Schaumburg, Ill., Nov. 4, 2008 — The number of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles on American roads remained relatively constant, despite a year of surging gas prices and increased public focus on smaller and hybrid vehicles. Pickup trucks accounted for 20.57 percent of all vehicles in operation and SUVs 11.42 percent, according to analysis by Experian Automotive of its AutoCount Vehicles in OperationSM database.
“As fuel prices rose throughout the summer, conventional wisdom predicted sharp declines in the SUV and pickup truck markets,” said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. “Yes, sales of new vehicles in these categories have dropped, but when you look at the total vehicle population of new and used vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles have remained consistently strong as a leading category of vehicles on the road.”
For companies influenced by the number and types of vehicles on the road, like those providing aftermarket parts and service, it is important to have a thorough understanding of what vehicles are in operation. For example, by knowing that SUV and pickup numbers are continuing to stay strong, aftermarket organizations and other businesses can plan accordingly in terms of the products they produce for these vehicles.
Waldron noted that there are several regional differences in vehicle class along with other areas of a vehicle’s makeup that are particularly important for businesses that produce products and services for specific vehicles. When looking at the top 10 states in terms of vehicle population as of June 30, 2008, Experian Automotive found some interesting statistics within each state:
“There are significant differences across the United States in vehicle type, engine type, drive wheels and body styles, with noticeable variations from one state to the next,” said Mark French, newly appointed national aftermarket sales manager for Experian Automotive. “Understanding the regional differences in the vehicles that are currently on the road is a critical component of success in the aftermarket by helping those businesses make smarter decisions on how and where they provide their services and parts.”
Experian Automotive’s AutoCount Vehicles in Operation database consists of nearly 250 million light vehicles. Information is updated within six weeks of the end of each quarter, ensuring aftermarket organizations have the most timely and comprehensive information available to help better manage inventory levels, efficiently plan for new vehicle introductions, adjust for technology changes, and better assess locations for retail stores and service bays. For more information on Experian Automotive’s products and services for the aftermarket and other areas in the automotive industry, visit www.experianautomotive.com.
About Experian Automotive
Experian Automotive, a part of Experian, delivers information services to manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies, and consumers. Experian® helps automotive clients increase customer loyalty, target and win new business, and make better lending and vehicle purchase decisions. Its National Vehicle Database, housing more than 500 million vehicles, along with Experian’s credit, consumer and business information assets, meets the industry’s growing demand for an integrated information source. Experian’s advanced decision support services help clients turn this information into improved business results. Experian technology supports several top automotive Web sites, including eBay Motors, CarsDirect.com, CarMax.com and NADAguides.com. For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of services, visit our Web site at www.experianautomotive.com.
About Experian
Experian is a global leader in providing information, analytical and marketing services to organizations and consumers to help manage the risk and reward of commercial and financial decisions.
Combining its unique information tools and deep understanding of individuals, markets and economies, Experian partners with organizations around the world to establish and strengthen customer relationships and provide their businesses with competitive advantage.
For consumers, Experian delivers critical information that enables them to make financial and purchasing decisions with greater control and confidence. Clients include organizations from financial services, retail and catalog, telecommunications, utilities, media, insurance, automotive, leisure, e-commerce, manufacturing, property and government sectors.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Experian has corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and has operational headquarters in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Nottingham, UK. The Group employs approximately 15,500 people in 38 countries worldwide, supporting clients in more than 65 countries around the world. Continuing sales for the year ended March 31, 2008, were in excess of $4 billion.
For more information, visit www.experianplc.com.
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Contact:
Mike DeVilling
The DeVilling Group for Experian Automotive
1 248 875 4207 Telephone
mjdevilling@yahoo.com Email