Asian Automakers See Declines

While the slip in Japanese sales and profits has not been quite has steep as those of the domestic automakers, the time has come for Japanese automakers to follow the same path. This week Nissan has announced it will be cutting just over 8 percent of its workforce, thanks to a $2.9 billion loss expected for this fiscal year.

Despite steep losses, Nissan plans to uphold its current aggressive product development schedule. Included is Nissan’s upcoming electric vehicle, which Hartford Nissan says remains a high priority according to Nissan management.

Honda also has forecasted trouble ahead, reducing its earnings forecast by about 57 percent. While a profit is still expected according to Honda Philadelphia, Honda has preemptively cut salaries among board members and senior managers. Toyota, now the world’s largest automaker, has also shed salaries, cut production, and expects a loss of about $5 billion. Further cutbacks are also expected. That being said, Westminster Toyota dealers see new vehicles such as the Venza crossover and the all-new Toyota Prius hybrid to boost sales momentum. Already, Irvine Toyota dealers have seen demand for the Venza due to heavy Superbowl advertising and other current incentives.

While all automakers are hurt by dwindling sales here in the U.S., the automotive markets in Europe and Japan are also seeing declining auto sales. Even popular vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, are facing declining sales as potential car buyers steer away from new car showrooms. In fact, a Toyota plant in Mississippi cut production of the Highlander in order to produce additional Prius vehicles. However, production there has been postponed, even as interest in the Prius has remained high.

With the U.S. auto market being particularly challenging these days, this year is looking to be a tough one for automakers and car dealers alike. While forecasts already look grim, many industry analysts are expecting the worst, with even more declines ahead in 2009.