The GREAT Debate: WHICH Automaker Is At The TOP Of Its Game In 2019 — Will They Hang Onto Their Lead In 2020?

The GREAT Debate: WHICH Automaker Is At The TOP Of Its Game In 2019 — Will They Hang Onto Their Lead In 2020?
We're nearing the end of 2019 and the more I think about it, the more I firmly believe we've had a changing of the guard. Like every industry, there's cyclicality.

And, in this writer's humble opinion, Mercedes-Benz's heat has cooled off. To me, the three-pointed star lost its magic in 2019 and is no longer the king of the castle.

So, who is?

There's a handful of brands that used to have gusto that, simply put, are snoozers in today's climate. And we're not talking about brand equity. We're talking about having a strong product portfolio. It's actually getting pretty scary, if I am honest.

We know the dealers across the sector are getting anxious.

That said, I was curious, Spies: WHICH automaker do YOU believe is at the top of its game — from a product perspective — in 2019? Do YOU think they'll be able to keep the momentum into 2020?


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/22/2019 11:54:48 PM
+1 Boost
Tough question.

Lincoln is doing well but has a long way to go.
Ford splashed with the Mach E and if the Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Courier launch well...
GM and FCA are meh
None of the Japanese brands have any real mojo.
The Germans are flailing.
Tesla is getting stagnant

There are many good cars individually that are top-notch, but their manufacturers don't universally have the mojo.


TruthyTruthy - 12/23/2019 3:13:13 PM
0 Boost
I agree no one brand is killing it. I do think Lincoln has found its mojo and the future looks bright.
Ford has potential. The Escape and Mach-E are well executed. The F-150 is doing great. Their tie-in with Rivian looks promising. If Ford can fix issues with the Explorer, they will be the brand with their mojo in 2020.
Plus they are still paying a 6 percent divend.


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 12/23/2019 1:22:29 AM
+1 Boost
Tesla will have their best year for deliveries and revenue, next year could be a big one with the Model Y and Chinese Gigafactory. I think they'll grow another 30-40% in 2020 with revenue and unit deliveries and we'll see preliminary full self driving by April.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/23/2019 9:46:05 AM
+1 Boost
An the model Y will look like the Model 3 which looks like the Model X which looks like the Model S which looks like the soon to be discontinued Fusion. #stagnation


TruthyTruthy - 12/23/2019 3:04:47 PM
0 Boost
The Model Why will cannibalize Model 3 sales as it is the same vehicle sitting higher.


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 12/23/2019 1:23:13 AM
+1 Boost
(Ford is also poised to have a better year with the Mach-E)


SuperCarEnthusiastSuperCarEnthusiast - 12/23/2019 7:21:56 AM
-2 Boost
Hyundai/Kia brands!


SuperCarEnthusiastSuperCarEnthusiast - 12/23/2019 7:22:57 AM
-2 Boost
Hyundai/Kia brands!


FoncoolFoncool - 12/23/2019 7:32:27 AM
+2 Boost
Ferrari no one else is even close.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/23/2019 12:29:39 PM
0 Boost
Well the latest Ferrari is a generic dud, so #MojoGone


FoncoolFoncool - 12/23/2019 12:50:47 PM
+2 Boost
With a waiting list to purchase, good problem to have other manufacturers should have such problems.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/23/2019 4:28:57 PM
0 Boost
Ferrari could put "Ferrari" on a Hyundai Accent clone and it would sell out.


FoncoolFoncool - 12/24/2019 7:42:22 AM
+1 Boost
Which means they are at the Top of the game and can do things no other manufacturer can do.


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 12/23/2019 8:08:50 AM
+1 Boost
Suzuki can't get enough Jimmy's to meet demand, long back order list. Cheep and cute always sells.


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 12/23/2019 9:45:54 AM
+3 Boost
Toyota - Last man standing. Everyone else it playing for 2nd -4th place.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/23/2019 10:20:40 AM
-1 Boost
Toyota has volume but they have no winning designs. The Prius is now just a footnote.


Yonder7Yonder7 - 12/23/2019 9:52:21 AM
+2 Boost
I hate to say this but facts pinpoint to TESLA. Most of manufactures still struggling with the range of their EVS which is critical if they want to succeed. Taycan will fade into nothing when users discover the real range of the car, which is sad because all others stuff in that car is great.



MDarringerMDarringer - 12/23/2019 10:41:27 AM
0 Boost
All dem udder bishes betta watchout for PSAFCA 'cuz total magics gonna happen dere.


cidflekkencidflekken - 12/23/2019 12:18:24 PM
+2 Boost
I don't feel any brand is really dominating anything. Not sales. Not tech. Not design.

Maybe Benz/AMG might be the most consistent across the board and their sales numbers are reflecting it late in the year. They had hiccups during the summer due to refreshes and new models, but they're back on track. BMW is still playing second fiddle to Benz. Audi is having its challenges. Lexus, if not for the RX and NX, wouldn't be a brand.

Kia has one hit on their hands and one hit doesn't make a top brand. Hyundai, I feel, is being overshadowed by Kia. Chevy has a hit with the C8 Vette.
Honda's product line is a bit inconsistent. The HR-V and Pilot aren't great but the CR-V, Accord, and Civic are. The Passport is just..there.
Toyota's lineup is just, well, Toyota. Nothing special. Nothing egregiously bad.
Ford has the Mach-E. But the new Explorer is a disappointment, as is the new Escape.



malba2367malba2367 - 12/23/2019 2:27:59 PM
+3 Boost
From a brand energy standpoint Tesla is killing it. They may not be the best at execution but they have a great brand and the interest of the buying public. From an execution standpoint Toyota is tops, they don't do much to excite but they deliver reliable product consistently.
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