Posted by
Michael Gaijer on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 2:20:43 PM
I once daily, recieve e-mails from several leading news sources, CNN, Rueters, ABCNews, BBC and of course Townhall.com, to name a few. I try to read, as many of the articles which I deem important, that I can in the amount of time available. Well, with work being slow for most, me included, I have a little more time today.
I came across this report on the ABCNews site, posted by Tom Krisher/Bree Fowler of the Associated Press and titled `Big Auto in Big Trouble: Ford, GM Sales Drop on High Gas Prices.
It starts off fair enough and reports the general knowledge that all across the board, automobile sales are down and not just for Detroits top three. Toyota's sales dropped 21 percent for June, because of truck sales, GM fell 18 percent and the over all market fell 18.3 percent, according to Autodata Corp and Jesse Toprak of Edmunds.com. According to this, the auto industry only sell gas guzzeling big trucks in large quanities and not enough small fuel efficient cars to meet the demand of consumers. It could not be the fact, that in general auto sales of all types are in the slumps, based on less spending as well higher gas prices.
Oh my, the sky is falling, why don't I pannick and drill for more oil in my backyard right now. Where is that cordless drill of mine, and I'll get started right away. Whrrrrrriiiillllllll
Well in all fairnes, the writers of this horror story do make a two line statement that and I quote, `Automakers simply did not react quickly enough to the staggering rise of gas prices. The shrinking market continued its shift towards more fuel-efficient models.' Basically saying that the industry was caught with its pants down. Including the all powerful Toyota Motor Corp. which I quote again, `which didn't have enough of it's fuel-efficient Prius, Corrolla or Yaris cars at the dealerships to keep up with demand'! They then listed a row of excuses for why. Is that foreign promotion or what?
In a mention about Ford, they said `Ford has been trying to raise output of the lone factory, near Detroit, that makes the Focus compact, but could not meet demand this month'! They went on to say both GM and Ford planned to announce new `subcompacts' but it would be two or more years down the road.
The only good report was for Honda Motor Co., who's entire line of miniature full size autos, have alway been toward the fuel-efficient side of the internal combustion engine. I say `miniature' out of no disrespect for Honda, It is just compared to an American built Five Hundred or Malibu or even the Dodge Sebrling, they are much smaller and less roomy in stature.
I stand 6' 1" and I literally`DROP' down, into a Honda or Toyota, as I do most foreign cars. Then I struggle to climb back out, and just forget about me riding in the back seat. I crawl in and crawl out, it is histerical. I mean it.
Well in the story Honda sales fell also, but by only one percent. Why so little, they really did not have a US truck market share. The Pilot and Ridgeline models are poor copies of other American SUV and Pickup Truck lines doing well in sales here. And in the end I think it does not reflect a true report of its impact on overall sales of vehicles, since they have as I said, always steered towards the fuel-efficient.
Now, the further you read the more you get that, these two are comparring the sales of our large Pickup trucks and their ever as large SUV buddies, meant to elevate the econamically advantaged, but intellegence lacking miscreants as being above the rest of us. So the article gets to the end of its reporting, it begins attacks upon Ford and GM, as well debasing Chrysler LLC. In order when they are compared to Nissan and Toyota.
Nissan sales off 18%, while Ford, `which still relies on truck and sport utility vehicles, plunged 28%. And Chrysler fell 36%.'
The vehicles used by this team was the F150 truck line and the Explorer SUV, Fords past best selling vehicles. Well I think those two where at one time past, the top sellers, but I find More people looking at Ford trucks still, look at the Rangers and of the SUV's they really like the Escape.
I bought a Ford Escape V6 XLT in Feb 2008. Not the Hybrid, because I do very little down in town traffic driveing. I mostly do interstate driving with about 25% intown driving. Which is more like getting on and off near to where I need to be at. Wether it is home or work or shopping.
In the Escape, I get 23 MPG in town and 27 Highway, with an average of 25 mpg. I seat 5 very nicely and have cargo space for extras like groceries or picnic items and beach chairs. I also own a Ford Ranger XLT 2001 4 Cyl. Full size, which still gets 24+ mpg on the open highway and 20 mpg in town. We recently sold a 2001 Focus that got 29-30 mpg highway, wife wanted my pickup ??? Any way, I buy for work as well for comfort. If I purchased a vehicle solely for pleasure based on gas prices. I would by a motorcycle. Harley all the way to the bank. No fake or immitate for me.
So is it the gas crisis or the financial instablity of America at this time, that has auto sales down. Add this to the fact Ford Motor Co. still carries its very antiquated, 3 year & 36 thousand mile warranty, could very well be why its sales are way down, I have told them, well the salesman this before, get real with your warranty and come on into the 21st Century, I can get better vehicle care coverage and for less cost. I don't because I just like Fords right now.
The American three auto makers still build great cars and trucks, that get better mileage than before. But must re earn the publics trust and worthiness. Better warranties, better mileage and most of all better prices. How?
Better US laws on foreign part imports, better wages for workers, better jobs and in better fields. Aide to upgrade the work pools from labourer to skilled trades and entry office staff. No more oh you pay to play in our game. These could make a big difference in our society and make better vehicles in the long run. Think out side the tomb.
And if what they report is really true for Ford Stock, I am buying it today. At $4.41 a Share, I'll make a good profit at a later date. So go buy now.