Interesting little tidbit from AutoRemarketing.com, the used car industry's trade publication: A study from Virginia Commonwealth University suggests that the domestic automakers' slumping market share since 1996 has been caused primarily by a lack of new-product launches.
It all makes sense when you think about it. I've been covering the new car industry steadily since 2002 and the used car industry for about two years. People want to buy the hot thing - even if it's a used car three or four years old. As long as the car was hot when it first came out (and stayed so for at least a year), its used car sales are going to be strong.
Think back over the last five years. I'd say you could count on two hands the number of new cars and trucks introduced - and I mean really new and not refreshed - from the domestic manufacturers that have generated true excitement. Heck, I think I'm being generous at 10 - and the F150 pictured above is one of the 10.
Let me know what you think by commenting. Has the domestic market lost share over the last 13 years because it's not coming up with sufficiently exciting product?