Auto Industry Rolls On Big In 2012

The automotive sector continues to defy most conventional wisdom, larger economic forces and widely predicted demographic trends.

While the general economic recovery is still fragile, March vehicle sales reports showed industry wide increases — and standout sales spikes of 30 percent for Chrysler and Volkswagen — with record results for Nissan, Hyundai and Kia.

And while steady sales growth in the mid-section of the market with an emphasis on practical values and fuel efficiency continues, consumers are cautious about new technologies like hybrids and electrics where the payback has fallen short… even with incentives and subsidies.

Tight little conventional gas powered models like the Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Chevy Sonic with mileage in the mid to upper 30 mpg range for under $20,000 are giving consumers plenty of bang for their bucks. And the VW Jetta TDI diesel continues to be an astoundingly smart buy!

At the high end of the market there is no logic! Last month at the Geneva Motor Show a $2.7 million Lamborghini Aventador J was presented with great fanfare. This 700 horsepower two-seater stripped of its roof, windshield and air conditioning system, is a version of the standard LP-700 which sells for a mere $387,000.