Young Americans Resist Buying Pre-Configured Cars From The Lot
 New Generation of buyers want new cars "Their Way" like this tricked out Scion |
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Washington DC May 21, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that in the past, Americans have been content to buy vehicles off dealers' lots, compromising on color and other features.
But now, according to Automotive News, young buyers are more particular about how their cars are equipped. "My daughter bought a Prius, and she knew exactly what she wanted, not from looking at the lot but from doing research on the Internet," said Sanjiv Sidhu, chairman of i2 Technologies, which makes software to speed delivery of parts.
"As the younger generation grows up, they're going to want to configure their car more." Building vehicles to order means automakers will have to be more flexible in their manufacturing. The trend of building vehicles to order also could drive more collaboration between the sales and manufacturing arms of automakers.
Toyota has seen that connection with its Scion brand, a vehicle made to be customized by the buyer, said Chris Nielsen, vice president of purchasing for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. "We're able to see that that link between sales and manufacturing is key going into that realm in the future," he said. "There's a collective recognition that we really do need to operate as one Toyota."
