| The auto industry is changing as the demand | | | | |
| for fuel efficient vehicles increases. The | | | | The popularity of these vehicles creates a |
| Big Three known for producing large vehicles | | | | "halo" effect. This means that the fuel |
| are now in the process of developing and | | | | efficient vehicles generate interest among |
| producing fuel efficient vehicles. General | | | | car buyers. Interested individuals will then |
| Motors, Ford and Chrysler have been facing | | | | go to a dealership to inquire about the |
| their toughest battle yet with Asian car | | | | particular gas miser. Dealerships also |
| manufacturers who come to the United States | | | | display other auto models which car buyers |
| auto market with fuel efficient vehicles. In | | | | would never consider if they have not seen it |
| order to stem the tide, the Big Three began | | | | personally. This means that car |
| developing smaller vehicles. | | | | manufacturers not only benefit from the sale |
| | | | of these fuel efficient vehicles but the sale |
| General Motors came up with the Saturn Aura | | | | also creates a way for them to introduce |
| while Ford sent out the Edge. Chrysler, on | | | | other auto models to car buyers. |
| the other hand, entered with the Jeep | | | | |
| Wrangler Unlimited. These three models are | | | | "They are standard bearers for those brands |
| currently catching the attention of car | | | | and represent what those brands are about," |
| buyers. The popularity of these three auto | | | | says Jack Nerad, the executive market analyst |
| modes may lead some to think that the | | | | at Kelley Blue Brook as to the significance |
| vehicles are the best selling auto models of | | | | of these fuel efficient American cars. |
| their respective manufacturers. | | | | "They're game-changers for brands trying to |
| | | | redefine themselves," he added. |
| In reality, these vehicles are just becoming | | | | |
| popular among car buyers and the larger | | | | The disparity between sales of these fuel |
| vehicles produced by General Motors, Ford and | | | | efficient vehicles compared to large vehicles |
| Chrysler are still their best selling models. | | | | is still great though. According to data |
| These fuel efficient vehicles show the way | | | | provided by General Motors, they have sold |
| for the future of auto production for the Big | | | | 4,323 units of the Saturn Aura in April this |
| Three. The American car manufacturers have | | | | year, complete with its standard features and |
| been criticized for not coming up with such | | | | is made easily available with Saturn roof |
| vehicles as the price of gasoline continue to | | | | racks. While the number of Auras sold for a |
| increase. The arrival of the Aura, Edge, and | | | | single month is respectable, it pales in |
| Wrangler Unlimited though shows that even | | | | comparison to the number of Chevrolet |
| Detroit is jumping on the bandwagon of | | | | Silverados which is reported to be at 49,436 |
| carmakers manufacturing fuel misers. | | | | units just for the month of April. |