Each year come autumn, automakers can shrug off mistakes of the previous model year, and look forward to the start of a fresh new model year.
Fall 2008 is particularly interesting, since the industry sustained a historically poor year for new-car sales. Consumers get to see how each automaker responds, how auto executives plan to rebound, or how others see it fit to stand pat.
For what the industry calls model year 2009 - which begins in 2008, of course - what might we expect in terms of new cars?
What we'll see in 2009 was actually designed the previous year and, often, years before that. Early indications are the industry, from America to Europe to Asia, plans to unveil a significant amount of new products.
Many are designed to address record-high gas prices, but some automakers still hope to sell new horsepower-heavy sports cars. Here's a look at what's new, or not, for 2009.
New Models Causing a Buzz
Following are changes that have attracted some industry buzz and media attention.
Hyundai is rolling out its Genesis sedan and coupe, gearing to compete directly with European luxury imports. With its 290-horsepower V6, or even a 375-hp V8, the South Korean automaker ventures into a market segment it's never explored.
Mercedes-Benz will deliver its BlueTec diesel engine to several sport utility vehicle models. By the first quarter of '09, the GLK, a new crossover SUV, is expected to arrive.
Toyota unveils its Venza, a brand new model. It's based on the Camry platform, and industry journalists struggle to determine whether it's a wagon, or crossover SUV. Buyers can choose from four-cylinder economy, or V6 power.
On the American front, Ford's Flex already is selling for those who need space but want a crossover instead of a minivan; and its unique styling and ceiling window have attracted attention. Old-timers might want to check out the new glass roof option for the Mustang.
New Cars and Models to Cause Head-Scratching
Some new products can trigger a "Say, what?" reaction.
Chevrolet is introducing a hybrid version of its big Silverado pickup, and it will be interesting how many buyers trust its power.
Chevy also blows off fuel efficiency with its new 638-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1.
Cadillac follows suit with its new 556-horsepower, V8 engine in the CTS-V.
Strangely, Kia introduces a V8 sport-ute, the Borrego. And Saab will push a 280-horsepower beast that is essentially a station wagon, the Turbo X SportCombi.
Much of what is new follows the Silverado trend, that is, known names coming out in hybrid versions. These include the Cadillac Escalade, Chrysler Aspen SUV, Dodge Durango, and GMC Sierra pickup. It's as if the industry wants to give SUVs one last chance, with gas-sipping engine options.
Perhaps most surprising are automakers that are changing little, despite the miserable 2008 model year. Those would include Buick, Mercury, Jeep, Lexus, Scion, Smart, Land Rover and Volvo. Hummer is just adding the new H3T pickup version to its H3; and Saturn simply added an upgraded hybrid option to the Vue.
Keith Jajko is a freelance writer focused on cars and tidbits to help sell your car or get cash for cars. See his work at http://www.cash4usedcars.com or http://blog.cash4usedcars.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Jajko
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Fundamental Differences in Automobile Marketing and Selling Compared Marketing of FMCGs
Some say that marketing and selling are the same for every Industry Sector, although that is not really the case. Now there are some similarities in brand building between selling a luxury automobile and marketing toothpaste, but the rest of the marketing is very much a different game all together.
The building of a brand requires images of a lifestyle or attitude that the potential buyer will relate with, that will be part of their belief system and who they are. So much so that they will proudly wear that label and prominently display it. Others who agree will use that brand to make a statement and as it becomes stronger and stronger the brand enjoys the synergy as others race to join in.
BMW, Hummer, Jeep, Lexus have all accomplished this in the auto sector, as Crest and Colgate have captured their consumers in the fast moving consumer goods sector. And who would want to be seen smiling while driving the ultimate driving machine down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills CA, with the rich and famous. The bright smile gives you social acceptance and happiness and the ultimate driving machine gives you class, style and status.
This is where the similarities hold true, but the rest of the equation is quite different. During the sales process buying a car is quite involved, lots of forms, a big purchase, lots of shopping around and things to consider; it's a big deal. With the selling of FMCGs or fast moving consumer goods, it is an impulse item, throw it in your cart; "throw and go," if you will.
You see the package and it resonates with the images you have imprinted on your brain and you buy, simple, fast and done deal; not a lot of extraneous thought or logical thinking there, it's a decision primarily made a sub-conscious level for the most part. Just as the marketing psychologists planned, there is a lot of science that goes into this. Think on it if you are going to by the BMW and Just Do it if you are going to buy the Nike T-Shirt.
"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio If you have innovative thoughts and unique
perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
The building of a brand requires images of a lifestyle or attitude that the potential buyer will relate with, that will be part of their belief system and who they are. So much so that they will proudly wear that label and prominently display it. Others who agree will use that brand to make a statement and as it becomes stronger and stronger the brand enjoys the synergy as others race to join in.
BMW, Hummer, Jeep, Lexus have all accomplished this in the auto sector, as Crest and Colgate have captured their consumers in the fast moving consumer goods sector. And who would want to be seen smiling while driving the ultimate driving machine down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills CA, with the rich and famous. The bright smile gives you social acceptance and happiness and the ultimate driving machine gives you class, style and status.
This is where the similarities hold true, but the rest of the equation is quite different. During the sales process buying a car is quite involved, lots of forms, a big purchase, lots of shopping around and things to consider; it's a big deal. With the selling of FMCGs or fast moving consumer goods, it is an impulse item, throw it in your cart; "throw and go," if you will.
You see the package and it resonates with the images you have imprinted on your brain and you buy, simple, fast and done deal; not a lot of extraneous thought or logical thinking there, it's a decision primarily made a sub-conscious level for the most part. Just as the marketing psychologists planned, there is a lot of science that goes into this. Think on it if you are going to by the BMW and Just Do it if you are going to buy the Nike T-Shirt.
"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio If you have innovative thoughts and unique
perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Mercedes, Ford, Lexus, Or Chevy - They All Require Car Maintenance
Getting out of debt and lowering your bills when you have a vehicle that is unreliable can be very frustrating. Regardless if you own a Mercedes, Ford, Lexus, or Chevy, proper maintenance of your car will ensure a longer life of your car. If you're in debt, perhaps a way to get out of debt is to drive a car that is reliable even if it isn't as luxurious as the car you currently own.
The other day while I was filling my gas tank, a man at the cash register was paying for coolant for his vehicle. He clearly was troubled by the $11.24 ticket item as he became flustered and asked his friend to loan him the money. I could relate to not wanting to use a credit card and never having enough cash to cover car care costs. As I exited the gas station, the same man and his friend were adding coolant to what appeared to be a newer model Mercedes-Benz. I don't claim to know how much car payments for such a vehicle might be, but whatever they are, I just can't ever imagine making those payments if it meant having to borrow any more money.
When I was in debt and trying to lower my bills, I would reach a point where I felt I had a little breathing space and inevitably my car would need a muffler, brakes, alternator or other servicing. These types of surprises were never welcomed. In fact, I remember a few occasions when I reached for my credit card to pay these bills. Fortunately, my mechanic at the time had mercy on me. I was able to arrange a payment plan with him, but still, it was money I hadn't planned on spending. I quickly learned that I had better start setting money aside every paycheck for car maintenance. I wasn't in a position to buy a new car anytime soon, and I couldn't continue on this path.
I ended up having to take on some part-time work to make ends meet. I was exhausted from my full-time job, but had these dreaded car problems that were costing me money. I met a lawyer through a colleague who needed to generate more business and asked if I could create a direct mail campaign for him. I was to write the letter, stuff the envelopes, mail them, etc. It was a short-term gig, which was just what I needed!
After a month of licking envelopes, I finished paying off the muffler and began setting aside $20 per paycheck for car maintenance. It was a slow process. I didn't think I was ever going to get ahead at this pace. Working part-time, even on a temporary basis, was sometimes necessary for me to make ends meet. If I didn't work the extra odd-jobs, I imagine it would have taken me another two or three years to get out of debt.
A few times a month I listen to Car Talk, a funny talk radio program. People call in with their not-so-funny car problems. The callers do their best to mimic the sounds their cars are making while the hosts, two brothers who are mechanics, analyze what could be going on. Based on the return calls, their advice seems to be working! You can go to their website to listen to their program, Car Talk, or find out what radio station in your city airs their program. On their website, you are able to submit your questions to their message boards, too! You'll probably see a few postings from me as well. They've created a great service for people like me who don't care to truly understand cars, but want to save on mechanic-diagnostic costs and plan for upcoming expenses.
I sold the old Ford Tempo, and have a different car now. I will probably try to hold onto it for another five years, but I wish it got better gas mileage. All I really need these days is something that gets me from point A to point B.
The author, Kimberly A. Griffiths, has been through the vicious cycle of debt herself, and provides a no-nonsense system to managing your money paycheck to paycheck. Visit the One Paycheck at a Time Web site for articles and tools to budget your household: http://www.OnePaycheckataTime.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Griffiths
The other day while I was filling my gas tank, a man at the cash register was paying for coolant for his vehicle. He clearly was troubled by the $11.24 ticket item as he became flustered and asked his friend to loan him the money. I could relate to not wanting to use a credit card and never having enough cash to cover car care costs. As I exited the gas station, the same man and his friend were adding coolant to what appeared to be a newer model Mercedes-Benz. I don't claim to know how much car payments for such a vehicle might be, but whatever they are, I just can't ever imagine making those payments if it meant having to borrow any more money.
When I was in debt and trying to lower my bills, I would reach a point where I felt I had a little breathing space and inevitably my car would need a muffler, brakes, alternator or other servicing. These types of surprises were never welcomed. In fact, I remember a few occasions when I reached for my credit card to pay these bills. Fortunately, my mechanic at the time had mercy on me. I was able to arrange a payment plan with him, but still, it was money I hadn't planned on spending. I quickly learned that I had better start setting money aside every paycheck for car maintenance. I wasn't in a position to buy a new car anytime soon, and I couldn't continue on this path.
I ended up having to take on some part-time work to make ends meet. I was exhausted from my full-time job, but had these dreaded car problems that were costing me money. I met a lawyer through a colleague who needed to generate more business and asked if I could create a direct mail campaign for him. I was to write the letter, stuff the envelopes, mail them, etc. It was a short-term gig, which was just what I needed!
After a month of licking envelopes, I finished paying off the muffler and began setting aside $20 per paycheck for car maintenance. It was a slow process. I didn't think I was ever going to get ahead at this pace. Working part-time, even on a temporary basis, was sometimes necessary for me to make ends meet. If I didn't work the extra odd-jobs, I imagine it would have taken me another two or three years to get out of debt.
A few times a month I listen to Car Talk, a funny talk radio program. People call in with their not-so-funny car problems. The callers do their best to mimic the sounds their cars are making while the hosts, two brothers who are mechanics, analyze what could be going on. Based on the return calls, their advice seems to be working! You can go to their website to listen to their program, Car Talk, or find out what radio station in your city airs their program. On their website, you are able to submit your questions to their message boards, too! You'll probably see a few postings from me as well. They've created a great service for people like me who don't care to truly understand cars, but want to save on mechanic-diagnostic costs and plan for upcoming expenses.
I sold the old Ford Tempo, and have a different car now. I will probably try to hold onto it for another five years, but I wish it got better gas mileage. All I really need these days is something that gets me from point A to point B.
The author, Kimberly A. Griffiths, has been through the vicious cycle of debt herself, and provides a no-nonsense system to managing your money paycheck to paycheck. Visit the One Paycheck at a Time Web site for articles and tools to budget your household: http://www.OnePaycheckataTime.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Griffiths
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