AutomotiveDigest.com - Automotive Industry NewsAutomotive News for Industry Professionals - updated daily, Monday through Friday!JD Power: Satisfaction Scores Slip Over Poor Fuel Efficiency- (Found July 2, 2008 ) The average J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study measuring consumer delight in their new vehicle purchases dropped slightly in 2008 after 13 years of improvement. Half of the drop was attributed to dissatisfaction over fuel economy.http://www.automotivedigest.com/view_art.asp?ArticlesID=24725 Idea of GM-Ford Merger Dismissed as Banter- (Found July 2, 2008 ) GM execs have reportedly mentioned a merger with Ford in recent C-suite meetings. The idea is said to be no more than "internal banter," and most GM execs think such a merger would be a huge distraction at a critical time. But the mere fact of its mention speaks volumes about the perils facing Detroit Three.http://www.automotivedigest.com/view_art.asp?ArticlesID=24716 Truck Meltdown- July 2, 2008 Truck sales are down. Their market share is half what they were in 2005. Automakers are reacting by diverting resources to cars and crossovers. For truck owners and dealers, declining truck demand means falling residual values and expanding inventories. And there is no end in sight.http://www.automotivedigest.com/view_art.asp?ArticlesID=24699 |