Just recently Ford reported earnings of $100 million dollars; quite a dramatic and exciting swing for the original-car-company-of-America that has struggled with profits and products over recent years. Even so, Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) reported double digit sales decline in April, as Toyota’s sales increased 3%.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-05-01-april-auto-sales_N.htm
As gasoline prices are at unprecedented highs in the United States, consumers are turning away from SUV’s and crossovers BIG time. GM and Ford’s SUV and truck sales are off 25 – 25 %. Not surprisingly, hybrid and smaller cars with exceptional gas mileage are hot ticket sellers. Examples include the Yaris, Prius, and Focus.
The Chevy Malibu, which has been recognized earlier this year by many publications – specifically, Crowned 2008 North American Car of the Year and the ‘top 10 list’ of Car & Driver. Check out our His & Her Review at
http://www.women-drivers.com/herandhis.aspx. With the feature upgrades and transformation of the style, it is no surprise that sales are up over 40%.
Bottom line – anticipate this trend continuing. Smaller vehicles (read, one with extended gas mileage) will continue to rise and a greater variety of these cars will appear in the 2009 – 2010 line up from most manufacturers.
Get Your Deal,
Anne
