About American Cars

Corvette ZR1

American car fans are expected to be wowed by new car models from various American car makers next year.

General Motors (GM), for instance, will be officially launching Chevrolet Corvette series at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2008. Tagged as the �American Supercar,� the Corvette ZR1 has been reported to have a supercharged engine that can produce at least 620 horsepower. Its two other buddies, the Corvette base model and the higher performance Corvette Z06, are powered by a 6.2-liter, 430 horsepower V8 and a 7.0-liter, 505 horsepower engine, respectively.

Chrysler, on the other hand, is not one to be left behind. The famous car company will be unveiling three concept vehicles, also at the Detroit Auto Show slated in January 2008. These are the ecoVoyager, the Jeep Renegade and the Dodge ZEO. The winning factors of the new concept vehicles are their electric motors, long passenger cabins and short hoods.

How is that for a start? I�m sure I�m not the only one thrilled by now.

This is the time where the automotive industry is continuously seeking ways to remain competitive. If before increasing car sales through innovations and marketing strategies is the only thing that many carmakers concentrate on, now they are into more serious business strategies to remain afloat. Take for example the case of Chrysler.

According to Leftlane News, Chrysler has recently announced plans to convert its retail locations into stand-alone service centers to consolidate its dealership. Chrysler look at the idea with optimism saying the move is intended to keep its service at the highest level.

I find it strange that Chrysler has to resort to this kind of tactic if only to consolidate its dealership. Could it just be some kind of a cost-cutting effort? I wonder how the dealerships will react. Will they buy the idea or not?

Image Source: http://www.hunter.com

Autoweek.com reports that March sales for cars have gone low by 12.0 percent to 1.36 million vehicles. Chrysler led the drop with a 19.4 percent plunge in sales, selling only 166,386 vehicles in March.

Several economic factors such as the rising prices of fuel, credit messes and low consumer confidence are seen as the culprit. Other American automaker decliners include General Motors and Ford at 18.7 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively.

The figures have spoken. Based on the data, there were more losers than winners. Is it a clear sign that the automotive industry has really been going down? Or is it just that a lot of people are using their money to more smart investments than the good old car?