Main Street Motors

Main Street Motors interview with Matthew C. Keegan

MainSales@MainStreetAutos.com

Ask the Experts > Main Street Motors interview with Matthew C. Keegan

How long do you think it's going to take the US economy to recover from it's current slump and when it does recover when will sales of new and used vehicles start to increase?

A slight recovery is underway as of this moment, but high unemployment and trending increased home foreclosures will keep a full recovery from taking place before Spring 2011. Sales of new cars will stay depressed for the next 6-9 months, perhaps longer, thanks to consumer uncertainty.

The internet is playing a much larger role in how we live our everyday lives including how we research new and used vehicles. Do you imagine one day where people will purchase cars directly from the internet via the new car manufacturer and then just simply pick the vehicle up at the local car dealership?

Only if state franchise laws are changed. Current laws protect dealers which means that unless we're talking about an all new manufacturer (such as a Chinese company) this won't happen. I can understand consumer interest in this option, but think of the jobs lost if dealers are cut out of the loop. Besides, cars still need to be serviced and a place for used cars made available (through the dealership).

In the years to come do you believe more used car dealers are going to branch into the service end of the car business?

That would be a smart business practice. They should if they have the mechanics who can get the job done.

Do you think the Cash for Clunkers program should be extended to used car dealers?

No. Too much federal government involvement already; the program was extremely difficult to manage and only one-third of the monies have been repaid to dealers some three weeks after the program came to an end.

What's the next big market for new car sales?

Cheap imports, particularly passenger vehicles arriving from India and China.

What's the next big market for used car sales?

No big changes here – consumers will always flock to those vehicles offering the best bang for the buck.

Where's more future growth, the new or used car dealer market?

Used cars. Cash strapped consumers who need a different vehicle will forgo a new car for a late model used car.

What will be the best selling sedan vehicle in the United States market this year? What's going to be it's toughest competition?

Easily, the Toyota Camry with the Honda Accord finishing second. Much further back but still worth a look are the Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata.

Do you believe states should do more to stop the illegal practice of curbstoning?

How can they? The best way to stop this practice is for consumers to be informed. Never buy a car from a private party before obtaining a CARFAX report and having it inspected by a mechanic. States simply do not have the resources to police this practice although when perpetrators are caught, they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

As the years pass, do you believe women are going to play a larger role in the new and used car business?

As buyers, they already do. As retailers, I'm sure that they will.

What's the coolest car you drove to impress a girl?

Chrysler Newport convertible.

If you could own any car from a hit tv series what would it be?

A Model T from “My Mother the Car” – you'll need to look that one up.

Do you think Tata Motors "Nano" will sell well in India?

Absolutely. I also believe the Nano will eventually be as popular as the Volkswagen Beetle was.

When Fiat first entered the United States market they were laughed at and ridiculed for having inferior vehicles. They were even nicked named "Fix it again Tony". How do you feel about Fiats acquisition of Chrysler?

I'm neutral about the deal. Chrysler is and was a failed company; Fiat is its lifeline.

Do you think Fiat technology will help Chrysler sell more cars or will it be a complete failure?

I'm not sure Fiat will help Chrysler all that much. Other makes, including Hyundai and Kia, are gobbling up Chrysler customers. By the time Fiat technology kicks in (two years from now) Chrysler may be an afterthought or at least a small time player.

When Toyota and Hyundai first entered the United States market many years ago, many people laughed at their products but to only find out in the years to come they sold quality vehicles. My question is, what new car manufacturer do you believe will be the next Toyota or Hyundai?

Geely Motors from China, Mahindra and Tata from India.

If you could go back in time and be either Henry Ford or Kiichiro Toyoda who would you be?

Henry Ford. I don't speak Japanese, therefore I'd be at a disadvantage.

What's your favorite car of all time?

Too many to name. Packard might be my favorite brand, however. True American luxury no longer built in the USA.

Thanks,
Matt Keegan
www.theautowriter.com

Shane @ Main Street Motors:
Thanks Matthew.

If anyone has any questions or comments please email me. I will post them on site. E-Mail @ MainSales@MainStreetAutos.com

Matthew C. Keegan
http://thearticlewriter.com/autowriter/