Catering to used-car buyers?

[HaleyD@YANKELOVICH.COM (Haley, Doug)]

I was doing some work for the long-term planning group of one of the
major Big 3 US automakers.  It seems that they ARE actively considering
exactly this issue in the design and marketing of new cars.  The life
expectancy of automobiles has increased so much, and the opportunity
to remarket the same car multiple times through leasing and/or other
manufacturer-owned channels (pre-owned certified Lexus' and Toyoti
car sales) is so high, the industry will evolve to address long-term end-
user needs, not just first-time buyers.  I would expect changes in dealer
structure and even to the basic business model for the way in which
auto manufacturers make money.  Of course, this already happened once
in the last couple decades.  Once upon a time, dealers made money when
they sold the car, and service was just that, not the major profit center for
the dealer's business.

Anyway, I can tell you for sure that the needs of secondary purchasers,
and the impact they will have on sales of competing "entry-level" new cars
all are being fed into the future planning models for the car industry.

Of course, they'll probably f** it up, but at least they're considering it.
*****************************************************
Doug Haley (haleyd@yankelovich.com)
"There is no fundamental difference between a sufficiently advanced
technology and magic" (A.C.Clarke)
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