TRUCKS' MARKETS * USA - New Truck Orders Drop 50 Percent

Sales dive from October to November as 2010 pre-buying ends

New York,NY,USA -The Journal of Commerce Online, by William B. Cassidy -Dec 17, 2009: ... Truck sales ran out of gas in November, dropping 50 percent from October, when new truck orders were jacked up by a federal emissions mandate, ACT Research said... October saw a heavy period of "pre-buying," as companies purchased 2009 model trucks before new, more expensive 2010 models featuring new emissions technology roll out... Year-over-year, heavy truck sales were down 7 percent at 10,550 units in November, said ACT...


* USA - Critical Brand Loyalty Bolstered by Resale Value and Quality. J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Customer Retention Studies released

Westlake Village,CAL,USA -J.D. Power and Associates -10 December 2009: -- Study compares 2009 to 2008 new car buyer attitudes. Resale value (+12%) and quality (+6%) increasingly important for buyers to remain loyal. Appearance and styling also significant factors in customers switching brands... Retaining existing owners is critical to a brand's market success... Resale value and quality high currently reflecting economic concerns... Mercedes-Benz ranks highest in owner retention (67%, up 8% from 2008). Honda (64%) and Toyota (61%) ranked next highest... (Photo from diebold.com)