If the Big Three car makers in the U.S. don't consolidate, they will die. Detroit has been making gas-guzzling behemoths for decades. When gas was $1-$2 per gallon, sales remained acceptable. Now that gas is $3-$4 per gallon, these gas guzzlers sit on dealer lots like dinosaurs in the tar pits. Nothing will move them.
Here are ten cars that should be killed, according to a U.S. News expert:
1. Jeep Commando, 15 mpg
2. Jeep Compass, overlaps with other Jeep models
3. Dodge Durango, hulking SUV
4. Suzuki Forenza, bland econobox
5. Mercury Grand Marquis, hot when Sarah Palin was a beauty queen
6. Buick LaCrosse, looks like a rental
7. Dodge Nitro, cheap interior, bad ride
8. Nissan Pathfinder, another gigantic SUV
9. Pontiac Torrent, unknown car from dying brand
10. Chevrolet TrailBlazer, popular when big trucks thrived.
Industry Changes Amid Financial Crisis
Axe-Worthy U.S. Autos
Trend Themes
1. Rising Demand for Fuel-efficient Cars - The automotive industry can capitalize on rising demand for fuel-efficient cars to replace gas-guzzling models that are now obsolete.
2. Consolidation of Car Manufacturers - Car manufacturers can consolidate to develop better fuel-efficient automobiles and stay competitive in the market.
3. Shift in Consumer Preferences - The automotive industry needs to adjust to a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller, more efficient vehicles to stay competitive and meet their demands.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry has an opportunity to innovate new sustainable and fuel-efficient models to meet evolving customer preferences and capitalize on the rise in demand for such cars.
2. Energy - The energy industry can develop alternative energy sources for cars, such as electric, hydrogen, or biofuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and meet the new fuel-efficient needs.
3. Tech - The tech industry can contribute to the automotive industry with innovations, such as autonomous driving or smart infrastructure, that can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of cars.