Lawmakers are still looking for a compromise between competing cash for clunkers bills in Congress. Democrats met with President Obama but Sen. Dianne Feinstein said she can't support the compromise because environmental issues are not addressed. She says the pending compromise favors the automakers.
Many dealers, some on the extermination lists at GM and Chrysler, express appreciation for the newly-formed Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Alliance (POADA, a new business alliance focused on helping dealers who principally sell pre-owned vehicles. More information on POADA may be obtained through its Web site www.poada.biz.
Nineteen cars and SUVs sold as well or better in the US for April 2009 as in April 2008. This included a wide range of models including at least one from all three US automakers. Full-size pickups and SUVs continue to sell for those needing them for work.
Ford is preparing to introduce a new commercial van to the U.S. market, the Ford Transit Connect. The Transit Connect has been part of Ford's commercial vehicle portfolio in Europe. The target market in this county is small business. The automaker is planning a series of test drive events in major markets and one-on-one meetings.