Detroit's automakers have been focusing more on fuel-efficient small cars lately, but more than 20 percent of their sales still come from full-size trucks. Additionally even with competition from Toyota and Nissan, Detroit's Big 3 hold 91 percent of the market.
"There is still that one stronghold left over," said Jesse Toprak, auto analyst for TrueCar.com. "It is important -- at least in the interim -- that the domestics experience strong truck sales because it generates cash."
Full-size trucks could help play a role in the recovery of Detroit's Big 3, especially once the housing market rebounds, thanks to the construction industry. Although full-size trucks account for 20 percent of their sales, sales have dropped 31.2 percent this year. The automakers and dealers are hoping for a rebound next year.
Full Story: Free Press
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Comments (4)
Of course they do! & they always will.
The Tundra might have that great engine and Toyota reliability, and the Titan.... umm... ANYWAY.. there will NEVER be a top selling FULL SIZED truck in the U.S that also happens to not be one of the "Big 3".
* notice I said full sized trucks, because the Tacoma & Frontier rule in the smaller truck department.
This is America, where the big trucks rule and the people that buy them want them to come from an American car company.
Plus the fact Toyo & Niss only have 1/2 ton trucks kinda hurts
Plus the fact the Tit or Tun are diesel-less (if thy had one I guarantee there sales #'s would be more competitive.
Plus the fact a Ford or Chevy can be picked up as the cheapest (great for fleet sales which is why they are top in sales).
Or noting the Titan has ONE engine and no single cab option.
OR the fact the Tundra is as ugly as sin
How about this Nissan.... CANCEL the Titan! Y'all have the Frontier. Its as good as it can get. Let it be at that.
Hey Toyota, redesign that ugly as sin Tundra and maybe the sales would rise.
Posted by Bradford | December 29, 2009 11:27 AM
Posted on December 29, 2009 11:27
Who is buying Frontiers? Certainly nobody in New England. Nissan has never built a true winner when it comes to trucks and the rust belt. They may last 5 or 7 years, then magically turn into a pile of iron oxide.
Toyota pretty much owns the mid-sized pickup market here now. Followed by Ford and Chevy. As much as I'd love a new Tacoma, I'd wait and see if Toyota is able to resolve their corrosion issues as well.
As far as 10+ year old full sized truck survival rates, I'll take an educated guess and give Ford the lead. I still see a lot of the "new" (1997 model) body style vehicles doing pretty good. Usually just the rocker rusted out some, and occasionally the door edges. Work trucks almost all the time. Chevy and Dodge don't fare so well.
If I never have to go inside a 1998 Chevy 1500 door panel and replace the rusted window bracket (and everything else rusty in there) ever again, I'll be a happy camper.
Posted by Trooper Bri | December 29, 2009 3:01 PM
Posted on December 29, 2009 15:01
Toyota Tundra, the truck that is changing everything, except the sales figures.
I can understand them holding onto the market, the new Ram and F-150 are really good trucks, they are both very highly awarded.
Posted by Jeremy | December 30, 2009 9:26 AM
Posted on December 30, 2009 09:26
Japan will never heavily compete against U.S. trcukls in America as long as U.S. trucks continue to make durable and quality trucks in which all 3 U.S. automakers have over the years. Couldn't say the same for their cars until recently.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | December 30, 2009 4:06 PM
Posted on December 30, 2009 16:06