The automobile industry is evolving rapidly on a worldwide basis. Manufacturers are merging, component design and manufacture are now frequently outsourced instead of being created in-house, brands are changing and the giant auto makers are expanding deeper into providing financial services to car buyers. The skyrocketing price of gas spurs developments in hybrid technology and clean diesel, as manufacturers look for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, all of the biggest, most successful firms have become totally global in nature. Plunkett¿s Automobile Industry Almanac will be your complete guide to this immense, fascinating industry. On the car dealership side, giant, nationwide holding companies have acquired the best dealers in major markets. Even the used car business is being taken over by national chains. E-commerce is having profound effects on the car industry. Consumers use the Internet to become better informed before making a purchase. Online sites like Autobytel steer millions of car buyers toward specific dealers while the same sites deliver competing bids for cars, insurance and financing in a manner that lowers costs and improves satisfaction among consumers. Meanwhile, auto makers are using the latest in e-commerce methods to manage their supply chains and replenish their inventories. This exciting new book (which includes a database on CD-ROM) is a complete reference tool for everything you need to know about the car, truck and specialty vehicles business, including: Automotive industry trends and market research; Mergers, acquisitions, globalization; Automobile manufacturers; Truck makers; Makers of specialty vehicles such as RVs; Automobile loans, insurance and other financial services; Dealerships; Components manufacturers; Retail auto parts stores; E-commerce ; and much, much more. You¿ll find a complete overview, industry analysis and market research report in one superb, value-priced package. This book also includes statistical tables, an automobile industry glossary, industry contacts and thorough indexes. The corporate profile section of the book includes our proprietary, in-depth profiles of the 400 leading companies in all facets of the automobile industry. Purchasers may also receive a free copy of the company profiles database on CD-ROM.