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.