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April 9, 2008

A "Seismic Shift in Consumer Preferences" for the Auto Industry

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Total vehicles sales have dropped 12% in the U.S. since March 2007. Why? What does this mean for the future of the auto industry?

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Double-digit declines have occurred for four major carmakers (Ford, GM, Toyota, and Chrysler) in the last year. The Wall Street Journal attributes this to three reasons: (1) high gasoline prices, (2) a weak job market and (3) a "credit crunch" that now requires consumers to have higher credit scores and larger down payments.

The sales slump has hit almost all major models, except for fuel-efficient compact vehicles. "This is a very challenging external environment, reflecting a seismic shift in consumer preferences," said Ford's Mr. Farley.

Such a shift will necessarily aid the growth of alternative vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) that offer far more fuel savings over the lifetime of a conventional car. Companies that currently offer such cars are in the minority now, but I predict that major automakers will begin to take their lead and develop similar vehicles in order to increase their sales.

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Comments

Its not rocket science folks : ) Enjoy the ride.

» J at April 10, 2008 3:42 PM

And how would this impact TATA acquiring Jaguar and LandRover. Was the timing correct? Why would have Ford sold it in the first place?

» Gaurav at April 11, 2008 11:31 AM

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