William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 1, 2012

2011 was a good year for the domestics. Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors saw their market share grow. But, a new report from Bloomberg says the Big Three could see a drop in 2012.

Sales for 2012 are expected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, but competition from the Koreans and a recovery of the Japanese automakers mean those sales sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.

Bloomberg asked five analysts to predict market share for automakers in 2012 and their predictions put the U.S automakers losing 1.3% for 2012. Analysts see GM dropping 0.6%, Ford dropping 0.5%, and Chrysler dropping 0.2%. Analysts also see Toyota growing 0.9%, Honda gaining 0.5%, and Hyundai and Kia growing 0.01%.

Source: Bloomberg

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I would not totally say this is wrong but I do not think it is right either. Many people are realizing that the Americans are building quality auto's and at least here in the Seattle market, I hear more and more people talk about supporting america, by buying american products including auto's.

This will be an interesting year. I think the US auto market could really take this to heart and run strong to keep the gains they have made.

I wouldn't bet any money on this prediction.

About the only prediction I see as quite likely is growth in market share for Toyota, what with the new Camry and the two new Prius models.

About the only prediction I see as quite likely is growth in market share for Toyota, what with the new Camry and the two new Prius models.

I can understand this, but I have yet to figure out why people like the uncomfortable, ugly and no room Prius. It just makes no sense to me.

While I don't see auto sales growing in general, I don't see the big three losing share either.

Toyota has nothing going on, and Honda is still reeling from the beating it is taking on the new Civic....