Japan, Korea car makers act to counter shifts in U.S. market

US car sales across all brands have only recovered to the level they were in 1980 and are still several million units short (approx 6 million) of their peak in the 2000. (search "total us cars sales by year from 1980") Also, $45k for a pickup truck and $16k for an economy car is insanity. US wages have NOT kept up with that kind of price inflation. Even the used car market has seen eye bulging price increases over the last 5 years.

Japanese car makers seem to have forgotten that they built their brand loyalty and market share by making low price, reliable cars that people could afford. Even today, you still get more for you money than comparable American cars, but prices are inching ever higher year over year while wages are not. This will eventually lead to the same problems the US car makers faced.

I worry about the integrated computers that hackers love in all these systems. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/28/net-us-hackers-cars-idUSBRE96R06120130728 - they can control not just the brakes, but the windshield wipers too!

My Honda wasn't impacted by the airbag recall and is 14 yrs old, still running like new. It is just a little noisier than it was as new but a fresh set of door seals should solved that. A nice wax and it still looks brand new - inside and out. The only issue I've had in years was a seat belt sensor - replaced for free in year 13.

I used to work for an American car maker but not making cars. Over the years, every American branded vehicle I've owned got loose, faster, and to a greater extent than my Hondas did/do.

I know nothing about current prices. It has been 10 yrs since the last vehicle purchase and expect at least another 5 yrs left of zero-issue use.

Family members have Japanese hybrids - mostly for status. They are not cheaper to run than equivalent gas-powered vehicles and their cars have had the same standard, stupid, issues - failed headlights, broken electric wires, or refusing to do something because the vehicle was in motion - that one really bothers me. It isn't like a passenger can't work the GPS when the car is moving.

Tina Watanabe,

The Japanese and there allies Koreans

Korea is not Japan's ally.

Any neurons spark to spawn that jingoistic gem?

How about Toyota's collaboration with Daewoo's forerunner n the 1960s; 1970s/80s Hyundai/Mitsubishi relationship, or Renault-Samsung's Nissan X Trail of today?

As I travel the world I see more and more American style vehicles rather than the match box cars government's and big business wanted us to have.

Big business doesn't want you to have high-margin, gas-guzzling trucks? Sure!

I'm actually kind of surprised that the Japanese have not seriously considered selling in the USA market something akin to the old small pickup trucks that were very popular in the USA 20 to 30 years ago. A new version powered by something like Toyota's AR 2.5-liter I-4 or Nissan's QR25DE engine with six-speed automatic would be in high demand for people in blue-collar professions like plumbers, electricians, and so on, mostly because the fuel economy would be better than most pickup trucks sold in the USA now.

Raymond Chuang: ... something akin to the old small pickup trucks ...

Fuel economy not in the picture as much now, but I did see a nice Chevy El Camino the other day, if I had Jay Leno's garage I would have made the guy an offer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_El_Camino

"I'm actually kind of surprised that the Japanese have not seriously considered selling in the USA market something akin to the old small pickup trucks"

Foreign pickups have long been subject to tariffs in the US market. That's why US makers are leaders in this category.

I like the idea of a small SUV. I also wish someone would bring back a small pick-up. Am looking forward to the expansion of electric technology in the automotive markets.

Renault-Samsung's Nissan X Trail of today?

Renault bought out Nissan, and Samsung's no longer in car business, as they sold out to Renault. So it's all French now.

The Japanese and there allies Koreans have done good copying American vehicles. Not to many years ago its was bad to have a American SUV or Truck. Now there all making them, even the EU's have started. It is a good thing though that we don't have to just accept what they think we need rather than what we want. As I travel the world I see more and more American style vehicles rather than the match box cars government's and big business wanted us to have.

The Japanese and there allies Koreans

Korea is not Japan's ally.