If you belong to a middle-income household and are in need of a car, be it your first or second, a great used car is the appropriate choice for you. The market for high quality used cars has increased tremendously over the last few years and with the prevailing economic conditions the world over, this couldn’t be a better time to invest in an operationally sound second hand car be it a Honda or a Suzuki.
Finding a great car within a budget that suits you and does not add unnecessary pressure is one of the greatest advantages of buying a used car. There’s hundreds of cars available within your price range and with a little research you can find one that’s in tip-top condition. If you’re a car enthusiast you can examine the car for flaws and problems. If not, take some along with you who can properly evaluate the car’s condition. Take it for a test run and see it its really as good as the owner or dealer says it is.
Used cars also depreciate less over time as a percentage of the purchase price. New car prices drop rapidly after the first year or two and the money lost in selling a newly purchase car is far more in percentage terms. In addition, an increase in demand of used cars also means that prices are less likely to drop unexpectedly in time of economic hardship.
Auto insurance is one of the regular costs incurred in maintaining a car and can be a substantial amount depending on the car you use. Used cars, due to their market price, have lower insurance premiums. In fact, if you’re buying a second car, you can ask your existing insurance company for an additional volume discount, allowing you to save even more money. Remember, the older the car, the lower the price and hence, insurance payments.
If you’re not to rigid on buying new parts and your car is of an older model, used spare parts can work out to be pretty cheap as well. Keep in mind that this may prove to be the opposite in case of used cars that are more than a decade old. Carefully consider the availability of used spares for your car before committing to buy.
Used cars have become more abundant and easier to find than ever before. Popular newspapers and online classifieds are great sources to locate good deals on used cars. Advanced search features allow you to use price as a primary filter to view cars that fall within your budget. Other options exist to further refine your search by make, model, year of manufacture and other features and key specifications.
In all, used cars are perfect not only as second family cars, but also for an opportunity to save cash. With economic outcomes becoming unpredictable and volatile, its far better to save your money for a rainy day than blowing it on a new car. And if social acceptability is an issue, you’re far better off leading a comparatively stress free life with low monthly payments than worrying about what friends and family might say.
About the Author:
Dave Nolton runs a successful HR Consultancy firm and helps hundreds of applicants to successfully locate and secure jobs in Pakistan using popular printed media and free classifieds.
How many times have you driven by a car dealership to find salespeople huddled or lined up by the showroom door like vultures waiting to pounce on the next customer?
In today’s market, spending has significantly decreased, and dealerships must be more proactive in creating a maximized sales environment and managing sales activity if they want to sell more cars and generate profit.
On top of this current problem affecting auto sales, in-store traffic is at an all time low, as many that need to purchase a vehicle do the majority of their research and kicking of the tires online to determine what they want and can afford, and then call the dealership, rather than browse the showroom like the good old days. Read more of this post
Automobile production has grown from an industry of small companies that made simple carriages to the international corporations that now mass-produce advanced and reliable automobiles across the globe. Innovations and changes in any industry take time to hold ground, require the participation of the consumers, and have to deal with the government regulations. New technologies can be applied to one area at a time and the practical implementation requires many processes. As regards the auto industry, any part or a new component for its full development may take a long time. Processing may involve years to incorporate new concepts into a practical use-able model. Time is required for multiple reasons such as, for designing, building and even for installation of production tools and then testing the new systems using mock ups. In preproduction vehicles to see what happens to overall performance, it takes additional time to monitor the pros and cons of the product.
Automobile companies and corporations are focusing and responding to the many sectors of this industry in quite an effective manner. The emerging fuel-consumption and air-quality demands are on the rise and need innovations. Diesel engines, catalytic converters, electronic fuel injection, turbochargers, high-strength steels, aerodynamic bodies, front-wheel drive, and other technologies are introduced to cut and maintain operating costs. Industry developments of the late 1990′s focused on joint international ventures among the strongest companies and global expansion into new markets. Globalization has made it increasingly difficult to identify an automobile as the product of one company or country. At the beginning of the 21st century, the trends of global manufacturing changed with new technological methods. Computerized auto designs are producing splendid results and the search for alternative fuels and more efficient automobile designs is a subject of hot pursuit.
In the auto industry, researchers analyze market trends, consumer surveys, and buying patterns to determine what consumers want, and then suggest what kinds of cars to make. Before a new car is built, it must be researched, designed, and developed into a workable product. The designers work to shape new ideas into tangible parts or products. Engineers adapt existing parts for the new model and draw up new plans for a custom-built working example of a new design and so manufacturers build a few prototypes before they set up a factory to build the new car. Product planners monitor the process along the way and make sure that an approved new car program finishes on time and more over within its permissible budget. However, technology is still moving at a great pace and microelectronics seems fully incorporated in the future automobiles and may become as commonplace as radios once were. On-board systems are becoming available that enable drivers to find destinations through voice-activated navigation or make cellular calls using the computer. These computers can access the Global Positioning System or GPS and display maps to help drivers avoid congested freeways and find better routes to destinations.
In the future vehicles will be made of different materials such as improved plastics or composites that will reduce car weight, provide fuel economy, allow smoother surfaces and shapes that are more complex, better management, easy controls and safety in cases of crash.
What can we learn about the cash-for-clunker program?
Now that the cash-for-clunkers program is over, auto dealers and consumers alike can get a snap shot of the automobile industry. According to the Department of Transportation, there were over 690,114 new car sales at a taxpayer cost of $2.88 billion.
Here is a breakdown of the sales:
1. Toyota 19.4%
2. General Motors 17.6%
3. Ford 14.4%
4. Honda 13.0%
5. Nissan 8.7%
6. Hyundai 7.2%
7. Chrysler 6.6%
8. Kia 4.3%
9. Subaru 2.5%
10. Mazda 2.4%
11. Volkswagen 2.0%
12. Suzuki 0.6%
13. Mitsubishi 0.5%
14. MINI 0.4%
15. Smart 0.2%
16. Volvo 0.1%
17. All Other 0.1%
Source: Department of Transportation
This data mirrors last year’s trends, with Toyota overtaking General Motors in sales. Why do more people prefer Toyota over other brands? The perception of reliability which can save money for the life of the car, smoothness and comfort are also rated higher then other makes. Both of these contribute to higher resale values. Although Toyota has had to recall over 9 million vehicles in the last three years, these numbers have not clouded the public’s perception of reliability. In addition, Toyota has opened factories in the United States and improved its image as a contributor to American jobs, manufacturing approximately half of its product in the United States.
While other manufacturers have caught up to Toyota’s overall reliability, performance and fuel efficiency, Toyota has been investing in technology, its employees, and products for many years. The argument can be made that the company is sitting pretty not necessarily just by its own merit alone but with substantial help from the Japanese government. Whether through its public social policies which pay for health and retirement care or through a trade deficit with the U.S. government and other Japanese government subsidies; American auto manufacturers have been at a clear disadvantage. On the other hand, there is an inherent cultural bias toward American products that Toyota and other foreign automakers have had to overcome. Others fault the auto manufacturers for bad management and unsustainable union contracts, as well as a limited vision about future trends to be the contributors to giving up the number one spot to Toyota. Most likely all of these are contributors. Source: Business Week.
Another way to determine consumer trends using data from the cash-for-clunkers program is to examine what types of vehicles were traded in for new cars:
1. 1998 Ford Explorer
2. 1997 Ford Explorer
3. 1996 Ford Explorer
4. 1999 Ford Explorer
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
6. Jeep Cherokee
7. 1995 Ford Explorer
8. 1994 Ford Explorer
9. 1997 Ford Windstar
10. 1999 Dodge Caravan
Source: Department of Transportation
Clearly, consumers were trading in their SUVs for more efficient fuel vehicles. While the purpose of the program was to stimulate the suffering auto industry and to take gas guzzlers off the roads; contributing to a cleaner environment and less dependency on foreign oil, the times they are a changing.
The top ten vehicles sold under the cash-for-clunkers program appear to be:
1. Toyota Corolla
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Ford Focus FWD
5. Hyundai Elantra
6. Nissan Versa
7. Toyota Prius
8. Honda Accord
9. Honda Fit
10. Ford Escape FWD
Source: Department of Transportation
The Perfect Cultural Storm
It is generally agreed by credible economic forecasters that while there have been upticks in the recession measures, at its worst, it is going to be a jobless recovery and at the very least, consumer spending is going to be conservative for a while. The extravagant spending of the past have come to an end, as baby boomers face delaying retirement, and inflation worries abound.
Current economic, political, and technological trends affect cultural trends. So while for the most part living was good during most of the last two decades, the long term effects of the recession will shape new cultural values.
Environmentalism has been that new cultural trend and it has reached the masses. Protection and conservation in fact make perfect bedfellows with the conservative spending habits of the new consumer. The two are like the perfect storm that is moving society in a new direction.
Consider this, according to Harris Interactive data, the trends show that every year there is an increase in the amount of people that consider themselves vegetarian. The Vegetarian Resource Group estimates that 30-40 percent of the country’s consumers are a good market for meatless items. According to the Center for Disease Control, one out of every 200 American children is a vegetarian and the number is expected to climb. Vegetarians often cite conservation of the environment such as fossils fuels and social responsibility in addition to healthy lifestyle as the main reasons for dietary choices.
New terminology reflects changing cultural values; with the global footprint, environmental justice, social responsibility, green jobs and sustainability are just a few examples of environmentally friendly terms as part of our everyday lingo.
The IRS reports that the environmental movement expanded in number of organizations, members, and in total revenues almost every year since 1960. Currently there are more than 26,000 environmental and conservation organizations – 8,000 of which had revenues of $25,000 or more. Source: Urban Institute
Certainly, most auto manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon. In a recent poll, a majority of new car buyers reported that they pay attention to the environmental stance of car manufacturers when they are considering a vehicle purchase. In addition, Toyota and Honda tied with over 35% of those surveyed among the most environmentally conscious auto manufacturers. Again, perception rather then reality may be at play here since Toyota along with other leading auto manufacturers teamed up to oppose recent CAFE legislation that will increase fuel efficiency by 40 percent to an industry average of 35 mpg by 2020 from 25 mpg. Source: BuyingAdvice.com
In a major study that involved over 2,000 adults, BBMG Consumer Report found that “nearly nine in ten Americans say the words “conscious consumer” describe them well and are more likely to buy from companies that manufacture energy efficient products (90%), promote health and safety benefits (88%), support fair labor and trade practices (87%) and commit to environmentally-friendly practices (87%), if products are of equal quality and price.” Furthermore, they found that there are five core values that motivate today’s consumers: health and safety, honesty, convenience, relationships and doing good. The report concluded that companies that capture trust, self-centered consciousness, and sustainability as a journey in their marketing campaigns will be more successful in capturing consumer spending.
According to Earth Advertising: “the most heavily populated environmentally conscious consumer group consists of people gravely concerned about their own health and that of their family.”
What does this mean to local auto dealers?
While auto dealers all across the country have seen a significant increase in traffic at their showroom during the cash-for-clunker period, most expect a significant decrease as we head toward the winter months. There appears to be a trend to environmental and fuel efficient vehicles resulting from government design as well as recession and inflation fears. Consumers are becoming both socially conscious and conservative in their consumer behaviors.
Some foreign auto manufacturers, especially Toyota and certainly Honda and to a certain extent Volvo among others have been steadfastly working toward environmentally and socially conscious, safe and reliable vehicles. While American auto manufacturers have caught up and may even rival their foreign competitors when it comes to reliability, efficiency, and socially conscious products and practices, nevertheless, perception among the public may indicate otherwise.
As consumers become more conservative and socially conscious, it will become more important for auto dealers to promote themselves in such a way that includes the change in values that reflect consumer behaviors. For example, auto dealers are often solicited for financial donations from local community organizations and civic groups. By incorporating “good works” with “honesty” and “convenience” - into marketing campaigns rather then just focusing on “deals” and “specials” – the dealer can build a “community relationship” that will most likely motivate consumers to shop local.
Concern for one’s local community over global welfare can be used to capture and maintain local consumer support. We are already seeing these trends with other industries in which local products are preferred over global merchandise even if the cost is higher, consumers are willing to spend more in exchange for socially conscious feelings of doing good.
The combination of these strategies will ensure that various degrees of the social consumer are met. BBMG further profiles four different types of consumers:
“Enlightened consumers (10%) are the most driven by their values when making purchasing decisions and will go out of their way to reward companies who align with their social goals. Aspirationals (20%) are more likely to balance their ideals with convenience and often switch between social concerns, availability and price when making purchasing decisions. Practicals (30%) are looking for convenience and prioritize products based on price, quality and energy efficiency. Indifferents (40%) are the least motivated by social concerns and prioritize price, quality, convenience and products manufactured in the United States.” Source: BBMG
Auto dealers that market their good works of social responsibility, offer transparency in pricing, focus on a convenient shopping experience and promote a message that involves the dealer as a significant contributor to the local labor market and economy will reach all of the segments of the new consumer as defined by BBMG.
Auto dealerships will be wise to develop their own identities that can be both inclusive and exclusive of the makes and models that they sell. Becoming energy independent through the use of solar panels or printing brochures on recycled paper, using recycled products to remodel store, hosting green workshops or sponsoring socially responsible events and promoting these efforts can go a long way in attracting the new kind of consumer. Recognizing employees for their socially responsible behaviors within and outside of the workplace can increase employee productivity and morale.
New trends bring with them new business practices and strategies. A new non-profit organization called B Lab has created what it calls the B Corporation certification (b stands for beneficial) in which the focus is on certifying companies that are “purpose-driven and create benefit not only for shareholders, but for employees, the community, and the environment.”
It is clear that unethical business practices are seen as contributors to one of the worst economic periods since the depression, fears about the environment are changing values about conservation and sustainability, and irresponsible conspicuous consumption among consumers have all come together to form a new type of cultural movement in which social responsibility is a new way of doing business. While some corporations and businesses have foreseen this movement sooner then others, the good news is that it is easy to get on board.
Using social media marketing such as blogs, websites, twitter, facebook, linkd, digg among others ensures that one’s marketing plan and strategies reach a wide audience in a cost effective way.
The auto franchise state laws that were secured by the car dealer industry 60 years ago to keep the manufacturers out of retail are now being used to drive the dealers themselves out of business.
The National Automobile Dealers Association estimates that about 100,000 jobs may be lost as a result of reorganization efforts by Chrysler and General Motors alone.
Both domestic and foreign auto manufacturers have been chomping at the downsizing of dealers long before the recession was on anyone’s radar. This process of reorganization is a sad state of affairs for countless of industries, businesses and communities connected to the auto industry contributing to a slower economic recovery in general.
The goal is that both the manufacturing and retail side of the auto industry will be in a position of strength and greater profitability. While the franchising laws for the most part were a win-win situation for both sides, the economic relationship may be overdue for a new business model.
The relationship between internet usage and vehicle purchases have consistently increased over the last decade and have now become part of the car buying experience. Auto manufacturers, dealerships and the auto industry in general have accepted this reality and incorporated the internet and related technology as part of their marketing and advertising efforts. Some of these business entities have embraced the power of the world wide web, while others are struggling to keep up with the constant upgrades, developments and latest trends. Becoming aware of internet behavior of auto buyers is important in developing and maintaining cost effective and money making marketing strategies.
Billions of dollars are spent on website development and maintenance, software, tools, gadgets, widgets, search engine optimization, social networking, on and on. This does not take into account time spent trying to figure out what works and more importantly, what does not work. Spend only a couple of hours online reading blogs and forums about online marketing and one quickly figures out that even the so called “experts” disagree and sometimes just can’t keep up themselves with the warp speed of technological developments, whims and algorithms of online corporate giants.
There is one way to tame the wild west of the online world and that is to become familiar with research findings regarding internet behavior of auto buyers. Being armed with this valuable knowledge will enable car related businesses such as auto dealers, insurance agents, lenders, and after market retailers to tailor not only their advertising budgets but time spent on understanding the multitude of marketing services. Here are some key findings and discussion about the data.
Research Findings
JD Power and Associates conducts annual surveys to measure online usage of auto buyers. In 2008, JD Power and Associates found that 75% of the public spend on the average close to seven hours on the internet when making a new vehicle purchase. They also found that consumers focused on three types of websites for information.
1. Third party auto websites were used for referrals and recommendations.
2. Auto manufacturing websites were used for product information.
3. Auto dealer websites were used to search for inventory. (source: theautochannelnews)
This same trend is also seen when it comes to used car purchases and other auto related servies such as insurance and loans.
Web Rides TV in 2008 conducted a survey of their users titled “User Attitudes Toward Cars and Automotive Content” which found that consumers were most likely to turn to third party reviews over other information sources when it came to auto products. The findings showed that there was a decrease in using auto manufacturer websites as a primary source in one’s decision making (source: emdiawire).
Another interesting statistic is the amount of time the average consumer takes to make a vehicle purchase. According to a study by Kelly Blue Book, these figures range anywhere from six months or longer to less than a month. Embedded within this time frame are the different stages of decision making. In the same study, Kelly Blue Book found three groups of car buyers:
1. “Just looking” group consisted of consumers planning to make a purchase within a two to six month range
2. “Ready but undecided” group consisted of consumers planning to make a purchase within one month and
3. “Ready and decided” group consisted of consumers planning to make a purchase within one week
Kelly Blue Book concluded that “vehicle shoppers look to the third-party sites as a relevant and necessary source of objective information that spans across all makes and models. While consumers seek information and opinions, what they really come to the third-party sites for is confidence– that they are making a good choice, that they won’t have ‘buyers’ remorse’ after their purchase, that they won’t pay too much, that they are buying a safe vehicle, that they have weighed all their options” (source:imediaconnection).
Keynote Systems, a company that studies attitudes and behaviors on the internet, found that auto buyers prefered to conduct research about vehicle capabilities over price comparisons. In fact they found that price comparison ranked the lowest in online satisfaction. In addition, only 20% of participants in this particular study reported a willingness to request an online quote. Frustration over uncertainty about the end user of submitted information was a main concern of the 80% of respondents who declined an auto quote request (source: Keynote Systems).
Comscore, another company that measures consumer behavior and attitudes conducted the first study of blog readers back in 2005. While this study is now dated, we can assume that blog usage is even more influential today due to their growing popularity. One of their key findings were demographics of the average blog reader. Blog readers tended to have above average incomes, shopped online, and spend almost twice as much time online over regular internet users. “The fact that we found 30 percent of the online population to have visited blogs clearly underscores the commercial importance of consumer generated and driven media” (source: comscore.com).
Looking toward the future in trying to predict trends on the horizon, KRC Research and Microsoft conducted a study that focused on the “millennial generation.” The eldest of the millennials are now becoming established in their professions making them a sought after consumer. Who are these millennials? Consider these statistics:
“Millennials are born from 1982 to 2003. They are the largest generation in U.S. history; they are also the most ethnically diverse generation. Forty percent are African-American, Asian, Latino or mixed race. One in five has an immigrant parent. There’s a million more Millennials than boomers. Though no more Millennials are being born, some are immigrating, so the generation keeps getting bigger. Boomers are leaving us and Millennials are still gaining in size” (source: Mercury News).
This generation has already transformed our society. If you doubt their awesome power just ponder the immense popularity of social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. The millennials do not know life without the cell phone, internet or MP3s. We can predict that their social behaviors will carry over to consumer behaviors. Microsoft found that this group of consumers want an interactive online shopping experience. This includes interaction through blogs, instant messaging, and social networks. While over 90% still want to visit a showroom in person, once there they expect an automated rather then in-person experience. Additionally, “large percentages of millennials were open to seek advice from third-party consumer website (65 percent), third-party consumer blogs (45 percent), friends or colleagues via social networking sites (61 percent), and friends and family (87 percent).” (source: CXO Today).
Discussion
In examining the above findings, we can see a few patterns emerge. Whether due to the overwhelming presence of the internet in our daily lives or current economic conditions, the traditional print media is fading and may even become extinct in the not so distant future. An overwhelming percentage of consumers rely on a combination of online resources for information. This means that auto dealers who network with a variety of websites can expect positive returns since the data shows a trend toward third party websites.
The data also suggests that instead of spending resources on third party sales leads, dealerships might focus on developing technology that captures sales leads from their own websites since consumers find third party quotes less then trustworthy and actually visit dealer websites to find inventory.
Another significant trend is the emergence of social networking through a variety of online tools. As more millennials come of age, this trend will quickly become a norm in the world of business and sales. One of the greatest advantages of social networking websites and business blogs is that they are free and easy to start. However, this is also the downside for companies. Trying to keep up with maintaining blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Squidoo, Digg, Youtube, wikis, and one’s own website is overwhelming to say the least.
Marketing Strategies
With all of this in mind, it is clear that auto dealers must have an online strategy that takes into account internet behaviors of auto buyers. Through the analysis of the above influential studies, one can use the data to develop effective marketing strategies. Using Kelly Blue Book’s stages of decision making can also be helpful in targeting specific groups of consumers:
1. Just Looking – since this consumer has no immediate plans to make a purchase, this group will most likely not be interested in viewing the dealer’s website. They are however most likely seeking information and conducting research on makes, models, and options. Older consumers are more likely to want to read (blogs) and younger consumers are more like want to view (videos).
2. Ready But Not Decided – This consumer is actively seeking referrals and recommendations. They have their antenna up for reviews on makes and models and are asking questions. Older consumers are more likely to interact in forums (blogs) and younger consumers are more likely to twit (twitter, facebook). Both age groups are also seeking information from third party websites.
3. Ready and Decided – This consumer is ready to make a purchase. They are actively searching for dealerships that offer their chosen make and model. This group will go back to third party websites, online directories and search engines. Once they find a number of dealerships, consumers in this stage will then visit these dealers’ websites to view inventories. Car dealers should have a reliable system in capturing visitors and use live chat software to satisfy the need for instant messaging behaviors of the millennial generation.
Car dealers and other auto related businesses measure the effectiveness of advertising strategies through sales and leads. However one thing to keep in mind is that leads and sales only come once the consumer is in the third stage of decision making. By not investing in websites that capture the “Just Looking” and “Undecided” groups, one ends up with a shortsighted strategy. According to a study conducted by cars.com and Synovate in 2008, “”tracking email and phone leads alone gives dealers an incomplete picture of how their internet initiatives perform” and “one-third of car buyers cited independent websites as a significant influencer affecting their decision to visit a dealership.” The study also found that a third of these consumers do not contact dealers prior to visiting showrooms (source: cars.com).
Furthermore, investing and networking with third party websites also has a hidden advantage. Investing in a multitude of third party websites that publish links to dealer’s website will increase that dealer’s search engine rank. This becomes immensely valuable when the consumer is ready to make the purchase in stage three. The rule is to get as many different websites to link to dealer’s website. Even if the third party website may not necessarily be the perfect fit for targeted audience, links play an important role in search engine ranking.
Blogs definitely are also valuable because they serve as an important source for education and information. Posts are usually set up with forums allowing visitors to comment and ask questions. An ideal situation would be to create multi-blogs with different URL’s (different website locations and names) all linked to the dealer’s main website. This increases one’s presence on the internet, improving one’s ranking with search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing as well as increasing the odds that a consumer will find the dealership. Creating multiple blogs is a much more cost effective method compared to microsites. Microsites are generally used for the same purpose, come with contracts and have significantly higher fees that when compared to blogs seem unrealistic. Automotive consultants advise that “every dealership should have one or more business blog focusing on current dealership happenings, service specials, seasonal car care tips, car buying tips, customer testimonals and highlighted inventory” (Paul Rushing).
Blogs and multi-blogs are a cost effective marketing strategy although very time consuming. Many entities start blogs but quickly abandon efforts because one has to make regular updates. Anywhere between 60% to 80% of blogs are abonded within one month of creation (source: Caslon Analytics). Software exists that automatically generates multiple blogs, but search engines recognize this as “splogs” which are frowned upon like spamming is in the world of e-mail. Multi-blogs have to be maintained by humans.
Analyzing internet behavior of auto buyers is imperative in today’s economy because this knowledge goes a long way in saving valuable advertising and marketing monies and increasing sales.
All About Cars Onlineincludes detailed information, links and articles for consumers who are in the research stages of purchase. The website includes links to all auto manufacturers, nonbiased reviews, consumer rating reports, government data, purchasing tips and much more. Dealer contacts and recommended referrals to dealerships are useful to consumers who are in the final stage of vehicle purchase. The website does does not generate sales leads to protect the privacy of its users but rather directs consumers to selected reputable dealer websites.
If you belong to a middle-income household and are in need of a car, be it your first or second, a great used car is the appropriate choice for you. The market for high quality used cars has increased tremendously over the last few years and with the prevailing economic conditions the world over, this couldn’t be a better time to invest in an operationally sound second hand car be it a Honda or a Suzuki.
How many times have you driven by a 
The National Automobile Dealers Association estimates that about 100,000 jobs may be lost as a result of reorganization efforts by Chrysler and General Motors alone.
The relationship between internet usage and 
