June 2010

Some interesting sales trends as we reach the halfway point of 2010

(June 2010) As we near the halfway point of 2010, some interesting facts can be derived from automotive sales statistics.

We have delved into the stats and emerged with some surprising losers and some equally surprising winners. And of course there are a large number of nameplates whose sales — up or down — are no surprise.

Our biggest single disappointment — because we really like the car and apparently a lot of other automotive reviewers do as well — is with the new-for-2010 Suzuki Kizashi.

It's time to step back from electric cars

By Michael Hanlon
London Daily Mail   

(June 2010) Electric cars are the future we are told. Don’t believe a word of it. Here’s why. Firstly, I have driven several electric cars and they have all, every single one of them, been rubbish. Slow, heavy, expensive, complex, impractical and ponderous they simply do not do what cars do, which is to transport you and your chattels with the minimum of fuss wherever and whenever you want to go.

Transition presents opportunity

(June 2010) Unlike its fleet-footed symbol which disappeared years ago Mercury’s time has come to join the likes of 10,000 other auto brands that have come and gone. And emotional attachment aside it seems the smart thing to do.

The handwriting has certainly been on the wall with ever declining volumes and the shortage of vehicle models that make a brand a brand; Mercury was anything but a complete car company.

Car incentives falling as inventory dwindles

(June 2010)  Edmunds.com estimated today that the average automotive manufacturer incentive in the U.S. was $2,603 per vehicle sold in May 2010, down $28, or 1.1 percent, from April 2010, and down $340, or 11.6 percent, from May 2009.

"Inventory levels are relatively low, so many automakers have cut back on incentives," stated Jessica Caldwell, Director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com.

One year after bankruptcy, GM's unexpected success story

(June 2010) The bankruptcy of General Motors may turn out to be one of the best things that ever happened to the company, according to Edmunds.com.

"With the company much leaner and more focused it is making a profit even in today's tough market," stated Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. "This bodes well for GM's profit potential for when the market fully rebounds."

Ford's future looks a lot like Toyota's past

By Phil LeBeau
CNBC

(June 2010) Remember when Ford CEO Alan Mulally took the top job at America's number two automaker in 2006?

Remember how he talked about his admiration of Toyota and how he planned to replicate that success at Ford?