December Sales Numbers Are In

lbrjet wrote:

monkey44 wrote:

lbrjet wrote:
The Ecoboost is a huge winner for Ford. Mind boggling that GM didn't at least match the technology with their new truck line. The sales numbers show GM's huge mistake. Ram has been slowly taking some of GM's clients for a few years straight now. A trend that will continue IMO. Innovation sells.

I'm curious how you know Ram has taken GM customers? Did you take a poll of who switched from GM to Ram when a new truck was sold?

Just because GM goes down a bit and Ram goes up a bit (any stat can mean anything you want) ... doesn't mean GM went to Ram.

GM buyers could have gone to Ford, and Ford buyers went to Ram ... OR, GM buyers went to Toyota, and a bunch kids right out of college bought Ram.

Lots of things make stats change - so, I'm wondering (seriously) if there is a way to measure which customers switched to a different manufacturer, and why they did it.

That could be a huge marketing (or engineering motivator) if a data company can actually get that data - Would not be surprised if the data is really available somehow ... every thing else seems to be.

You are correct there is no way to know who is going to who. The only thing that is clear is Ram is increasing market share and GM is decreasing.

Yes, there are data companies that track vehicle registrations and new/renewals for vehicles. They are very willing to sell their data, and charge even more to allow you to advertise the results. The auto companies can and do track the conquest and loyalty.

As for the technology of a turbo engine, GM has the same and better fuel economy of a V8 without the turbo. The tow rating is close. The new V6 from GM is fantastic for the majority of truck owners, without the complexity of a turbo. I drove one for 4 months. I towed a variety of trailers, and know that the truck was capable. The daily fuel economy was better than I expected. I managed 21-22 mpg weekly. My previous V8 vehicles averaged 18. The truck got better fuel economy than the GMC Acadia with the 3.6 I am driving now.

We will see how warranty costs also impact Ford in the future.

MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
starting to see a lot of 14 silverados and sierras around here. Have some friends that have already ordered 15 HD duramax trucks. Wonder how many ego boost customers will actually hang on to their trucks when out of warranty ?? Might see flood of used on market someday. Most friends I know who have one only have 30-50 thousand if that on them. Time will tell if the ecoboost fad will hold on long term. GM and ram just might get some back ???

So the theory is if the Ford owners trade in a 3-4 year old truck for a new one they are dumping it. I hope all the truck manufactures do well and maybe someday GM will find a fad that they can jump on.

Ive been a diehard Ford man for 30 years, and probably 2/3rds as many trucks. I just bought a new 2013 F350, and LOVE it over any prior truck Ive had. Every time I look at getting a new truck, I swear Ill look at GM and consider them. Well, I am so disgusted with the lack of good Ford service, Im almost ready to jump ship and look at GM. Of the four closest Ford dealerships, none offer good service. I never give Dodge a nod because I cant find anyone who I know that agrees the bodies are worth a hoot and thier cabs are too small for me... the B-pillar leans in to far for my shoulders. You heard it here first, but Im watching all of them. Getting to old to not be open-minded, and the older I get, I think they all make good trucks, its just a gamble if you get a lemon or if you just like one better than the other. Kind of getting sick of brand loyalist bashing others.

a long time chevy man and prior ford owner (no more!)-I am now a Ram Cummins convert-I am liking it more everyday!-whsk

monkey44 wrote:

lbrjet wrote:
The Ecoboost is a huge winner for Ford. Mind boggling that GM didn't at least match the technology with their new truck line. The sales numbers show GM's huge mistake. Ram has been slowly taking some of GM's clients for a few years straight now. A trend that will continue IMO. Innovation sells.

I'm curious how you know Ram has taken GM customers? Did you take a poll of who switched from GM to Ram when a new truck was sold?

Just because GM goes down a bit and Ram goes up a bit (any stat can mean anything you want) ... doesn't mean GM went to Ram.

GM buyers could have gone to Ford, and Ford buyers went to Ram ... OR, GM buyers went to Toyota, and a bunch kids right out of college bought Ram.

Lots of things make stats change - so, I'm wondering (seriously) if there is a way to measure which customers switched to a different manufacturer, and why they did it.

That could be a huge marketing (or engineering motivator) if a data company can actually get that data - Would not be surprised if the data is really available somehow ... every thing else seems to be.

You are correct there is no way to know who is going to who. The only thing that is clear is Ram is increasing market share and GM is decreasing.

thomasmnile wrote:

NJRVer wrote:


I read somewhere that the average vehicle on the road is 11+ years old.

Seems that a lot of people don't have a choice, it's time for a new vehicle.

CNBC did a report on vehicle sales numbers yesterday. RL Polk apparently tracks vehicle age based on registration data nationwide. The current average age is 11 years and Polk believes this figure will continue to hold true for the next several years. Good news for auto manufacturers, unless they are talking about me. I have a 14 year old Camry and a 9 year old Ram and have no interest in unloading either of 'em for a car payment! Love them 'pink slips'!! :B

I agree, about ten years unless an owner really has low mileage and good care. But usually either wear and tear, or new innovations trigger a buyer to upgrade to a new truck. In fact, my 2003 is getting to that point (211k miles) ... but then I look at prices and wonder if it's affordable, and actually worth that price.

Getting up toward $50k for a new truck well equipped. That's a bunch a cash. Makes me think how much repair and gas that $50k will buy.

Then again, comfort, mileage, dependability and just plain 'ride' starts making the old "want it" tickle us all.

I'm still waiting for a release on the Double Cab in the GMC - 2500HD ... The single cab, well, don't know why the single cab is available (price??) and no X-cab ... but then only the Crew Cab, which IMO makes a very long truck - I know, only a few inches, but the X-cab is plenty long but the storage is very necessary (and kids) ... so even that few inches longer means something. Plus, personally, that CC look turns me off, for some reason. CC always looks like a car with a bed on it.

starting to see a lot of 14 silverados and sierras around here. Have some friends that have already ordered 15 HD duramax trucks. Wonder how many ego boost customers will actually hang on to their trucks when out of warranty ?? Might see flood of used on market someday. Most friends I know who have one only have 30-50 thousand if that on them. Time will tell if the ecoboost fad will hold on long term. GM and ram just might get some back ???

lbrjet wrote:
The Ecoboost is a huge winner for Ford. Mind boggling that GM didn't at least match the technology with their new truck line. The sales numbers show GM's huge mistake. Ram has been slowly taking some of GM's clients for a few years straight now. A trend that will continue IMO. Innovation sells.

I'm curious how you know Ram has taken GM customers? Did you take a poll of who switched from GM to Ram when a new truck was sold?

Just because GM goes down a bit and Ram goes up a bit (any stat can mean anything you want) ... doesn't mean GM went to Ram.

GM buyers could have gone to Ford, and Ford buyers went to Ram ... OR, GM buyers went to Toyota, and a bunch kids right out of college bought Ram.

Lots of things make stats change - so, I'm wondering (seriously) if there is a way to measure which customers switched to a different manufacturer, and why they did it.

That could be a huge marketing (or engineering motivator) if a data company can actually get that data - Would not be surprised if the data is really available somehow ... every thing else seems to be.

travelnutz wrote:
Nothing's changed! For every one Dodge/Ram 1500-3500 pickup sold, more than 4 either GM or Ford 1500-3500 or 150-350 pickups were sold in the 2013 calendar year. More than a 4 to 1 ratio like it's been for over 50 years now. HO HUM!

Quite the optimistic view. Did you click the link and actually read it? Gm and Chevy do out sell RAM, but they are losing market share. Not that I think you will be logical and see the facts, but one can always try. Maybe your pom poms block the screen...

Sheeesh.... The Honda Ridgeline actually outsold the Nissan Titan last month. :E

Fred... I think the warning flag is up.