
U.S. Automakers have certainly been in the forefront of breaking news in the past couple of years. The top three makers are Ford, GMC, and Toyota. They are the companies having the highest US sales for 2009. Reports for the first quarter of 2010 support the top three’s continued dominance.
Toyota
2010 Top Sellers – The Corolla and Camry are leading Toyota’s way. Both vehicles made the top five best seller lists. The ever popular Corolla is the fourth best-selling car, and the Camry is now in the fifth spot. The Prius is the overall best-selling Toyota for 2010. The Land cruiser line continues to prove profitable too, especially with sports enthusiasts. The Sienna minivan is a popular choice for families. With such a large variety of quality built vehicles, Toyota has earned their place in the top three.
Marketing Strategies - currently Toyota is tempting customers with low interest rates and ongoing sales events. Advertising has become targeted toward encouraging sales by identifying the vehicle with a lifestyle. The Sienna beckons to the young family with children while the Land cruiser sings the call of the wild for those who lead active lifestyles. Trucks are marketed to appeal to the working man. These campaigns have been successful thus far as sales remain positive.
Financial Situation – Like all the leading automakers Toyota has also experienced losses. For the fiscal year 2009, the company reported over seven percent loss in net income. The company has made companywide reduction efforts that have paid off in significant savings. Sales were up in many parts of the world including Asia, Africa and South America. Sales were down in the US, UK, and the Middle East. Recent recalls have shaken consumers trust in the company’s cars.
Ford
2010 Top Sellers – The Fusion has been one of Ford's up and coming models. The Fusion and Taurus offer luxury mid-size options for consumers who want a little more out of their car. The crossovers are also enjoying success this year. The Edge and Flex are increasing rapidly in popularity. Their versatility makes both models desirable. The ever popular Mustang line continues to pull in consumers as does the Ford F-truck series. The versatility of the Ford line keeps it at the top every year.
Marketing Strategies – flooding the market with information regarding how well the company is performing comprises a large portion of the marketing dollars. Making sure that the country knows they did not take the money from the government bailouts. This decision alone has been immensely helpful in securing Ford in the hearts of Americans. Super low interest rates and rebates are bringing in the buyers too.
Financial Situation - Fords financial situation is improving. Many consumers are choosing Ford because they want to support their decision to rejected government bailouts. Cementing in the consumers mind the Ford has managed themselves back into firm financial ground is crucial to the company. Good management strategies are the other piece of the puzzle. The Mercury line has been fading out and is not expected to continue for much longer. This will allow Ford to consolidate and concentrate on their Ford and Lincoln lines.
GMC
2010 Top Sellers – GMC trucks are still key players in the current market and the company is leaning heavily on them for 2010. Cadillac sales are down but still strong over other luxury car models. Corvettes, Camaros, and Malibu sales are down. These muscle cars are not showing much muscle this year as Americans eliminate luxury vehicles from their garages. SUVS and crossovers have also shown a decline in their share of the market. Overall the Chevrolet/GMC line has not come back from the taint of the bailout.
Marketing Strategies – marketing is done to appeal to the younger, under fifty populations, with smaller cars that save money such as the Aveo. Trucks have been almost exclusively seeking the working man. Low interest rates and free Onstar services are used to entice consumers to the lots. 0 % financing on trucks, cash back for AARP members and other incentives are designed to help people purchase vehicles.
Financial Situation – GMC is particularly tenuous financially. They repaid the initial government bailouts but still borrow money from the government. The country has grown frustrated with such tactics. They are turning to other car manufacturers. Many experts state that GMCs current financial plan will not work, and the company will fail. Still fighting through the throes of bankruptcy and government reorganization the company may still succumb to its debts.
The top three automakers remain in serious trouble financially. Toyota and Ford appear capable of pulling through the crises and becoming profitable again. The versatility of their product lines and the popularity of their products are positive forces for them. The jury is still out of GMC. Consumers are not jumping at the cars they have on the market. Many consumers do remain loyal to the auto giant. Their loyal base is sufficient to give them a solid foundation from which to work with.
Americans are beginning to turn to some of the other manufacturers that may not be in the top three but are securely in the top ten. Makers such as Hyundai, Subaru, and Honda are starting to get a greater market share than they had prior to the massive government bailout.