Main Street Motors

Main Street Motors interview with Ruth Manuel-Logan aka Car Chick™

MainSales@MainStreetAutos.com

Ask the Experts > Main Street Motors interview with Ruth Manuel-Logan aka Car Chick™

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? 

As far as the economy recovering, let me check with my Magic 8 Ball and get back to you….  After the economy recovers, the pundits are saying, that it will roughly take a year after this for the auto market to spring back but who really knows???

The internet is playing a much larger role in how we live our everyday lifes 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?

Heck no!  There are still too many of us anal individuals who still need to kick tires!  Purchasing a vehicle is highly personal to most people.  Too many folks still need that up close and personal contact with a vehicle--test driving, sitting, experiencing, etc.
 
In the years to come do you believe more used car dealers are going to branch into the service end of the car business?

Yes, it's the next extension of business for increased profits. 
 
What's the next big market for new car sales? 

Let me say this, Detroit is certainly not down for the count, it has not lost its edge. The next emerging market countries for new car auto sales will definitely be in places like India and China.
 
What's the next big market for used car sales? 

In this economy, folks are foregoing new car purchases for more value-oriented buys like used cars.  So the next big market boom for used car sales will be here in North America.
 
Where's more future growth, the new or used car dealer market? 

Certainly, again, the used car market.  Thousands of new car dealerships have shut their doors permanently, downsized or restructured.  New car sales have taken a downturn.  Consumers are either holding onto what they already own or are looking more closely at the possibility of owning a 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? 

Hard to say....  A blanket statement would be…that certainly, the greener the vehicle the more appeal it has in terms of fuel efficiency.  However, these 'green machines' tend to be rather costly, sticker price and repair-wise.  So if there's a vehicle that offers value, is fuel-efficient and satisfies the transportation needs of families, it will naturally be a hit! 

Audi, a premium brand remains a top seller even in this economy. As far as its competitors--BMW and Mercedes, these luxe vehicles, all known for their panache products have their steady stream of loyal customers who refuse to go slumming (so to speak).    However, I do think that Ford is quickly picking up speed with their Fusion, Focus and Escape.  So to answer your question, I can’t even guess.
 
Do you believe states should do more to stop the illegal practice of curbstoning? 

First of all I really think that consumers should be made more aware of this type of scam.  Far too many folks are in the dark about this unscrupulous practice.  I know that eBay has taken action because they’ve had a few of these scam artists pull the wool over their eyes.  States have agents assigned to combat this practice but again, there simply aren’t enough of them to put these scammers out of commission.  Criminal prosecutions are practically nonexistent regarding these kinds of cons.  So we as consumers have to educate ourselves about this unlawful practice.  We have to not be afraid to question, investigate, inspect and rely on background reports (like CarFax or AutoCheck), when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.  I am a graduate student from the school of ‘leave no stone unturned, whenever I plop down my hard-earned cash!
 
As the years pass, do you believe women are going to play a larger role in the new and used car business? 

Certainly!  I hope so!  We are in the mix in every aspect of big business.  As the stereotypes start to fade more and more, I think you will find us front and center as owners of thriving new and used dealerships.  As a matter of fact, I would like to one day own a new car dealership.
 
If you could own any car from a hit tv series what would it be? 

I love old movies and TV shows, TV land is my favorite station.  The Munster Koach from the hit 60’s series The Munsters was the best!  I think it was made from Model T's and had a blood red interior, that car was so très chic and ghoulish!
 
Do you think Tata Motors "Nano" will sell well in India? 

Absolutely.  The vehicle is marketed for those people who don’t have ATM machines in their homes.  The vehicle is ultra affordable and Ratan Tata and his automotive think tankers developed it from what I understand, while keeping in mind, those folks who ride in scooters and motorbikes with their children in tow through the streets of India.  So I definitely think it will be a hit.  However, I wonder if they have in place the infrastructure to properly maintain these vehicles (gas stations, repair/auto body shops).  The streets in many parts of India are already congested and adding these vehicles will exacerbate it.

Where do you see the independent used car dealer ten years from now? 

Much like the new car dealers, offering better products and full servicing.
 
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?  

My dad who was a car aficionado used to laugh at ‘those foreign automotive interlopers.’  Fiat was the brunt of a few of his jokes.  I think that Fiat might have a pretty good shot at success here.  You would think that Chrysler has gained some knowledge in terms of making reliable cars, especially after its marriage to Daimler.  What Fiat brings to the table is their knowledge of building small and more fuel-efficient cars and Chrysler is in dire need of this market segment.  I really hope that the two car makers can compliment each other.
 
Do you think Fiat technology will help Chrysler sell more cars or will it be a complete failure?

They will probably sell more cars because Chrysler does not have products to offer the consumer in the compact and subcompact markets.  The market is definitely there, folks are looking for small, efficient cars with styling.  Fiat builds these types of cars already and Chrysler will just need to import and rebadge.
 
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? 

The industry is buzzing about the Chinese automakers as the big hope for growth.  Word on the street is that China might overtake the U.S. by the end of the year.  Time will tell….
 
If you could go back in time and be either Henry Ford or Kiichiro Toyoda who would you be? 

I would be Toyoda because his company went from being lambasted for their ‘made in Japan vehicles’ to becoming a marquee brand in the world.  To date, they have managed to retain the top spot in global auto sales for the first half of this year—‘Oh what a feeling!’
 
What's your favorite car of all time? 

For sentimental reasons, I love Cadillacs.  My dad and uncles were Cadillac owners until they passed away.  My dad would buy a new Caddy every three years. He would also name them all.  My fav was ‘Betty do no wrong,’ a 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood.  Oddly enough, my dad’s Caddys, all of them except for Betty, gave him transmission problems.  Yet daddy STILL remained loyal to this brand until he could no longer drive.   So to this day, I have a soft spot in my heart for these cars.

Shane @ Main Street Motors:
Thanks Ruth aka Car Chick™ .

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

Ruth Manuel-Logan aka Car Chick™
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