“Cash for Clunkers” was a federal program to help consumers buy more fuel-efficient vehicles.  In addition to helping the environment, many government officials hoped that the program would also provide a boost for the ailing auto industry.

Auto sales were dismal in September, the month after the program ended.  New car sales decreased by 14.3 percent, causing many to question whether the program had achieved its goals.  Now October’s numbers show that may have happened.

More than 800,000 vehicles were sold during the month of October, leading automakers and industry analysts to think that the car industry may be on the mend.

“I’m taking a glass-half-full approach here,” Jessica Caldwell, head of U.S. industry analysis for Edmunds.com told the Edmunds Auto Observer. “We’re right about where we were a year ago, which is the first time in a long time we’ve been able to say that.”

It’s not good news for all automakers, though.  While GM and Ford both reported modest sales increases for the month of October, bankrupt Chrysler saw a sales drop of 30%.

Toyota, which saw no significant sales change in October, is reportedly optimistic about the future.  Vice President of Toyota Motor Sales USA, Bob Carter, is expecting a slow but significant recovery.

“Modest but positive changes in market conditions [indicate] a good upswing in the second half that bodes well for the future,” Carter said, but he added that “…we expect the recovery to be very gradual, extending into next year and beyond.”

The current economy has prompted many exotic car fans to think outside the box when it comes to finding ways to drive their favorite vehicles.  Instead of buying a new six-figure sports car, some are choosing to rent dream cars for a day or a weekend.

“Most people who own a Bentley or a ferrari don’t drive it much,” said Ron Sturgeon, owner of DFW Elite Auto Rental.com and a small business consultant. “If you love supercars and just want to find out what it’s like to drive a Ferrari F430 in Dallas or a Bentley GT in Fort Worth, TX – it makes sense to investigate rental or car sharing clubs.”

In addition to the high monthly payment that comes with buying an exotic car, it is difficult to find secure exotic car storage and affordable Azle health insurance in many areas of the country.  Owners also have to worry about maintenance and fuel economy.  Luckily, none of these issues are a concern with exotic car rental.

“Some people are hesitant to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a sports car right now,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car club.  “It’s good to see the auto industry recovering, but I think this shift toward exotic car clubs and exotic car rental may be a long-term shift.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer specializing in cars, crafts, genealogy, and parenting. Her recent projects include writing web pages for a Saginaw TX business insurance website.