One of the dramas that’s played out in America over the last year has been the rise and fall of U.S. automakers — in this case, I’m thinking of cars, trucks, SUVs, and every sort of vehicle in between, but I’ll use “automakers” for them all.
It seems car and truck marketing doesn’t always bend with the changing winds of public opinion. Not all U.S. automakers “get it” that they need to make hybrids and/or other more environmentally friendly vehicles. Take a look at the “Big Three” (GM, Chrysler, and Ford) and you’ll see that at least one of ‘em never got the message — Dodge Ram trucks still glory in ripping around in the mud, chewing up the landscape, and hyping their power image.
To some extent, all truck manufacturers hype the “toughness” and durability of their vehicles. After all, many of them are used by contractors, builders, and others who need power and performance to haul loads. But still, there are millions of buyers who won’t even carry lunch in their trucks, much less tons of “payload.” If you don’t believe me, look at some of the Ford truck marketing, for example. When they market their trucks, they emphasize such truck accessories as iPod and laptop computer connections. Not exactly what you’d expect on the rugged stuff Dodge sells.
For the most part, U.S. automakers have gotten the message — they MUST improve vehicle mileage and even make a stab at being more “environmentally friendly” if they wish to stay competitive in our changing social and political climate. Or at least I think so?