Industry Overview
Once upon a time, there were three big U.S. auto manufacturers: General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. General Motors and Ford were always numbers 1 and 2 in the world of auto manufacturing and sales. Foreign cars burst the new car bubble because they were economical to operate and environmentally friendly while U.S. auto makers resisted that trend.
The National Automobile Dealers Association has been watching many members lose their dealerships which are being closed by the auto makers. U.S. auto makers have also done away with several familiar brands. Ford holds solid due to its trucks and new ‘cross over’ vehicles. Chrysler is back in bankruptcy. With over $235 billion invested in their business, American automakers are regrouping.
Most cars are sold through franchised dealers. These dealers are independent of the manufacturer, including financing and local advertising. They rely on manufacturers for production of cars that can compete with the foreign products.
Foreign car makers have built state-of-the-art plants in the United States, employing thousands of people in the industry who were laid off from their jobs.
California relies on cars for transportation. With the most stringent emissions control laws, new cars and car dealerships in San Diego undergo much scrutiny. Atlanta car dealerships demonstrate the economic side of their new cars.
Industry Trends
Ecological and economical are the two words heard most in the auto industry today. Hybrids, electric cars, smaller vehicles, fuel efficiency, all of these are what new cars today must have or look forward to developing.
Consumers are smarter and want the best of all worlds, including price. Ford is in the mix and General Motors has awakened.
Brand Names
Among the competition with American cars are Hyundai which has become an industry leader along with its sister product, Kia.