Although they have been making cars for nearly ninety years, Audi only recently entered the luxury car market. The now famous German automaker began by building racecars in 1921. They did quite well as a niche player in the competitive European market. But they were always overshadowed by their German peers, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Even so, they offered an early line of luxury cars that included several engineering innovations. To the surprise of most industry insiders, Audi was the first European carmaker to produce a vehicle with a six-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Unfortunately, these models did not sell and Audi went back to producing sports cars. The war years were especially difficult for a minor player like Audi, and the company changed hands several times after World War Two. In fact, it took two full decades before the company started creating original designs again. Most of these vehicles were sports sedans and racing cars. Audi new and Audi used car sales were struggling. (more...)
According to industry insiders, used car prices are set to rise yet again this year. The market which is still recovering from the economic recession reported a gain of about six percent last year. By comparison, the new car market was up more than double that. But those numbers were distorted by the government scrappage scheme. Under the scheme, shoppers received a discount of up to two thousand pounds on any new car when they turned in an old clunker. Not surprisingly, new car sales soared. But the program came to an end in March and most new car dealers are nervous. Why are used car dealers less nervous? One reason is that sales are on the rise, even without the aid of a government scheme. Not to mention the fact that they already raised prices on used cars and sales were unaffected. (more...)
When Audi opened its doors in 1921, the German luxury car market was dominated by two names—BMW and Mercedes-Benz. As a result, the company attempted to distinguish itself as a maker of competitive sports cars. In time they did quite well and became a niche player in the European market. From time to time, Audi attempted to enter the luxury car market, but the results were often disastrous. For instance, they were the first carmaker to produce a luxury vehicle with a six-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The car was produced in the 1940s, but it did not sell. Audi went back to making sports cars. It wasn't until the 1990s that the company was finally able to get its foot in the door of the luxury car market. The introduction of the Audi A4 luxury sedan drew rave reviews and allowed them to enter the coveted North American luxury car market in style. Of course, the company still relies heavily on sports cars like the used Audi coupe. (more...)
After ten months and four-hundred million pounds in government aid, the scrappage scheme has come to an end in the UK. Created as a way to rescue the foundering new car market, the plan gave buyers up to two thousand pounds off the purchase of a new vehicle. No plan was needed to improve used car sales. Why was it necessary? In the first quarter of 2008, new car sales were down by an astonishing 38 percent over the previous year. At that point it was clear that something had to be done or the auto industry in the UK might not survive. The scrappage scheme was the most attractive option. When it ended in March of 2010, the scheme had produced eight consecutive months of growth. The average increase was around twenty percent. So, as a temporary fix, it certainly appears as if the scrappage scheme was a genuine success. But the UK auto industry is far from safe. In fact, many industry insiders are predicting a sharp decline in sales. (more...)
For most of its existence, Audi has been little more than a niche player in the European auto market. As a luxury carmaker, they were consistently over shadowed by two names — Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In later years, the company tried to distinguish itself as a manufacturer of sporty luxury cars. After years of modest success, Audi tried to enter the luxury car market and compete directly with the twin pillars of the industry. The results were less than impressive. Even so, the company did produce the first luxury car with a six-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the car did not sell. But that didn't stop Audi from experimenting. They finally struck oil in 1990 with the release of the Audi A4.
Though the car was most assuredly a step forward for the German automaker, timing played a significant role. You see, a global recession struck that very year, and consumers shied away from the more expensive luxury vehicles. Suddenly, Audi had become the affordable alternative for drivers who wanted a luxury car but could no longer afford a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Audi car sales took off both in the Europe and in North America. (more...)
The first sign that the UK economy was heading into a protracted recession was the unprecedented decline in the new car market. In the first quarter of 2008, sales were down by a jaw-dropping 38 percent from the previous year. As a result, the government felt it necessary to create a massive scrappage scheme to keep the market afloat.
With a budget of four-hundred million pounds, the scrappage scheme was enacted in the summer of 2008. Under the conditions of the program, each car buyer who traded in an old clunker and purchased a new car would receive a discount of two thousand pounds.
The scheme was an unmitigated success and led to three consecutive quarters of growth. At the same time, the used car market was able to keep it head above water without the need of government aid. In fact, sales of used cars increased by 6 percent in 2009. The experts are predicting another banner year in 2010, especially since its main competitor, the new car market, is expected to struggle mightily. (more...)
By the early 1980's, Toyota was already the number one automaker in Japan. Their incredible success in the coveted North American market meant that they finally had the funds to invest in interesting new projects. For years, engineers and marketing executives had toyed with the notion of doing something completely out of character. They wanted to create a new luxury brand. At the time, Toyota was one of the world's most popular manufacturers of economical vehicles. They had absolutely no experience with luxury cars. But what they did have was a stellar reputation, especially in North America. The project was thoroughly researched and later approved when it was discovered that US buyers were unexpectedly receptive to the idea. The first car sold under the Lexus name, the Lexus LS, was launched in 1989. With the help of a brilliantly devised and executed marketing campaign, the car became an instant hit. What are Lexus Prestige car sales? (more...)
When you are searching for used cars for sale you have a lot of options at your disposal. You can start your search at your local dealership or you can even look online; the options are endless. One method is not better than the other, in fact it is advisable to check them all because you never know where you are going to find the best deal on a used car. Looking for a perfect used car is like searching for a needle in a haystack, it can be very difficult to find and if you are not patient you will never locate it. Sometimes it can take several months to find the perfect used car, other times it can only take a few days. Your urgency will usually determine whether or not you find a quality used car. If you are in dire need of an automobile, chances are you will settle for the first decent deal you come across. (more...)
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