A recent column on how well the car business was doing in Maryland prompted the economy gods to act as they often do and offer contrary evidence. After popping by 26 percent in March compared with sales in March 2010, April car sales declined slightly against year-earlier levels. It was the best March since 2007, with 27,667 new cars sold. It was the worst April in the last six years except for April 2009. Maryland dealers sold 25,793 new cars last month, down from 25,844 in April 2010.

So-so sales in Maryland contrast with what was going on nationally, where new-car sales rose 18 percent. Maryland used-car sales also dipped last month -- 57,373 vs. 61,229 for April 2010.