The Reuters Auto Summit was recently held in Detroit Michigan. Experts at the summit predicted sales in 2008 would slip to 14.5 million units, which is the lowest since 1998. I thought I’d put together some video which covers some of the topics covered by industry experts. Hope you enjoy them.
Some General Information on the Auto Industry from Reuters
Fred Katayama and a couple of industry correspondents review the Reuters Summit. Topics include domestic incentives, a market share shift, gas prices and “crossover vehicles”, the housing market, part manufacturers in trouble, Chinese cars and other topics. One interesting fact: pickup truck sales rise and fall with new home starts, which means this market is depressed right now.
Sisco Codina Talks About the Ford of the Future.
Frank Ewasyshyn from Chrysler Talks About Flexible Manufacturing
Flexible manufacturing helps Chrysler compete against foreign manufacturers because it allows three models to be manufactured on a single assembly line.
General Motor’s 5 yr/100,000 Mile Warranty Seems to be Working
Brent Dewar, V.P. at GM talks about how the program is working out. One of the positive aspects of this product is moving customers from the Asian manufacturers to the domestics because they feel more comfortable about reliability. On a special finance note: improving residual values increases your ability to make money on deals.
Honda Sticks With Forecast
Honda has had a tough first part of the year, but they believe that they will still hit their forecast for 2007. This guy could use some lessons on enthusiasm. Good thing he’s not a salesperson. 
Is the Housing Market Slowing Down Auto Sales?
AutoNation’s Mike Jackson expresses his concern that the housing industry is affecting auto sales.
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