Research

SEMA recently highlighted the market swing from new to used vehicles with industry experts continuing to lower their forecasts as new-vehicle sales fall for 2009. For example, in February, J.D. Power predicted 2009 total new-vehicle sales to reach a mere 10.4 million units, down one million units from its forecast of just a month prior.

The 2009 New York International Auto Show presented several new and refreshed vehicles for consumers to eye their next possible vehicle purchase. Automakers also unveiled some concept and prototype vehicles to test consumers’ reactions and get a sense of whether their latest design efforts would bode well for future buyers. While attending the press days that led up to the show, the unveiling put forth by automakers revealed a continued shift towards small cars and crossovers.

The Scion iQ concept highlights the brand’s original bold design concept and, most important, accessory-friendly approach.

The Pontiac GTO (“The Judge”), shown here at the 2008 SEMA Show, was a favorite among performance enthusiasts and remains a classic. Owners of this and other '60s- and '70s-era Pontiacs will race through 2009.