Automotive Trucks information on net.

Talk about stating the obvious. According to a recent study From the automotive record keepers at the Polk Company, light trucks are popular among Baby Boomers. Really? We hadn't noticed. We were too busy trying to see around the line of tall vehicles in Front of us. But at least now we have a better idea of how old these people are.

The Polk numbers show light trucks accounting for nearly 40% of all new vehicle registrations in 2000, divided almost evenly between SUVs and pickups (19% and 18% respectively]. Among Baby Boomers (those 35-54 years old], light trucks were even more popular, taking 43.6% of their purchases, with SUVs taking 23.6% of sales.

What does it all mean? Well, Polk says it expects the popularity of these vehicles to rise with Boomers because they are reportedly looking for a vehicle capable of transporting children to their various activities, and that have family-oriented convenience and comfort items as part of the package. In addition, Folk researches say members of this wealthy subset will demand more luxury, comfort and convenience, especially in the emerging crossover market.

This could explain recent auto show concepts like Infiniti's FX-45 (reportedly based on the replacement for the Nissan Skyline GT), Cadillac, Vizon, GMC Terracross and others. They are understandable in light of the 23.7% increase in luxury SUV sales during the first nine months of 2000, but will they continue to be if the downturn gets ugly or automotive fashion shifts? Still, with the cash-flush Baby Boomers buying nearly 70% of all luxury SUVs, this focus seems to make some sense From the OEM's standpoint.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:51 AM