That is a ridiculous statement. :P You can't be serious at all. :P The Lexus costs $30 or 40 thousand more than a Navigator. Your going to have to drive that puppy until your dead to make up that much gas. :P
You and Loren, better get prepared for nursing homes if your that boring. :P The Manuel Transmission, is fun to operate even though I'm far from a professional. The paddle shifters can't mimic the shake and shimmies of a stick that is getting ready to stall, or the jerk reaction of letting off the clutch to fast. Ya'll are boring. :P
The new 2007 model-year Chevrolet Tahoe made its first public appearance this past October 2005 to a wide-eyed automotive press anxious to see what the future holds for the GM full-size platform. The announced release date for the 116 inch wheelbase Chevy Tahoe and Yukon shown here is scheduled for February 15, 2006. GM will share this styling with all full-size 130 inch wheelbase models, which include the Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, GMC Yukon, Denali, Sierra and the Cadillac Escalade - phasing them in throughout the 2006 calendar year. The longer wheelbase GMT-900 SUV's are scheduled for an April 2006 release. In addition, this should represent the future 2007 model-year 2500HD/3500 pickup truck styling, which could be available as early as fall 2006. The totally redesigned styling in combination with the new 360 horsepower LBZ Duramax Diesel engine will produce a remarkable combination.
Considerable development effort was devoted to the chassis on these new shorter wheelbase full-size SUV's. The 1500 series frame is now fully boxed, which stiffens the structure, and allows for a new coil-over front suspension - replacing the long-used torsion bar arrangement. Rack and pinion steering is now standard, while the rear suspension retains an updated 5-link solid axle. Surprisingly, the yet to be released 2500 series 2007 Suburban will ride on an updated GMT-800 chassis, which we assume will retain the torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs at the rear.
Aerodynamics played a major role in the exterior design. The windshield angle was increased, and the front-end was reshaped to reduce drag. In addition, a lowered air dam further reduces aerodynamic drag. The cumulative effect of all of these changes reduce drag by nearly 12% - compared to the GMT-800 styling. Combine a lower overall weight and lower aerodynamic drag with the new Displacement-on-Demand Gen IV 5.3L V-8, and GM expects a combined fuel economy rating above 20-mpg.
While thought to be a little bland, those of us here at TDP appreciated the interior comfort and styling of the previous GMT-800 platform (1999-2006 model-year). However, having been in production since fall 1999, the time has come for a freshening. The new interior shown here incorporates a wealth of both design and functional improvements. Other than the Chevy emblems, there's not a lot of similarity to the 2006 model-year interior.
The new dash is moved down and away from the occupants, providing nearly 6 inches more room and increased visibility. Those riding shotgun are protected by a new dual-stage airbag system, available side-curtain airbags, new seat belt tensioners and structural design changes that increase rollover protection.
The GMC Yukon line is not without a fresh look as well. We're hoping the GMC trucks offer a more aggressive look, but we'll all have to wait a while to learn how these new designs translate into the 2500HD/3500 pickup truck lineup. Stay tuned for more news and information about the new 2007 models in the months ahead. TDP
Oh, I am somewhere in the middle on the shifting topic. I do like a clutch and shifting can be fun. Around town it is not. And for efficiency, it seems the automatics are getting better; with some as good. I have never driven the paddle autostick, tiptronic, or whatever it is called. For all out fun though, I assume the stick is the best. But for everyday and fun mix, perhaps the autostick is a good compromise.
What ever I do drive at the time, I enjoy. That said, I am not driving a huge truck, or something which is work. It's all good. -Loren
Find me a new diesel Suburban and you'll get your consultation fee.
After reading the article you posted. I got excited briefly when they were bringing up the Duramax option, but quickly realized it was for the new trucks. Oh well.
No doubt the new Tahoe/Suburban are nice. I haven't looked at a Suburban yet, but I have sat in the Tahoe and I like the improvements. I'm just peeved GM feels the 6 speed is only good enough for the Denali/Escalade.
Around town shifting isn't fun? But that's where all the corners are!
In the transmission decision on the manufacturer's end, my favorite policy is that of choice. If someone's favorite transmission isn't offered on a car, that's one less sale for the manufacturer and one more person forced to settle for a second choice.
I'm just as peeved off as you are at GM for not offering the 6-Speed Auto on every model. I will e-mail them and try to get a response and bottom of this for you.
Rocky
P.S. I know how GM works, and it will probably be a upgrade so they have something to brag about later. These folks are so darn predictable diesel. BTW- I will ask the Duramax question also.
I see all these GM lovers and GM advertisements and articles bragging about how their new big trucks and SUV's are so much better and more technically advanced than their predecessors or anything else on the market. And I don't doubt it- but like "who cares?". My eyes glaze over. But now the ads are coming out for the new Honda Fit, a "pocket rocket" with some great features (performance and safety), a low price, and uh... 38 miles per gallon.
Think as gasoline prices pass through $3/gallon these days that Honda may have hit the target (yet again?). Where is GM in all of this?
The 2007 Chevy Aveo looks like it has good potential to be a contender in what could be a very hot market segment for a while. Now GM should make the most of it- hype it as not just an econobox but with some excitement to make it a market leader and trendy car. Remember the old Pontiac tagline, "We Build Excitement- Pontiac!!!". For many people, they don't buy cars on tech specs or even logic, they buy for image and the idea that this investment will be fun and make them proud.
Hate to see GM blow an opportunity here. Ford only has the tired old Focus, Toyota and Nissan and Honda are rolling. GM needs to also. GM didn't succeed with the GEO Metro, or let it drop, but times are different now.
...the next Aveo on a stand at the Philly Auto Show. It is quite a cut above the current car. Too bad it isn't out now. Could use it with the ridiculous fuel costs. I still like the Cobalt coupe, but probably couldn't resist getting the SS package which would negate my goal of gas saving.
Anyway, nvbanker is using a LS430 which is Lexus' big sedan in lieu of the Navigator, Rocky. The LX470 is the big Lexus SUV.
American car buyers are choosing powerful engines in the same proportions even in these days of $3 a gallon gas, the analysts at J.D. Power report. The Power Information Network (PIN) says in the first quarter of the year, about 25 percent of all vehicles purchased in the U.S. were powered by eight-cylinder engines, roughly in line with the figures from the third quarter of 2005. At the same time, sales of six-cylinder engines have stayed steady at 40 to 42 percent of all sales, and four-cylinders have continued to account for 30 to 33 percent of all vehicle sales. "Gas prices are certainly becoming a popular dinner and water-cooler discussion topic, but consumers appear to be conditioned to prices at current levels," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting.
will always sell well regardless of fuel prices, simply for the fact that there will always be a need for them. Now SUVs are a totally different matter. There are people that really do need them, such as those that have to tow AND carry a lot of passengers. But there are a lot of people who buy these things simply because they think they're cool. Still, I don't see the big SUV going away anytime soon. Keep in mind that full-sized SUVs are based on full-sized pickups, so they're really not that expensive to build. Even at deep discounts, chances are the auto maker is still making a pretty good profit.
GM pushed the torque peak on the Vortec 5300 UP 200 rpm to 4200, and you can't get a 4.10 rear end without buying a 4x4, a locker, and an E85 motor. Jeebus.
You'd think that buying the tow package would get you a new cam to push the torque peak down below 2000 rpm where it belongs.
Someone on the news is saying that crude oil will remain at/over $60 per barrel for the next 10 years. While I think anyone trying to predict the next 10 years is barking mad, I will agree that crude oil will remain high for some time to come. But 5 years from now is a long time.
I emailed GM in regards to safety crash test, if any, on the modern day Corvette. I thought all cars are tested. Evidently I was wrong. The reply I got back was to go to some other websites, of which none had any answers. One could assume they are safe cars, as they are built to race.
I now assume a computer generates answers to questions at the GM site.
Now, I do wonder why Cadillac crash tests have not resulted in all 5 star results. Looks like the CTS did not fair as well as the Sonata. Which numbers also best a Volvo -Loren
The peak torque is also increased, so I don't think that you have less torque at lower speeds. The changes in the available axle ratios is more serious for those towing monster sized loads.
Note that the half ton transmission (4L60) is rated for 8600 lbs, while the 4L80 is rated for 16500.
Current V8 engines for cars are getting 23 to 28MPG on the freeways. The V6 is getting 26 to 33MPG on the freeways. Compared to the 1970's the larger engines have made some gains in performance. This may account for some larger engine sales. Domestic four cylinder engines tend to be less sought after than Japanese, as most are, or were coarse running and not as fuel efficient. Generally, the domestic smaller engines are thought to not last as long. That said, some do last now, and some are foreign made in US brand cars anyway.
I do think the four cylinder will be taking more market share going forward, like the Civic 40 MPG highway listed car. With HP now around 160, the four banger is no longer underpowered. I personally would love to own a V8 again, and though a 6 would be an improvement for me I think the baby boomers miss their old V8 cars of days-gone-bye.
While a car getting less than 20 MPG is extremely costly, I think many people with a V6 or V8, getting around 22 to 24 MPG on an average will just suck up the higher fuel costs. If you put lots of miles on a car each year, then a Civic 40MPG car is the way to go. I did the math on the Hybrid Toyota and it would take 5 years for catch up to the Civic if you drove 30K miles a year, and of course 10 years at 15K miles per year. Takes a long time, unless you figure in some tax breaks, which I did not. Why is our government subsidizing Toyota's?
The GM V6 seems to do almost as well as the i4 s in their line up. I think I would go V6 in a GM. Now a smooth inline 6 would be a good thing, but it is not in the cards. -Loren
Was it the little buy from Kansas City with a bowtie who always predicts doom and gloom in the market? I've made money investing based on the opposite of his predictions.
In the recent Automobile there was an interesting article on electric cars. It was suggested that the GM electric cars could be redone to include fewer batteries but a small gas-electric-generator of about 20 horsepower. This would allow for long trips and the overall gas mileage could be about 250 to 350 MPG. I kind of think that they were thinking that for local trips, the batteries would supply most of the power and would be recharged overnight. The gas-generator would kick in when the batteries are down to half a charge.
Not sure who it was, I think I heard something on the radio news yesterday or today. However, I do know that there is a lot of hunting for oil in the US now that the price of crude is high. So, the longer crude is high, the more likely that new production will come online. There is also talk of making methane out of coal to boost energy supplies. Gasoline could also be made out of coal. But perhaps we could burn powdered coal in a turbine-electric-generator for the electric car described above.
A program on National Geographic or History channel showed poor coal being 'cooked' to get oil from it somewhere. I assume the cost is high. I can't recall if it's in a foreign country or where? Maybe someone else saw it.
Someone said a country has used a plant product to make fuel (alcohol?) and is oil independent. Maybe it's a S. American company.
Brazil largely converted to ethanol made from sugar cane in the '70s. Of course, they have the climate to grow it, the labor force to harvest and process it inexpensively, and you get more ethanol from a pound of cane than from a pound of corn.
"OTOH, some americans are to embarasssed to be seen in a domestic nameplate and the Trophey Wives will file for divorce, before driving a GM car. However there is a few of us that are seeing through the cloud of smoke, to recognize the perception isn't reality."
See, I don't think people are embarassed to be seen in an GM product I just people don;t like GM's nid-size or compact cars. I mean GM sells alot of SUV"s and the Caddy line has been doing well but the buying public just didn't like their latest round of compact or mid-size offerings: the Chevy Cobalt, G6, Malibu, and Grand Prix. The 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix owners were very enthusiastic about their cars. I just don't see the same enthusiasm with 04+ Pontiac Grand prix that I saw with the 1997-2003 Grand Prix owners. If any car by any particular brand doesn't sell well than that manufacturer did something wrong with their product wether it be wrong styling, not putting enough interior room in their car, or the interior plastics weren't good enough.
The hardcore GM fans seem to think everyody against them but why are GM's SUV's so successful as opposed to their mainstream car line with the exception of 2003+ Caddy?
Not one of those cars would not be attractive to a 30-40 year old except perhaps the SSR which may be not recognized as a retro vehicle to younger folks.
What vehicle has the lowest average age and what is that age?
Here is a quote on a "young" average vehicle.
Honda’s aim is to appeal to younger consumers, according to Naughton. Many of them already buy the Element, which has seen sales fluctuate. The average age of an Element buyer is 43, which is young in an industry where an average buyer’s age tends to be in the upper 40s, 50s and above. “We chose a game on the Internet because it’s fun and could be spread by word of mouth and could reach a target audience of college kids,” Naughton said.
In truth, carmakers are discovering yet again that the primary selling points for kids are the same as 30 years ago: price and value. The average sticker price for a new car sold to buyers under age 24 (most of them buy used cars) is $15,000, says CNW Marketing Research Inc. Says Eric Noble, president of The Car Lab, which has studied the market for auto makers: "A youth car is just a cheap car."
Little surprise that two South Korean cars -- Hyundai Motor Co.'s $10,000 Accent and $13,000 Elantra -- have the youngest average buyers of any on the market, at age 24.
Different segments require different marketing efforts. The innovators and early adoptors are happy to pay a premium to get whiz-bang technology or to save fuel for the sake of it, but other consumers are going to either need to benefit from some sort of conspicuous savings or else feel that they are getting "value", i.e. something extra for nothing, or next to nothing.
Those praying that Toyota has a chink in the armor from this are victim to the usual GM-short term thinking. These hybrid development costs will be amortized over millions of cars, as the technology becomes standard in future cars. Toyota has now created a brand that is associated with hybrid technology, which means that the public will trust a hybrid from Toyota that it might not trust from some other automaker.
Selling Priuses to the tech fiends who were more interested in gadgetry than in price has given Toyota valuable data that it can use as it improves its technology to sell better hybrids in more regular cars to more typical consumers. Soon enough, there won't even be a price premium, as high oil prices will likely motivate Toyota to simply install hybrid technology across its entire line as standard equipment. That move will sell a lot more Camry's to Joe Sixpack, who has come to trust Toyota in this area, and will create the basis for future sales with more satisified customers. On the whole, a smart, long-haul strategy.
The average age of the Avalon buyer crept up from 56 to 61 in 2005
The average Camry buyer's age of 56
The average age of the Buick buyer in 2005 dropped from 68 to 63 Means half of buyers are under 63. Average buyer of, PT Cruiser, 50; Corvette, 48; MX-5 Miata, 50
I'm a 27 y.o. male and you couldn't make me buy a GM midsize or actually any American brand. I think the looks are bland and the reliability issue is still an "issue" with me. I've had my share of American and Asian cars and my wife had a VW. IMHO I love America, but thankfully not forced into buying what it produces. I'd rather buy a Sienna made in Indiana, than a Ford made in Mexico or a Dodge built wherever they build them! VW makes a decent car from Mexico! Is it the management or is it the people building the cars? Well, anyways I like my Kia Optima and my Toyota Sienna. Unless the big 3 can show me qualty again, the only way you'd get me into one is by buying it for me and giving a lifetime warranty and stress pay. Oh yeah, paying off my other vehicles would be another requirement!
The HYBRID is a status symbol. The Civic LX gets 40 MPG on the highway and costs much - much less. For the technology, I suppose the Toyota Prius would be something to own. I think I'd rather have a Mustang or anything other than an electric car, unless they are the last cars left to own.
From what I've read, hybrid sales are divided in two- the people that buy them to really save on fuel costs (or in our area, to take advantage of a waiver and drive on high occupancy lanes without the mandatory number of people in your car), and the hybrid cars that are luxury and use the hybrid features for extra performance (i.e. the Honda Accord Hybrid)- it is the latter group of cars that is not selling well, right? I understand that the Prius is still selling very well, but I also don't think that they justify their extra initial expense. My brother in law has a 2 year old Honda Civic Hybrid and absolutely loves it- but he is a "tree hugger" from way back, he would love it if the car ran on grass.
The hybrid vehicle market is still in its early stages. They probably really make sense for city delivery vehicles (trucks and buses included) at this point. But significantly, Honda announced that they will have an advanced version of the Honda Fit that will get spectacular mileage and boost the sales figures of hybrids, thereby driving down the cost (good strategy). Plus remember that the present day hybrids are kind of "first generation"- they will get better in time- regenerative braking is a very powerful energy saver. But so will conventional gasoline and diesel engines. Jury is still out.
I would buy a car that runs on grass clippings!!! My acre here could supply a couple big barrel fulls every week. Of course I would have to save my clippings and then use more fertilizer.
Comments
Rocky
Rocky
This article is for you pal
The new 2007 model-year Chevrolet Tahoe made its first public appearance this past October 2005 to a wide-eyed automotive press anxious to see what the future holds for the GM full-size platform. The announced release date for the 116 inch wheelbase Chevy Tahoe and Yukon shown here is scheduled for February 15, 2006. GM will share this styling with all full-size 130 inch wheelbase models, which include the Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, GMC Yukon, Denali, Sierra and the Cadillac Escalade - phasing them in throughout the 2006 calendar year. The longer wheelbase GMT-900 SUV's are scheduled for an April 2006 release. In addition, this should represent the future 2007 model-year 2500HD/3500 pickup truck styling, which could be available as early as fall 2006. The totally redesigned styling in combination with the new 360 horsepower LBZ Duramax Diesel engine will produce a remarkable combination.
Considerable development effort was devoted to the chassis on these new shorter wheelbase full-size SUV's. The 1500 series frame is now fully boxed, which stiffens the structure, and allows for a new coil-over front suspension - replacing the long-used torsion bar arrangement. Rack and pinion steering is now standard, while the rear suspension retains an updated 5-link solid axle. Surprisingly, the yet to be released 2500 series 2007 Suburban will ride on an updated GMT-800 chassis, which we assume will retain the torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs at the rear.
Aerodynamics played a major role in the exterior design. The windshield angle was increased, and the front-end was reshaped to reduce drag. In addition, a lowered air dam further reduces aerodynamic drag. The cumulative effect of all of these changes reduce drag by nearly 12% - compared to the GMT-800 styling. Combine a lower overall weight and lower aerodynamic drag with the new Displacement-on-Demand Gen IV 5.3L V-8, and GM expects a combined fuel economy rating above 20-mpg.
While thought to be a little bland, those of us here at TDP appreciated the interior comfort and styling of the previous GMT-800 platform (1999-2006 model-year). However, having been in production since fall 1999, the time has come for a freshening. The new interior shown here incorporates a wealth of both design and functional improvements. Other than the Chevy emblems, there's not a lot of similarity to the 2006 model-year interior.
The new dash is moved down and away from the occupants, providing nearly 6 inches more room and increased visibility. Those riding shotgun are protected by a new dual-stage airbag system, available side-curtain airbags, new seat belt tensioners and structural design changes that increase rollover protection.
The GMC Yukon line is not without a fresh look as well. We're hoping the GMC trucks offer a more aggressive look, but we'll all have to wait a while to learn how these new designs translate into the 2500HD/3500 pickup truck lineup. Stay tuned for more news and information about the new 2007 models in the months ahead. TDP
Rocky
I expect my regular consultant fee.
Rocky :P
What ever I do drive at the time, I enjoy. That said, I am not driving a huge truck, or something which is work. It's all good.
-Loren
I expect my regular consultant fee.
Find me a new diesel Suburban and you'll get your consultation fee.
After reading the article you posted. I got excited briefly when they were bringing up the Duramax option, but quickly realized it was for the new trucks. Oh well.
No doubt the new Tahoe/Suburban are nice. I haven't looked at a Suburban yet, but I have sat in the Tahoe and I like the improvements. I'm just peeved GM feels the 6 speed is only good enough for the Denali/Escalade.
In the transmission decision on the manufacturer's end, my favorite policy is that of choice. If someone's favorite transmission isn't offered on a car, that's one less sale for the manufacturer and one more person forced to settle for a second choice.
Rocky
Rocky
P.S. I know how GM works, and it will probably be a upgrade so they have something to brag about later. These folks are so darn predictable diesel. BTW- I will ask the Duramax question also.
I will fill you in ASAP with my return answers.
Rocky
Think as gasoline prices pass through $3/gallon these days that Honda may have hit the target (yet again?). Where is GM in all of this?
this is the one that has been arond awhile. New one coming out soon.
Hate to see GM blow an opportunity here. Ford only has the tired old Focus, Toyota and Nissan and Honda are rolling. GM needs to also. GM didn't succeed with the GEO Metro, or let it drop, but times are different now.
When will the new Aveo be available?
Anyway, nvbanker is using a LS430 which is Lexus' big sedan in lieu of the Navigator, Rocky. The LX470 is the big Lexus SUV.
American car buyers are choosing powerful engines in the same proportions even in these days of $3 a gallon gas, the analysts at J.D. Power report. The Power Information Network (PIN) says in the first quarter of the year, about 25 percent of all vehicles purchased in the U.S. were powered by eight-cylinder engines, roughly in line with the figures from the third quarter of 2005. At the same time, sales of six-cylinder engines have stayed steady at 40 to 42 percent of all sales, and four-cylinders have continued to account for 30 to 33 percent of all vehicle sales. "Gas prices are certainly becoming a popular dinner and water-cooler discussion topic, but consumers appear to be conditioned to prices at current levels," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting.
That's because the consumer doesn't believe gas prices will stay this high. Just like no one belived gas would stay over a dollar a gallon.
You'd think that buying the tow package would get you a new cam to push the torque peak down below 2000 rpm where it belongs.
I now assume a computer generates answers to questions at the GM site.
Now, I do wonder why Cadillac crash tests have not resulted in all 5 star results. Looks like the CTS did not fair as well as the Sonata. Which numbers also best a Volvo
-Loren
Note that the half ton transmission (4L60) is rated for 8600 lbs, while the 4L80 is rated for 16500.
Compared to the 1970's the larger engines have made some gains in performance. This may account for some larger engine sales. Domestic four cylinder engines tend to be less sought after than Japanese, as most are, or were coarse running and not as fuel efficient. Generally, the domestic smaller engines are thought to not last as long. That said, some do last now, and some are foreign made in US brand cars anyway.
I do think the four cylinder will be taking more market share going forward, like the Civic 40 MPG highway listed car. With HP now around 160, the four banger is no longer underpowered. I personally would love to own a V8 again, and though a 6 would be an improvement for me
While a car getting less than 20 MPG is extremely costly, I think many people with a V6 or V8, getting around 22 to 24 MPG on an average will just suck up the higher fuel costs.
If you put lots of miles on a car each year, then a Civic 40MPG car is the way to go. I did the math on the Hybrid Toyota and it would take 5 years for catch up to the Civic if you drove 30K miles a year, and of course 10 years at 15K miles per year. Takes a long time, unless you figure in some tax breaks, which I did not. Why is our government subsidizing Toyota's?
The GM V6 seems to do almost as well as the i4 s in their line up. I think I would go V6 in a GM. Now a smooth inline 6 would be a good thing, but it is not in the cards.
-Loren
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Someone said a country has used a plant product to make fuel (alcohol?) and is oil independent. Maybe it's a S. American company.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
See, I don't think people are embarassed to be seen in an GM product I just people don;t like GM's nid-size or compact cars. I mean GM sells alot of SUV"s and the Caddy line has been doing well but the buying public just didn't like their latest round of compact or mid-size offerings: the Chevy Cobalt, G6, Malibu, and Grand Prix. The 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix owners were very enthusiastic about their cars. I just don't see the same enthusiasm with 04+ Pontiac Grand prix that I saw with the 1997-2003 Grand Prix owners. If any car by any particular brand doesn't sell well than that manufacturer did something wrong with their product wether it be wrong styling, not putting enough interior room in their car, or the interior plastics weren't good enough.
The hardcore GM fans seem to think everyody against them but why are GM's SUV's so successful as opposed to their mainstream car line with the exception of 2003+ Caddy?
Chevy SSR
Chevy HHR
Yukon Denali
Cadillac STS
Escalade.
That's it, sorry. Everything else they make doesn't move me.
Chevy SSR
Chevy HHR
Yukon Denali
Cadillac STS
Escalade.
Let me guess. You are over 50?
Not one of those cars would not be attractive to a 30-40 year old except perhaps the SSR which may be not recognized as a retro vehicle to younger folks.
What vehicle has the lowest average age and what is that age?
Here is a quote on a "young" average vehicle.
Honda’s aim is to appeal to younger consumers, according to Naughton. Many of them already buy the Element, which has seen sales fluctuate. The average age of an Element buyer is 43, which is young in an industry where an average buyer’s age tends to be in the upper 40s, 50s and above. “We chose a game on the Internet because it’s fun and could be spread by word of mouth and could reach a target audience of college kids,” Naughton said.
In truth, carmakers are discovering yet again that the primary selling points for kids are the same as 30 years ago: price and value. The average sticker price for a new car sold to buyers under age 24 (most of them buy used cars) is $15,000, says CNW Marketing Research Inc. Says Eric Noble, president of The Car Lab, which has studied the market for auto makers: "A youth car is just a cheap car."
Little surprise that two South Korean cars -- Hyundai Motor Co.'s $10,000 Accent and $13,000 Elantra -- have the youngest average buyers of any on the market, at age 24.
What's somewhat odd IMO, most of the Prius owners I've seen around here have been mostly retirement age.
Those praying that Toyota has a chink in the armor from this are victim to the usual GM-short term thinking. These hybrid development costs will be amortized over millions of cars, as the technology becomes standard in future cars. Toyota has now created a brand that is associated with hybrid technology, which means that the public will trust a hybrid from Toyota that it might not trust from some other automaker.
Selling Priuses to the tech fiends who were more interested in gadgetry than in price has given Toyota valuable data that it can use as it improves its technology to sell better hybrids in more regular cars to more typical consumers. Soon enough, there won't even be a price premium, as high oil prices will likely motivate Toyota to simply install hybrid technology across its entire line as standard equipment. That move will sell a lot more Camry's to Joe Sixpack, who has come to trust Toyota in this area, and will create the basis for future sales with more satisified customers. On the whole, a smart, long-haul strategy.
Just out of curiosity is there anyone under 65 who has recently bought or is thinking about buying a new Buick?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
LOL, my dad is under 65 and isn't thinking about buying a Buick....
The average age of the Avalon buyer crept up from 56 to 61 in 2005
The average Camry buyer's age of 56
The average age of the Buick buyer in 2005 dropped from 68 to 63 Means half of buyers are under 63.
Average buyer of, PT Cruiser, 50; Corvette, 48; MX-5 Miata, 50
Electric vehicle with a small gas/propane/cng/diesel/whatnot generator onboard.
100MPG would be easily achieveable.
-Loren
Hawg Wash.
Rocky :confuse:
The hybrid vehicle market is still in its early stages. They probably really make sense for city delivery vehicles (trucks and buses included) at this point. But significantly, Honda announced that they will have an advanced version of the Honda Fit that will get spectacular mileage and boost the sales figures of hybrids, thereby driving down the cost (good strategy). Plus remember that the present day hybrids are kind of "first generation"- they will get better in time- regenerative braking is a very powerful energy saver. But so will conventional gasoline and diesel engines. Jury is still out.
:shades:
IMO it's because they are the ones most affected by the higher gas prices.