Home-building, auto sales remain strong

With 96 permits issued in May for single-family homes and duplexes – an increase of 14.3% over May 2012 – Dane County’s rebound continued, according to MTD Marketing Services of Menasha. It was the fifth straight month of year-over-year increases.

Year to date through May, Dane County permits (403) increased 31% over the same period last year (307).

Meanwhile, with 4,109 cars and trucks sold in May, new vehicle sales in south central Wisconsin increased 16.73% over May 2012 (3,520), according to Reg-Trak of Waterloo. Car sales showed a 14.54% increase, while sales of trucks increased 18.61%.

In Dane County, 2,162 new vehicles were sold, an increase of 19.71% May to May. Year to date through May, Dane County’s new vehicle sales are tracking 14.28% higher than in the same period in 2012.