Jesse Toprak Quotations

From a practical aspect, when you do the math the hybrid alternative is not always best financial choice because they cost more, and so a smaller car with a fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon is an attractive alternative, especially in urban areas.

GM's success earlier this summer has really taken its toll on inventory levels for several models, limiting their ability to have another terrific month. And there appears to be relatively little momentum left in GM's employee discount incentive program now that it is in its third month.

Just three years ago, people ignored the fuel economy numbers on the sticker. Now it's one of the first things people ask about, especially the middle-income families.

I think it shows demand is better than expected. If they can get a premium elsewhere, why would they offer the employee discount?

I think the moral of the month was that the more gas-efficient models did well.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW are associated with quality engines, so it was a smart thing to do.

You don't buy a pink elephant sculpture just because it's on sale.

With the upcoming introduction of new vehicles based on the GMT 900 platform, GM should regain lost share in the remarkably profitable large truck and large SUV segments.

Toyota has the right product, right image, and right distribution system. The consumer mindset has permanently changed already because of the prolonged nature of high gas prices.

The debate on gas prices has accelerated the end of the life cycle for many old-style SUVs. But the SUV segment was already undergoing changes well before gas prices became an issue.

When you adjust for selling days, auto sales are essentially flat compared with this time last year. We anticipate May will be more robust.

There has been a permanent shift in consumers' minds as far as gas prices goes. The sustained nature of gas prices has changed how people buy.

The only thing that's perhaps different is that Ford and GM did not go through the route of increased pricing and incentives whereas with Jeep, it's continued business as usual.

This year has seen the rebirth of the car, as we saw a two percent increase in that segment's market share, while SUV market share decreased by nearly the same percentage. We expect this trend to continue in 2006, as manufacturers will be launching new hybrids, subcompacts and other fuel-efficient products.

This year has seen the rebirth of the car, as we saw a 2-percent increase in that segment's market share, while SUV market share decreased by nearly the same percentage. We expect this trend to continue in 2006, as manufacturers will be launching new hybrids, subcompacts and other fuel-efficient products.

A total price in the low $20,000 range, I think, opens the door to the mass market.

Consumers will come into the dealership very well informed on what they should pay for the new car, negotiate on hundreds over the price of the car, then go into the financing department and automatically pay a couple thousand for an extended warranty without knowing anything.

February sales are typically much more robust than January's, but some may be surprised that this month even exceeded last February's sales. We attribute this in part to dramatically renewed consumer interest in compact vehicles.

Now, for vehicles priced under $40,000, it is one of the first questions people ask.

Compact cars and compact SUVs are selling particularly well, while sales of trucks, luxury cars and large cars are suffering.

As far as impact on sales of Chevy trucks, there was very little. A 10 percent increase in fuel efficiency isn't going to make people rush into these vehicles.

This is a total shift. Five years ago they wouldn't have even asked. It's not crisis mode ... but I think if people are ready to buy a new vehicle, they will seriously consider something that is gas efficient.

They spent a lot of money on incentives, most of which are not quite visible to consumers except for some lease deals.

This month, compact cars and compact SUVs are selling particularly well, while sales of trucks, luxury cars and large cars are suffering.

They're in a very competitive mode for the Camry. It's the best-selling car, and Toyota wants to keep that title.

As we are seeing higher interest rates, it's more beneficial for consumers to go with the zero percent than the cash rebate.

It's a tough time when you have a new model that people are waiting to purchase in the coming months.

It might be a little more than that.

The new sub-compacts are a lot more easy on the eyes than the Toyota Echo and the Ford Fiesta.

They basically want to lower the sticker price closer to transaction price and lower the incentive, but not get rid of it altogether. Whenever there are large rebates, it has impact on perception, on customer attitudes and an impact on resale value.

It's not a surprise at all, and I think it will continue in the near future the next three to five years.

The consumer psyche has been indexed to getting those big deals, ... If the consumers come back and ask for the big rebates they got before, there's going to be a sort of reverse sticker shock with people saying, 'Where is the big rebate?'

Incentives do work, up to a certain point, to give sort of a stimuli to sales and bring showroom traffic. It's just that you can't rely on incentives to bring people into the showroom day after day. It gives people a sense of urgency. You need to get this deal now because tomorrow, it's not going to be here.

In almost all cases, consumers end up getting the same level of incentives, which means - do the math - they're getting less for each vehicle.

I have not heard anything negative for these vehicles. From what we can tell, so far, so good.

If people go in with the idea they are saving money, they are mistaken,

If people are comparing sticker prices, lower prices will certainly make their cars more attractive. What really brings success to brands is good product. Playing with pricing alone isn't going to enable them to recover their market share. But I do believe a lot of their cars are overpriced and they needed an adjustment.

Generally speaking, the longer you plan to keep the vehicle the more attractive the low APR is for you. On the other hand, if you plan to keep the vehicle for three years or less, the cash rebate may be better. In the shorter amount of time, you simply won't be able to make up as much in interest savings as you will with the cash rebate.

Gasoline price spikes will generally help sales of the Fit and compact cars in general.

The market is healthy. The year-over-year decline is mainly because of the exceptional sales volume we experienced last March.