| Which country makes up the largest segment of car | | | | years (some of this is obviously driven by the popular |
| buyers in the world? | | | | 36-month lease option available with most new cars). |
| You probably guessed it. The United States. With | | | | BusinessWeek Magazine reported that by 2010, the |
| 299,398,484 citizens (according to the U.S. Census | | | | demand for cars will continue to dominate in the U.S., |
| Bureau), coupled with a better-than-decent economy, | | | | but the country's car market growth will plateau at |
| it's not surprising. But analysts predict that while | | | | under 17 million. In essence, it already has. In 2000, the |
| demand for cars and trucks in the U.S. is unlikely to | | | | number of light vehicles registered in the country was |
| decrease, by 2025, the United States will no longer be | | | | 17.48 million. It dropped to 17.39 in 2001 and hasn't been |
| the largest car market in the world. | | | | able to hit the 17 million mark since. |
| Demand for automobiles has increased dramatically in | | | | On many levels, U.S. regulations and the expectations |
| countries like China as well as many other developing | | | | of American consumers dictate the products offered |
| countries and by 2009, the Asia Pacific region is likely | | | | by car manufacturers. For example, Isuzu's upgrades |
| to become the largest car market in the world. | | | | and superior safety features in their popular i-370 |
| Currently, Europe is the world's largest continental | | | | pickup truck reflect the desires of Americans to drive |
| market. | | | | high-quality, safe vehicles. While some of these |
| Indicators predict, however, that before the end of the | | | | enhanced safety features aren't required by law, |
| decade, the Asia Pacific region's demand for light | | | | manufacturers add them to make their products more |
| vehicles will hit the 23 million mark - higher than ever | | | | competitive in the U.S. Will consumers in Asia demand |
| before. With steadily rising incomes in Asia as well as | | | | the same? It's unlikely it will matter whether they will or |
| India, a whole new group of first-time vehicle owners is | | | | not. The global car market will never be able to ignore |
| emerging. Americans and Canadians have already | | | | the demands of the American consumer who will |
| topped out in this regard, leaving these developing | | | | continue to wield the greatest spending power. |
| countries to be the forces that drive the future global | | | | Foreign car manufacturers rely on a segment of the |
| market, according to spokespeople at JD Powers. | | | | U.S. car market. |
| How will this affect top sellers in the U.S. market? | | | | While that need may decrease over time, no company |
| Chances are, it won't. Americans will still drive their | | | | with a foothold in the U.S. is will be eager to give that |
| Isuzu Ascenders and their Ford Focuses. A thriving | | | | up. Nearly every automotive trend to date has roots |
| U.S. economy, as well as affordable lease options and | | | | tightly gripped in American soil. From the surge in |
| payment structures, will keep Americans buying and | | | | popularity of the SUV, to the desire for "green" cars |
| buying often. With a median household income of over | | | | and hybrids, to the pickup truck iconic of Middle |
| $46,000, Americans can afford to purchase or lease a | | | | America, the U.S. will be a major player in foreign and |
| new vehicle on average, approximately every four | | | | domestic car sales for a long time to come. |