEM ON THE LOT."

And that's good news for dealers who took a hit last year...In the Mahoning Valley, auto sales of new and used cars fell by more than 10-thousand, with dealers in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties selling about 70-thousand last year, compared to more than 81-thousand in 2006.

"AND WITH PEOPLE NOT BUYING AS MANY CARS IN 2007, DEALERS ARE HOPING THE IDEA OF GOING GREEN WILL BRING MORE CONSUMERS OUT IN 08."

"WITH THE GROWING CONCERN OF BUDGET AND GAS, THE COST OF GAS, THE E-85 FLUX FUEL MANAGEMENT WITH OUR ENGINES IS A GROWING CONCERN AND BECOMING VERY POPULAR."

So popular, the Detroit Auto Show is featuring lots of ways to get cars to go green, that way consumers get cleaner and more efficient cars, and in turn, dealers see more business.

"WHAT'S NICE ABOUT THE AUTO SHOW IS THAT IT HAPPENS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, EVERYONE'S REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE PRODUCTS. IN ADDITION TO THAT, GM'S ALWAYS HEAVILY INCENTIVES AT THIS TIME, SO AFTER THEY GET REAL EXCITED ABOUT BUYING A CAR, THEY COME OUT AND DO IT."

And with that added excitement from the auto show, dealers hope to see more cars driving out of their lots in 08.  Now if you want to get a good deal on a new vehicle, car analysts say the next three months are key. They say the best time to buy is between February and April because that's when incentives from Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh's auto shows all kick in.