Can The Automotive Giants Become Powerhouses Again

Over the last twenty years, the major players in the American vehicle manufacturing sector have seen a large decrease in sales and buyer confidence, as up and coming foreign auto makers have made an impressionable mark on the public. In an effort to compete against the flood of often cheaper priced, foreign made vehicles pouring into the American marketplace, many American auto makers scrambled to find ways to cut costs in their manufacturing processes. Outsourcing of materials and labor became common place and lesser quality products being offered on the auto market become more of a reality. The economic downturn that resulted in a credit crunch created an even more unfortunate scenario for auto makers all across the world. Prospective consumers found it difficult to obtain the crucial financing needed to be able to purchase new vehicles and as a result, the American auto industry suffered profound financial losses. Facing the danger of a total collapse, American auto makers realized that downsizing their operations would be necessary to allow their stake in the American and foreign markets to stay viable. Not only have factories been downsized and many workers therefore laid off, many new car dealerships around the U.S have been closed in order to cut exorbitant amounts of overhead. A multitude of Chevrolet and GMC new car dealerships have faced the corporate axe, but as a result, the remaining new car outlets have seen an influx of business, which many Hyundai dealerships had previously seen for many years. The big three automakers located in the United States have begun to re-group and therefore, to focus more on what the average American consumer looks for when considering a new car purchase. Newer technologies, such as Hybrid engines and fuel alternatives, have emerged on the car sales market as a result. Larger sport utility vehicles, though once popular before the rising costs of fuel, are among the less desirable types of vehicles bought today. Concerns over the environment, as well as the cost of gasoline, have focused the efforts of automakers today on manufacturing smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Sales figures in mid 2009 were down across all auto manufacturers, however, with the short lived cash for clunkers government run incentive, many dealerships across the country saw an uptake in sales for a short while. As the credit crunch becomes more relaxed and more qualified consumers are able to get financed for a new vehicle, upward sales trends are expected. While General Motors has struggled greatly with turning a profit, the Ford Motor Company has done better than expected. As GM continues to streamline their operations and attempts to design better products, consumers should see a robust recovery in the finances of the nation's largest automaker. While GM's profits are still slightly in the dumps, many consider Chrysler to be in the worst shape among the big three. However, with major restructuring and by following the lead of GM, Chrysler should pull out of the recession a reborn and more efficient operation.

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