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A lot riding on 2007 models Embattled automakers like GM and Ford need hits in some of their new models, but they're not alone. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- With so many automakers having problems, there's more than usual riding on the 2007 model year vehicles now starting to roll off assembly lines. One hot model can mean a lot to a troubled automaker.
In 2004, the Chrysler 300 did more than win a wide range of car awards. With its sister wagon, the Dodge Magnum, it gave Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler (Charts) a hit to help draw buyers into showrooms and to lift its U.S. sales and market share in both 2004 and 2005, at a time when General Motors and Ford Motor were hitting the skids. A disappointing launch to a model can cripple it for years to come, causing the automaker to offer bigger incentives to buyers earlier than hoped and sometimes hurting prices on its other models as well. GM (Charts) and Ford (Charts), both of which are cutting staff and closing plants as they try to adjust to lower market share, have a number of new models this fall that will be watched closely by more than just car critics and buyers. GM's new full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra, are seen as the most important new models by a variety of experts. GM saw some success earlier this calendar year with the successful introduction of its full-size SUVs, but that success needs to continue if GM is to continue to put its problems behind it. In the car segment, GM's Saturn Aura is seen as important both to both GM's efforts to appeal to car buyers and for the future of that brand. For Ford, the experts will be watching its rollout of the Edge, its new entry in the fast-growing "crossover" segment, which has been picking up share that was formerly going to SUVs. One thing car company executives, as well as critics, agree upon is that no auto company can simply cut its way back to health. Eventually they need a hot car or truck to turn things around. But it's not just those two embattled automakers that could use a hit. Chrysler, the automaker most dependent on light trucks such as pickups, SUVs and minivans, is facing a market where buyers are increasingly interested in cars. The redesigned Sebring sedan is seen as important for Chrysler's prospects. And Japanese automakers have some closely watched new models as well. Nissan, which unlike Toyota and Honda has seen its sales off compared to the same point last year, will introduce a new Altima, its answer to the best-selling Camry and Accord models. And even Toyota, a very successful company, will be hoping for a new hit when it moves into the full-size pickup market with a redesigned Tundra. It's the one segment where the import automakers have yet to find success. Gallery: Six crucial cars |
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