U.s. auto industry wooing senior drivers

U.S. Auto Industry Wooing Senior Drivers

My grandmother used to say, "I am surprised that the life expectancy for women is longer than men when I have to

put up with your grandfather!" Well I guess my grandfather wasn't really that bad to be around, because she did outlive

him, as do many other women.

The average difference is actually about 5 years.

The average life expectancy for both men and women hit an all time high in 2012, at 78. 8 years combined.

For men it was 76.4 years and for women it was 81.2 years.

This is not only good news for us as individuals, it turns out that this is also very good news for the U. S. auto industry.

Better Vehicles for Senior Drivers

Two factors have combined to make this a very good time for both the U.

S.auto industry and for senior drivers alike.

The auto industry is now producing vehicles that have more features than ever before that are designed to help to

make driving safer for older drivers who have slower reaction times, stiffer necks and shoulders and less precise

vision.

At the same time, senior drivers have never been

healthier longer and finding themselves with more

personal wealth.

And this phenomenon is not true just for that auto industry, my uncle, who is 78 years old, recently bought the first

motorcycle he has ever owned.

In the 15 years between 1989 and 2013, spending by consumers between the ages of 65 and 74 increased by 18

percent.

During that same time period, spending by consumers over the age of 75 increased by 15 percent.

And with new comfort and safety features being introduced with every new model year, many of these

seniors are trading in their existing car or truck for a new one.

Senior Drivers Are Just Choosing Conventional

Vehicles

Although the majority of these senior vehicle purchases are for large sedan models like the Chrysler 300 or for a SUV,

some of these buyers are surprising the auto industry with their new purchase choices.

The online vehicle shopping site CarGenious. com reports that the number one vehicle model searched on its site in

recent years by senior drivers is actually the Chevrolet Corvette.

I guess you are never to old to get your motor running!

This trend has auto manufacturers scrambling to adjust their marketing efforts.

For decades the marketing programs of auto manufacturers have been focused on young drivers, with

the hopes that once they drive a vehicle made by one manufacturer that they will continue to purchase

subsequent vehicles from that same manufacturer in the future.

The various members of the U.S. auto industry are moving as quickly as they can to make themselves the brand of

choice for the new generation of senior drivers.