Auto & Auto Parts Industry Research Monitor 4th Quarter 2010

See how the auto industry performed during 4th Quarter 2010. Learn more about the future of the auto industry as well as GE's plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015.

Auto Industry Slow Growth, But Challenges Still Ahead

The current automobile industry is showing signs of growth, but still faces many economic obstacles. For instance, Western European sales were down nine percent and Japanese sales were down 30 percent year-to-year. However, North American sales have been strong, up 16 percent year-to-year - displaying a slow, but challenging growth within the auto industry.

Demand for Larger Vehicles Grow

Even with raising gas prices, crossover utility vehicles are leading growth in the total market as well as larger vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks. Surprisingly, smaller cars, which are generally more fuel-efficient, are losing market share as the economy begins to rebound.

Supply of Light Vehicles and Raw Materials

Reports also show that light vehicle pricing is firming up in recent months, although not as quickly as it did on a year-to-year basis. The auto industry is also seeing an increase in pricing for used cars due to a rise in equity value for trade-ins and support for new car value comparisons.

Overall, industry average incentive spending by manufacturers has fallen nine percent year-to-year.

The Future of the Auto Industry

Learn more about the future of the auto industry as well as GE's plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 by downloading GE's Auto and Auto Parts Industry Research Monitor.