Gene Brown, Vice President of Marketing for Suzuki sat down with me at the 2009 Chicago auto show. Gene’s answer to the last question was enlightening.

I asked all the executives the same questions:

1. Are we looking at a fundamental downsizing of the industry?

2. What is the one thing that will capture the imagination and wallet of tomorrows buyer?

3. The car used to be a symbol of freedom and status. Has the car become a burden around the consumers neck?