U.S. auto stabilizes, while sales in China soar, says Plunkett Research

Plunkett Research, Ltd. has released its newest market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Automobile Industry Almanac, 2011 edition, which identifies and analyzes major trends shaping the automobile and truck industry.

"China will be the big story in the automobile industry for the next 10 years”

According to Jack W. Plunkett, CEO of Plunkett Research, Ltd., “The U.S. car and light truck market should total 11 to 11.5 million units in 2010, showing a bit of growth over 2009 without the need of last year’s cash for clunkers boost.”

Major trends affecting the Automobile and Truck Industry analyzed in Plunkett’s report include:

    * Global competition heats up among U.S., German, Japanese and Korean car makers.
    * Fuel efficiency becomes a key selling element.
    * Hybrid cars gain market share.
    * Electric cars and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) will quickly gain popularity.
    * China becomes the world’s largest auto market and sales rise in India.
    * Rethinking SUVs – Small sedans and crossovers gain market share.

"China will be the big story in the automobile industry for the next 10 years,” said Jack Plunkett. “For one thing, by 2020 the market is likely to at least double from 2010’s 14 million units. Also, China is gearing up to be a major exporter of cars, including advanced electric models.”