We Just Saved You $299
Some say you get what you pay for. Others say, the best things in life are free. Usually, it depends. This time, it’s a case of the latter. TTAC has always been free, and (AFAIK) it always will be. How much did you save by reading TTAC? A respective research organization gives it to you in writing: $299, at least. According to Business Wire, “Plunkett Research, Ltd. has released its newest market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Automobile Industry Almanac, 2011 edition, which identifies and analyzes major trends shaping the automobile and truck industry.” For that, you need to plunkett down $299. Now let’s see what major trends Plunkett predicts. Hold on to your hats (and your money.)
- “The U.S. car and light truck market should total 11 to 11.5 million units in 2010, showing a bit of growth over 2009 without the need of last year’s cash for clunkers boost.” Whoa. That takes a precision crystal ball. We’ve recommended in June to get used to “11m and change.” For monthly free updates, follow (FWIW) J.D. Power. Currently, they think it will be 11.5m units.
- “China will be the big story in the automobile industry for the next 10 years. For one thing, by 2020 the market is likely to at least double from 2010’s 14 million units.” It was 13.6m in 2009, Mr. Plunkett. It will be 17m in 2010. 40m in 2020.
- “Also, China is gearing up to be a major exporter of cars, including advanced electric models.” They have been gearing up for ages. No exports of note so far. They are busy with their own market.
- “Global competition heats up among U.S., German, Japanese and Korean car makers.” Now that is a revelation. You knew that just from following our monthly sales updates.
- “Fuel efficiency becomes a key selling element. “ No kidding. It does? TTAC is way ahead of you, Mr. Plunkett.
- “Hybrid cars gain market share.“ It’s the first time you’ve heard that revelation, right?
- “Electric cars and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) will quickly gain popularity.” Now Plunkett is going out on a limb. Everybody and her brother have been predicting this. We keep skeptical. Wait until Ed is back.
- “China becomes the world’s largest auto market and sales rise in India. “ OMG! China? Really? And India? Whaddayaknow.
- “Rethinking SUVs – Small sedans and crossovers gain market share.” No kidding, they will? We thought they have been made illegal.
Keep reading TTAC, and you can write the Automobile Industry Almanac, 2012 edition, in just a few months.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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- ToolGuy First picture: I realize that opinions vary on the height of modern trucks, but that entry door on the building is 80 inches tall and hits just below the headlights. Does anyone really believe this is reasonable?Second picture: I do not believe that is a good parking spot to be able to access the bed storage. More specifically, how do you plan to unload topsoil with the truck parked like that? Maybe you kids are taller than me.
- ToolGuy The other day I attempted to check the engine oil in one of my old embarrassing vehicles and I guess the red shop towel I used wasn't genuine Snap-on (lots of counterfeits floating around) plus my driveway isn't completely level and long story short, the engine seized 3 minutes later.No more used cars for me, and nothing but dealer service from here on in (the journalists were right).
- Doughboy Wow, Merc knocks it out of the park with their naming convention… again. /s
- Doughboy I’ve seen car bras before, but never car beards. ZZ Top would be proud.
- Bkojote Allright, actual person who knows trucks here, the article gets it a bit wrong.First off, the Maverick is not at all comparable to a Tacoma just because they're both Hybrids. Or lemme be blunt, the butch-est non-hybrid Maverick Tremor is suitable for 2/10 difficulty trails, a Trailhunter is for about 5/10 or maybe 6/10, just about the upper end of any stock vehicle you're buying from the factory. Aside from a Sasquatch Bronco or Rubicon Jeep Wrangler you're looking at something you're towing back if you want more capability (or perhaps something you /wish/ you were towing back.)Now, where the real world difference should play out is on the trail, where a lot of low speed crawling usually saps efficiency, especially when loaded to the gills. Real world MPG from a 4Runner is about 12-13mpg, So if this loaded-with-overlander-catalog Trailhunter is still pulling in the 20's - or even 18-19, that's a massive improvement.
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$299 A few trips up and down the NJ turnpike, apparently.
As I've done with a few other "free" websites that I feel in some way indebted to, I click on the adverts. Often! Because, TINSTAAFL. Thanx TTAC.