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The State of the Automotive Nation
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| Learning about emerging vehicle trends could help you get a better deal |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:23:37 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -4 -25% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
Consumers rule. When it comes to the state of the automotive nation, that's what it comes down to -- thanks to the raging incentive war between domestic automakers and a glut of models -- 2004s and 2003s -- on dealer lots. Say you're shopping for a sedan - nothing fancy, just a practical car with a little flair and power. Here are the new or recently redesigned cars that fit your shopping list:
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
2004 Ford Futura
2003 Honda Accord
2003 Nissan Altima (redesign in 2002)
2003 Toyota Corolla (redesign in 2002)
2003 Mazda 6
2004 Mercury Montego (fall debut)
2003 MINI Cooper
2004 Mitsubishi Galant
This doesn't include the Kia Optima, which was "freshened" --- some changes made - for the 2003 model year, or the Ford Focus, which was a "carryover" - no changes made - for 2003.
As a result, there are vehicles everywhere. New and redesigned sedans and SUVs. New coupes and "youth market" cars. There are even cars out there that people don't know what to call -- like the latest "crossover" and "sports tourer" craze. And what exactly is the Scion xB?
That's just the new cars. For every car sold, another car has to be placed on the used car market - creating a large and growing inventory of late-model used vehicles, perfect for certification and sale at your local dealer lot. For shoppers who don't care what kind of vehicle they buy, it creates lovely choices packaged with great financing and money-back offers. Here's a look at some emerging trends that will help you when the time comes to make a decision:
Notable Vehicle Introductions
2003 Acura TSX
2004 Audi A8
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
2004 Chevrolet Colorado
2005 Chevrolet Equinox SUV
2004 Ford F-150
2004 Ford Freestar
2005 Ford Mustang
2003 Infiniti FX45
2004 Lexus RX330
2003 Nissan 350Z convertible
2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada
2004 Nissan Quest and Titan Truck
2004 Nissan Maxima
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL600
2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class station wagon
2004 Mercury Montego sedan
2004 Mercury Monterey Minivan
2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
2004 Mitsubishi Galant
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2004 Pontiac GTO
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
Scion
2004 Toyota Prius
2004 Toyota Sienna
Imports Go Big; Domestics Go Small
The recent introductions of the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Pathfinder Armada, Murano, the full-size Titan truck, the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne indicate that import automakers are serious about gaining market share in the lucrative utility vehicle segments. Domestic automakers, meanwhile, enter 2003 with renewed focus on taking "car" market share from the imports, with redesigns such as the Chevrolet Malibu and the upcoming Ford Futura. Ford is primed to launch many new products in the next five years, including four all-new cars in 2004 - Ford's self-described "Year of the Car."
Hybrid Commitment Increases
The push toward hybrid technology vehicles is on, and the favored strategy is to build a hybrid option into existing vehicle trims. General Motors announced plans to introduce hybrid systems into several mainstream models. Ford plans to release the Escape Hybrid later this year (or next) and has introduced the Focus PZEV (partial zero emissions). Toyota has rebuilt the 2004 Prius into a mid-sized sedan and will later introduce the new Lexus RX330 with a hybrid option. Honda, of course, is already enjoying success with the Civic Hybrid.
Summer tip: look for deals on the 2003 Toyota Prius, as the automaker gets ready to launch the re-made 2004 version.
Crossover Vehicles and Smaller SUVs
Dubbed a "Sports Tourer" by Chrysler, the new Pacifica shows how automakers are trying to expand the utility segment by de-evolving the SUV into smaller, more "wagon-esqe" utility vehicles. These vehicles offer better performance, ample cargo room and a more stylish exterior.
Summer tip: Slow sales and many SUVs on the market means there should be some significant incentives.
Luxury Segment Grows
Consumers no longer have to wait to buy a luxury vehicle, because automakers are expanding the luxury segment by developing "entry lux" vehicles, as well as "ultra lux" vehicles. Entry lux examples include the Infiniti G35 sedan and coupe, Acura TSX, upcoming Mercury Montego and redesigned Nissan Maxima. Ultra-lux offerings include the Mercedes-Benz Maybach line, the new Rolls-Royce Phantom and Cadillac's concept Sixteen.
Youth Market Gets Hip
Toyota's Scion line is the most prevalent example of how automakers are gearing up to sell vehicles to "Generation Y," which currently represents 28% of the U.S. population and is gaining 400,000 licensed drivers each year. Honda has entered the fray with the popular Element, Subaru has the Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi recently debuted the Lancer Evolution.
Truck Wars
The full-size truck market will get very competitive throughout 2003 and 2004, with a new Ford F-150 battling with the re-designed Chevrolet Silverado and fresh Dodge Ram, among others. Long the domain of GM, Dodge, and Ford, the category will have new and strong competitors beginning this year, with the introduction of the Nissan Titan and the Toyota "Big Rig" Tundra.
Summer tip: Look for good deals on 2003 Ford F-150s and all regular cab pickups.
Certified Used Vehicles
According to a recent Autobytel survey, more than 30% claim that they would only buy a used vehicle if it was certified. If shopping for a $25,000 vehicle, 50% would shop for a nicer used vehicle with more options and a few miles - instead of buying new. The survey results indicate a shift in mood about certified used vehicles - usually late-model vehicles under 5 years-old and with under 40,000 miles. It is becoming an additional choice, between new and used - call it the almost-new car market. |
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