Exotic car blog www.autoblog.com recently reported on sharply declining sales in luxury vehicles. Although in some past recessions elite automobile sales seemed barely affected by the poor economy, the current economic downturn is having a significant effect on the sales of luxury automobiles.
Compared to the figures for last year, the sales of new luxury vehicles have dropped by more than a third. Experts predict that sales will continue to fall before they improve.
The sharp decline in sales may be due to the dramatic hit that many stock market investors have taken in the last several months. Somehow looking at a 401K that is worth half what it was a year ago does not put many people in the mood to pop for a Bentley GTC or Porsche 911.
Owners of small businesses in many sectors have been affected by the slowdown and even white collar employees are finding themselves with reduced hours or looking for work.
To a certain extent, the trend toward greener cars has also affected the sales of cars that some regard as having too large a carbon footprint. Even Miley Cyrus dumped her Porsche SUV for a cute little black Prius.
Although the Bentley buyer generally isn’t worried about the price of a gallon of gas, certainly Hummer and Escalade have taken a hit because of fears that gas prices have only dipped for the moment.
But just because consumers aren’t buying exotic supercars doesn’t mean they aren’t driving them. Instead of shelling out the cash to buy high-priced cars, many financially savvy affluent people are choosing to join an exotic car sharing club.
The sharing concept has been tested in vacation time sharing, boat sharing, and even jet sharing. Now it is being applied to exotic and luxury cars by clubs across the nation.
On top of they hefty purchase price, buying an exotic or luxury vehicle requires the owner to find secure, climate-controlled exotic car storage and pay for extra auto insurance and maintenance.
In addition to avoiding these expenses, exotic car sharing gives car lovers a chance to try out a variety of exotic vehicles. At DFW Elite Car Club.com in Dallas, TX, members can drive a Bentley GTC, a Ferrari F430 F1, and drive a Lamborghini Gallardo and still have a dozen cars left in the paddock to choose from. Memberships start at only $750 per month.
“The club frees members from the hassles of ownership and allows them to enjoy driving a wide variety of the best cars in the world. Cars are delivered to members detailed, fueled and ready to drive,” said Tom Warren, DFW Elite Car Club.com Director.
The concept of car sharing has become popular across the nation. To find a car sharing club in a city near you, check out a nationwide directory of car sharing clubs like http://www.exoticcarclubs.com.
Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.
