The ‘Big Three’ Detroit automakers –- GM, Ford and Chrysler -– lost consumer confidence in 2009 after they were severely hit by the global economic crisis. The crisis also exposed the inherent problem with the Big Three’s product portfolio, which lacked up-to-date engineering and extensive research and development.
Further, the majority of their sales comprised pickup trucks and SUVs rather than fuel-efficient vehicles such as the small cars that the consumers have started to prefer. This skewed portfolio was further aggravated by the government’s push for fuel-efficient and environment-friendly cars. Ford rallied better than its hometown rivals, with an early response to the shift in consumer preference towards small cars.
However, the Detroit automakers, especially Ford and GM, bounced back with a recovery in the global market and restructuring of the product portfolio at the end of 2009. In 2010, Ford’s sales went up 19% to 1.94 million vehicles, while sales of GM and Chrysler grew 7% to 2.22 million vehicles and 17% to 1.09 million vehicles during the year, respectively.
Ford focuses on its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury branded cars, shedding the Volvo cars, while GM concentrates on four core brands -– Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac -– withdrawing Saturn, Hummer, Pontiac and Saab.
Further, Ford has decided to expand its luxury Lincoln line-up at the cost of its Mercury line-up, which has been phased out at the end of 2010. The company plans to launch as many as 7 new Lincoln vehicles in the next 4 years, including a small car.
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