The current recession is permanently changing the business landscape.  Companies that have been profitable for many years are going out of business.  The impact has been more pronounced in some industries than others, with big ticket and luxury items being the hardest hit. The automobile industry is suffering so much that the federal government is stepping in. All of this begs the question: Who will be left standing when it’s all over?

The top five auto manufacturers have been around for a very long time.  All have made it through tough economic times, many through the Great Depression. Ford, founded in 1903 is the old-timer, while newcomer Honda started making cars in 1963. It seems obvious that a company that survives for decades, even a century, must be pretty strong and flexible. They’ve adapted to changes in demand, technology and politics and continued to grow overall.

Will there be a 2013 Mazda Miata?

But things have changed. GM and Chrysler have accepted help from the federal government and will need more.  So far Ford hasn’t asked for assistance, but who knows?  Everything depends on how long this recession lasts. Eventually consumers will start buying cars in greater numbers again, but can the automakers survive until then?

Part of the answer depends on which companies are well-run and efficient. Like many companies in other industries, auto manufacturers who once weathered the great depression have become fat during the long periods of plenty. If they can adapt quickly, everyone will benefit in the long run.

Another related piece of the puzzle is about who can innovate quickly. While sales have fallen drastically, there are segments of the market that are doing relatively well. Hybrids, which should have been an economically viable option long before now, are popular. So are well-built cars that last longer and require fewer repairs. Automakers that excel in these areas will have more sales now, which will help them hang on. When the economy picks up again, their sales will be much better than those who lag behind.

So who is doing well right now? Toyota tops the list with 92,775 vehicle sales in the first two months of 2009. Ford comes in second at 84,072.  Rounding out the top 5 are Chevrolet at 75,025, Honda at 63,916 and Nissan at 47,890.  While these figures are around 40-50% lower than the same period last year, if they can reduce their costs enough, these automakers may live to see the end of the recession.

If you thought Cadillac cars were from a dinosaur age specialized for old people, prepare to be enlightened with the new Cadillac CTS. With this new extravagant showpiece Sedan, a positive word can be said about GM’s Cadillac. The Cadillac CTS has a jaw dropping European inspired interior design and a chiseled wide exterior design that will make heads turn. Every Cadillac CTS comes equipped standard with an eight speaker Bose audio system, dual zone climate control, and 17-inch wheels. It also has all-wheel drive and profuse backseat space. This one of a kind Sedan is fast too. The CTS has quick underfoot, and is taut and responsive. It has a 263horse VVT V6 Engine or an optional 304horse direction-injection version. Automatic transmission is sleek and offers manual override. This Cadillac is outfitted with many options and optional features to choose from, including: iPod integration, a 40GB hard drive for the entertainment system, swiveling headlights, a sunroof and a remote start system. The Sport package also includes steering- wheel mounted shifters. Overall, GM’s new Cadillac CTS continues to amaze with its first-rate refinement, powerful engines, striking interior and exterior, and sharp handling.

Visit Cadillac of Orange County for the best deals on a new or certified Cadillac CTS.

Cadillac stocks may be plummeting but they are not going down without a fight!  New to the line-up this year is the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.  If ever there was a sleeper this would be it.  Pull up to a stoplight and see little old grandma relaxing in the Recaro seats….that’s right I said Recaro.

Give her a little rev and see if she wants to play?  Grandma just looks over and shows you her dentures.  The light turns green and you pop the clutch on your Bad Ass Orange County Ford Mustang and get a great jump….you roll through first gear…yeah she’s dust you think.

Just then you hear the awesome roar of a SuperCharged Corvette V-8 with 556 horsepower fly by.  It feels like you are standing still.  Little Grandma continues to pull like a bat out of hell until she reaches the max top speed of 191 MPH!  Ridiculous!

This car eats up the pavement like its going out of style.  The Cadillac CTS-V has posted the fastest lap time (V-8 Sedan on Stock Tires) at the famed Nurburgring in Germany.

Thats right…faster than any BMW, Supercharged Mercedes AMG….anything and everything.  This BEAST is Definately a FREAK of NATURE!

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