I've had a few weeks to digest my latest trip to Cobo Hall for the Detroit Auto Show. As I reminisce, I can't help but remember the good moments and highlights. In short, the Honda CR-Z and Ford Focus really made my day. And that, in itself, means a whole heck of a lot.
Small cars. If only Chrysler, Ford and GM would have jumped on the bandwagon in the early 2000s, they could have potentially avoided the disaster that was late 2008 and 2009. Right away, I know that some will say that hindsight in 20/20 however the rising price of fuel was never an “IF”, it has always been a “WHEN”. Instead of waiting it out, they should have acted preemptively.
Sure, many will point out that the masses wouldn't have gone for a Ford Fiesta in 2003 or a Chevrolet Spark in 2004. Let's assume then, that sales dip slightly or that revenues suffer mildly because the population is still enamoured with SUVs and midsize sedans. By 2006, the price of a US gallon of fuel soared to $3.50 and 2 years later, it peaked at just over $4. If the “Detroit 3” had had more economical, efficient and, by default, compact cars, they most likely would not have lost such a large chunk of the market share. Sales would have improved without ever having had sink as low as they did.
I know this is a simple way of looking at what actually occurred recently, but I can't help but think that the situation would not have become as dire. I believe Bob Lutz mentioned on a few occasions that this is a product-driven business...
That was then. This is now. On top of the aforementioned CR-Z and Focus, I'm enthralled by the coming of the Fiat 500, numerous (?) Lancias and the sustained injection of new interesting small cars from all other manufacturers. Think Big is dead! Small is smart and in!
Small cars. If only Chrysler, Ford and GM would have jumped on the bandwagon in the early 2000s, they could have potentially avoided the disaster that was late 2008 and 2009. Right away, I know that some will say that hindsight in 20/20 however the rising price of fuel was never an “IF”, it has always been a “WHEN”. Instead of waiting it out, they should have acted preemptively.
Sure, many will point out that the masses wouldn't have gone for a Ford Fiesta in 2003 or a Chevrolet Spark in 2004. Let's assume then, that sales dip slightly or that revenues suffer mildly because the population is still enamoured with SUVs and midsize sedans. By 2006, the price of a US gallon of fuel soared to $3.50 and 2 years later, it peaked at just over $4. If the “Detroit 3” had had more economical, efficient and, by default, compact cars, they most likely would not have lost such a large chunk of the market share. Sales would have improved without ever having had sink as low as they did.
I know this is a simple way of looking at what actually occurred recently, but I can't help but think that the situation would not have become as dire. I believe Bob Lutz mentioned on a few occasions that this is a product-driven business...
That was then. This is now. On top of the aforementioned CR-Z and Focus, I'm enthralled by the coming of the Fiat 500, numerous (?) Lancias and the sustained injection of new interesting small cars from all other manufacturers. Think Big is dead! Small is smart and in!