Automakers Blame Low Spec for Slumping Sales
I'm beginning to lose track of manufacturers' excuses for slumping car sales: Japanese currency manipulation, the "perception gap," diminished fleet sales, poor housing market, the credit crisis, gas prices, etc. Here's the latest, courtesy of USA Today. "June sales were constrained because few automakers had enough cars that shoppers really want: well-appointed but with gas-sipping engines. 'I'm sure we're missing some business because we don't have exactly the configuration the consumer is looking for and adequate stock to satisfy' the demand, says Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales." While the explanation makes some sense for ToMoCo, who couldn't build the Prius fast enough for demand, are we seriously meant to believe that Ford would have sold lots more Fusions if the base model had more features? Yup. "'A lot of it had to do with price points,' says Eric Peterson, communications manager for Ford Motor's crossovers. Buyers who spent more wanted more power. 'Now, there's more of a shift in consumer mind-set that we're reacting to… Consumers are saying, 'I want fuel efficiency, and I want all these options as well.'" So where's the statistical evidence for this theory? You know; some data showing that highly-optioned four-cylinder models are gaining popularity? *crickets chirping* Facts. Who needs 'em?
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Went on a road trip today and was just amazed at the sheer number of Saturn Astras we saw. Looks as though people in these parts (Nova Scotia, Canada) are stepping up to these cars rather than suffer through another Cobalt/Cavalier/Sunfire/G5 doinkmobile. Counted seven on our relatively lightly travelled roads. They're pretty distinctive and easy to spot. A worker from the business next door to mine got an Astra about a month ago, and I must say that it's a step up inside from the usual GM 4 cylinder rubbish. She's delighted with it. Canadian price is only a bit more than the US one, rather than the usual 25 to 40 percent premium, so that helps. On the other hand, a co-worker of hers just bought a new Sebring. Chrysler sales were up 0.2% in Canada this past June, while GM and Ford tanked. Based on that fact, I'd have to say my fellow citizens are more in love with beer cooler plastics than is credible or wise. Nevertheless, exterior panel fit on the Sebring is excellent, and puts my new Subie to shame (US built Legacy), as does the apparent paint quality. The other small car I'm beginning to see a fair number of is the new Focus, the absolute personification of the word "nonentity", except as viewed from the front. They all seem to be trying to hide, as if desperately shy like a twelve year old experimenting with Mom's lipstick and then being forced to appear in public. That grill has to go.