major changes which have taken place over the last 5 years in the environment of the automobile industry?

Answer 1

1. Rise of energy prices from US$22/bbl to US$58-70/bbl.
2. Emergence of hybrid cars
3. Decline of the SUV, minivans and light trucks as the cash cows of the industry.
4. Japanese gain significant market share on American auto makers. Viva Toyota and Honda, suffer GM, Ford & Chrysler.
5. Increased shifting of production from high cost markets to low cost markets.
6. Massive growth in emerging car markets (e.g. China, India, Brazil)
7. Demographic shifts toward older and younger drivers means parallel shift toward full sized luxury and compact cars.
8. Still no flying cars.