Last week, aftermarketNews published the results of a recent survey by KMPG that showed global automotive executives expect a significant decline in market share for United States vehicle manufacturers but continue to see U.S. OEMs becoming more efficient and competitive in the near term. Despite facing recessionary times and fighting overcapacity issues, automotive executives remain focused on manufacturing alternative fuel cars and continuing the exploration of emerging markets for growth, said the study. That being said, can we expect to see more budget cuts in our future, or less?
 
In our own AMN Reader Survey, we asked you to tell us what budget changes you were anticipating for 2009, and the results look quite positive. Thirty-four percent of readers expect a budget increase of 1  to 5 percent; with another 16 percent expecting an increase of more than  5 percent. Still, 26 percent expect a budget decrease of more than 5 percent in 2009; with 3 percent of readers looking to cut budgets  in the range of 1  to 5  percent. A complete breakdown of the results can be seen below:
 
What is your budgeted change in revenue for 2009 compared to 2008?
 
34 percent expect an increase of 1  - 5 percent
16 percent expect an increase of more than 5 percent
21 percent expect to be flat with 2008
3 percent expect a decrease of 1 - 5  percent
26 percent expext a decrease of more than 5 percent
 
THIS WEEK’S POLL
This week we want to hear about your trade show plans for 2009. Tell us: As you start the new year, how do you see your company's trade show activity compared to 2008? To cast your vote, go to aftermarketNews.com and scroll to the “Poll” section at the bottom of the page.