In my daily investigative online reading, I came across a story that almost seems too far-fetched to be true. Dealers across the country are literally selling out of a vehicle model. Certainly, this would be rare for any domestic automaker, except for brand-new, just-introduced models. What made the story even more remarkable, is that the vehicles that are flying off dealer lots faster than the factory can produce them is not an exotic sports car or headline-grabbing retro revival.
In my daily investigative online reading, I came across a story that almost seems too far-fetched to be true. Dealers across the country are literally selling out of a vehicle model. Certainly, this would be rare for any domestic automaker, except for brand-new, just-introduced models. What made the story even more remarkable, is that the vehicles that are flying off dealer lots faster than the factory can produce them is not an exotic sports car or headline-grabbing retro revival.The vehicle in question is the humble Hyundai Accent. The three-door version at that. This is strictly basic transportation. But even this model is equipped with power windows and is available with XM Satellite radio. If there’s one thing Hyundai has learned about Americans, it’s that they love bargains and bang-for-the-buck. Just look at the explosive proliferation of Wal-Marts and Targets across suburbia. Bottom-feeders like the Accent are normally the loss-leaders that dealers have to resort to rebates or incentives to move off the lot. But even without the help of any financing spiffs, these cars are flying off dealer lots. Part of the problem is a production shortage in Korea, further exacerbated by a labor strike.
I’m sure the last sentiment that Detroit feels for Hyundai right now is sympathy. How many of them would love to have this same problem? Well, Ford in particular has plenty of modern, attractive products in its global portfolio that could help turn the tide for them. Case in point: Europe has a fresh, new Focus, while we’re stuck with an 8 year-old leftover. GM finally seems to “get it” and is essentially making Saturn their North American Opel outlet. Being overly-reliant on overseas research & development is an entirely different subject, but I say don’t be afraid to pick a winner, wherever it hails from. I hope we see similar headlines in the not-too-distant future for our hometown boys, too.
In my daily investigative online reading, I came across a story that almost seems too far-fetched to be true. Dealers across the country are literally selling out of a vehicle model. Certainly, this would be rare for any domestic automaker, except for brand-new, just-introduced models. What made the story even more remarkable, is that the vehicles that are flying off dealer lots faster than the factory can produce them is not an exotic sports car or headline-grabbing retro revival.The vehicle in question is the humble Hyundai Accent. The three-door version at that. This is strictly basic transportation. But even this model is equipped with power windows and is available with XM Satellite radio. If there’s one thing Hyundai has learned about Americans, it’s that they love bargains and bang-for-the-buck. Just look at the explosive proliferation of Wal-Marts and Targets across suburbia. Bottom-feeders like the Accent are normally the loss-leaders that dealers have to resort to rebates or incentives to move off the lot. But even without the help of any financing spiffs, these cars are flying off dealer lots. Part of the problem is a production shortage in Korea, further exacerbated by a labor strike.
I’m sure the last sentiment that Detroit feels for Hyundai right now is sympathy. How many of them would love to have this same problem? Well, Ford in particular has plenty of modern, attractive products in its global portfolio that could help turn the tide for them. Case in point: Europe has a fresh, new Focus, while we’re stuck with an 8 year-old leftover. GM finally seems to “get it” and is essentially making Saturn their North American Opel outlet. Being overly-reliant on overseas research & development is an entirely different subject, but I say don’t be afraid to pick a winner, wherever it hails from. I hope we see similar headlines in the not-too-distant future for our hometown boys, too.
