Getting members to be active.

I have 150 members and something line 180 topics with 800 messages overall. Members tend to post something that they are interested in and dont respond to other members. In return, the other members dont respong to posts either. I have an automotive forum which has a lot of competition. How do i keep interested members? How do I get them to actually post something instead of just lurking to see what others say?

You can't force people to reply. That is one thing that you can't do. If you want I would ask what they are interested in. Once you find that out post what they want and hopefully they will reply.

I think that I'm going to take the inititive to start more interesting threads that appeal to everyone. I've done that a few times and it was mildly successful. Does anyone else have any additional ideas?

You might also want to do contest. Who ever replies and get involved get something or have them comment and give way something to those to reply.