Heard about the latest consumer shift from large trucks to small cars? Of course; in an era of $4-a-gallon gasoline, it's an ever-growing trend. But as more customers move to small cars, they continue to look for the luxuries they take for granted - not the lowest price possible.
Small cars may carry low base prices, but recent trends indicate buyers are springing for extra options, or even higher trim levels. According to J.D. Power & Associates, sixty-six percent of all 2008 Ford Focuses sold to date have been the high-level SES model. A Focus SES sedan stickers at $16,925, while a base Focus S sedan starts at $14,755. Perhaps part of the SES' popularity lies with the inclusion of Ford's SYNC system as standard equipment.
As buyers continue to opt for premium trims and more equipment, automakers begin to see greater profit margins on their small vehicles. In previous years, sales of large trucks (including pickups and SUVs) have grossed greater profit margins, often around $10,000 a vehicle.
Source: New York Times