The 2008 International Auto Show, held Jan. 18-20 at the Charleston Civic Center, was the most successful in our 10-year history. More vehicles and attendees told the story of where the industry is headed and what the buying public is looking for.
Most of the "pre-production" units (those that are coming to the showrooms in the near future) touted increased fuel efficiency ultimately creating a cleaner environment. As the manufacturers race to meet the new CAFE standards in 2020, the public will see many more choices in all lines of vehicles, from cars to SUVs and trucks.
According to a survey conducted of those attending the show, most will buy a new vehicle within the next two years.
What will they consider to be important in determining their decisions? According to the surveys, they will, for the first time in surveying the public at this show, be based on fuel economy. Historically, the survey has held that the buying public will buy what they like or need, without concerns for fuel economy. It is now evident that skyrocketing fuel prices have changed the buying habits of the public.
"Green vehicles" are now a top priority when consumers shop for their transportation needs.
Alternative fuel units will be one of the hottest topics for the foreseeable future. Historically, Toyota and Honda have dominated this market with their Honda Civic and Toyota Prius and Camry.
But don't underestimate the domestics in this fuel efficiency challenge! Recently, the Chevrolet Equinox was awarded the 2008 Green Car Vision Award for its forward-thinking technologies.
With diesel, ethanol and lithium ion plug-in hybrids becoming more available, the shift will move from traditional gasoline-powered units. Even the Corvette will be advertised as "lighter and greener."
In addition to the current lineup of manufacturers, new entries will be entering the market in the next few years.
Vehicles from China, Korea and other countries will join the current lineup of 40 or so already supplying vehicles to the United States buying public.
The expectations are that many of these new entries will be less expensive and more fuel efficient to gain consumers' attention.
However, don't ever count the "Big Three" out when it comes to providing the public what they want. All have been working to develop the more fuel efficient, yet safe, vehicles that are now being demanded by consumers. The imports will continue to hold fast to the public attention and confidence, so the consumer wins either way.
The automobile industry, no matter domestic or import, will always strive to be in tune with the buying public. The consumer will benefit from the manufacturers' commitment to meeting their needs and demands. With new technology on the horizon and creative new designs, the next couple of years will be some of the most exciting and innovative since the days of Henry Ford introducing the assembly line production method.
Ruth Lemmon is president of West Virginia Automobile & Truck Dealers Association.
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