SUVs

(from an AdAge email update, a bit ago...)

 

The hurricanes that ravaged the southern coasts of the U.S. have also had a major impact on the nation's oil industry and larger economy. Gasoline prices have skyrocketed, spiking above the $3 mark that many view as a trigger that causes large numbers of consumers to significantly change their life habits. The latest reports from the automotive industry indicate that very thing is happening. The bottom has suddenly dropped out of the SUV market and left dealers with a glut of high-powered vehicles of no interest to customers now suddenly focused miles-per-gallon considerations. There is widespread concern that the oil-price impact will continue to spread through other sectors of the economy and ultimately cause marketers to economize by cost cutting, including a pull back in their marketing budgets.