Over the span of three years we saw the market literally increase five times. We expect to see continued growth over the next two or three years and hybrids to hit 2% of the entire market, which is very significant. |
Overall, people are generally getting better deals than in the past. I would say, for the most part, it is (a better deal) because it makes the negotiation process a lot simpler. |
People are definitely moving higher in terms of horsepower and capacity in trucks. |
Some large SUVs in particular you saw a sticker price of $40,000 or $50,000, but the actual transaction price was more in the neighborhood of $30,000. |
The domestic [carmakers] in particular are working hard to get consumers away from incentives as much as possible. |
The domestics are really making a big push. This is something we've really anticipated. They've really needed to clear out their inventory. |
The gains by foreign manufacturers are at the cost of the domestic manufacturers. |
The level of incentives in the [auto] industry is not sustainable. [While Detroit has resorted to short-term fixes, like raising prices to cover the incentives, $4,000] is the point of no return. You can't keep offering incentives. People will always ask, 'What's next?' |
This is a reflection of all three domestic manufacturers lowering incentives across the board. It's a good and positive first step, but that's what it is - a first step in the right direction. |
This really shows a commitment to stay at this plant. They will continue to build this vehicle despite the fact that it has had sales decreases. It shows they are willing to make an investment in this vehicle, particularly the fact that they will be putting a hybrid in this vehicle. |
With the Japanese carmakers having so much momentum, it may be hard for GM and Ford to regain their growth. |
You may be saving $30 to $40 a month (the cost of one tank of gas for a typical driver. But is it worth a $4,000 or $5,000 premium? |
You're seeing more consumer interest in alternative fuels like natural gas and diesel. In Europe it's already gained a lot of traction. And a lot of automakers are jumping on the hybrid bandwagon. |