After several lean years, the Detroit Auto Show opens on Monday with a moral at the zenith, as the growth of the US auto industry appears distributed over again.
Forget the crisis of 2008 and its procession of bankruptcies, plant closures and sold off stocks: for “big three” manufacturers of the historical stronghold of automobile Michigan (north) and for foreign brands that compete in the lucrative US market, the aftermath appear destined to sing.
This euphoria will be felt on the stands, where the spotlight will be given to massive models, such as 4×4 or pick-ups, or high-powered cars, even cars ” green “will also be there.
The year 2014 ended with a strong increase in sales (+ 5.8%), 16.5 million units sold erasing the effects of born credit crisis “subprime” there are more than six years.
In a country where consumption is key to growth, the continued decline in unemployment (5.6% of the population active) leaves hope for a sustainable upturn. The consensus of industry analysts and amounted to nearly 17 million cars passed in 2015, the highest since 2002.
“Any improvement in the labor market is beneficial to the automotive industry. Those have high incomes will buy new cars, and the poorest households are interested in this opportunity, “said Tom Webb, head of economic analysis at Kelley Blue Book, while 2014 saw the creation of nearly three million . job
Health sign found in the US automotive market, “the average price of transactions has never been higher,” said the expert: 32,500 dollars in 2014 against 32,100 in 2013 is expected this year to 32,800 dollars.
With the dramatic decline in gasoline prices at the pump, Americans were also able to enjoy unfettered pick-ups, which represent 55% of cars sold a segment rife with Ford Americans, General Motors (GM) and Chrysler Fiat (FCA), the Ram brand on the rise
-. 4×4 and muscle cars –
Two Japanese are determined to take their share of the cake: Toyota will introduce in Detroit the new version of its average Tacoma pickup, while Nissan will reveal a large “Titan” reviewed thoroughly, together with a motor diesel.
The optimism is also favorable to the luxury and sports cars, and it’s in Detroit that Honda will introduce its new NSX, 25 years after the first “supercar” Japanese.
Stand for muscular as Ford, the only one of the “Big Three” to get through the crisis without bankrupting: a new sports GT, heir of the legendary GT40, an even more powerful version of the Mustang coupe, and even an entire division devoted to sports cars.
GM, which will not be forgotten with powerful Cadillac, will also play on the “green” field since present the new version of his car hybrid Chevrolet Volt. In addition, it will show a prototype crossover (4×4 hatchback silhouette on base) called 100% electric “Bolt”, with a range of 320km and supposed to replicate the future descent range of Tesla.
Nissan, leader in sales of electric cars in the United States for its promises to provide a battery change, he says, the situation for electric cars, with limited autonomy remains a handicap.
However, it is Volkswagen which monopolized the attention Sunday night by revealing that it has sold 10.14 million vehicles worldwide in 2014, a record. But his Toyota and GM competitors, who have not yet published their statistics, can still claim the title in this close game.
VW, to conquer the US market that has stood him in 2014, promised unprecedented SUV offensive Monday and present a prototype foreshadowing.
Some 5,000 journalists are expected to press days of Detroit, Monday and Tuesday. The event, at the “Cobo Center” from the center of the city covered with a layer of fresh snow, will be held until 25 January. Organizers predict a million visitors.
st / mf
12 / 01/2015 4:15:37 – Detroit (USA), January 12, 2015 (AFP) – By Tangi QUEMENER – © 2015 AFP
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