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Messages Page 2419 of 3201

#24174 of 32000 Re: . [busiris] by ateixeira

Apr 30, 2012 (9:15 am)

Replying to: busiris (Apr 30, 2012 8:53 am)
They just ditched Saab and Hummer, now they're starting over?

#24175 of 32000 Re: . [ateixeira] by anythngbutgm

Apr 30, 2012 (9:46 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 30, 2012 9:15 am)
Probably need a new diesel to replace the aging Duramax.
 
I wouldn't be afraid to put money down on them bringing Pontiac back...

#24176 of 32000 Re: . [ateixeira] by busiris

Apr 30, 2012 (9:56 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 30, 2012 9:15 am)
Yes, I'd say you identified the process thats going on...
 
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304724404577289593348669150.html
 
As the article states in the end, GM is searching for the "low hanging fruit".
 
Notice that the article says both companies are posting losses in South America. Now, they can both lose money together, rather than separately...

#24177 of 32000 Re: I'm sure this is a scientific study! [steve_] by fintail

Apr 30, 2012 (10:27 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Apr 30, 2012 5:24 am)
I'd have to consolidate EVs with hybrids - full electrics are a pretty insignificant part of the market and will take a long time to gain relevancy at this rate. We did gain crossovers, minivans, and fat SUVs for single driver use, but lost hardtops, big convertibles, wagons, personal lux. Some of it marketing/market driven.
 
Looking back to 1965, arguably the apex of the domestic auto industry, and one can see what was lost. To begin with, color and powertrain choices were almost obscene, seems everything had about 20+ possible paints, several interior colors, at least 4 engines and at least 2 transmissions. At that point in time I also see a lot more difference between say an Impala, Galaxie, or Polara compared to something like Camry, Accord, Altima. You could get small, medium, and large variants of convertibles, hardtops, wagons, not to mention conventional cars.
 
Variety was greater then, durability was not. Rust is all but gone today, anything mainstream should hit 100K with only the most routine maintenance. I guess that's the price you pay, lose variety for ease of use.

#24178 of 32000 Re: I'm sure this is a scientific study! [fintail] by steve_ HOST

Apr 30, 2012 (10:37 am)

Replying to: fintail (Apr 30, 2012 10:27 am)
Trying to think of some examples of car styles today that weren't available then. Like the IQ, but someone will say Isetta.
 
Not sure what compares to the original xB. Or the Soul. There was the VW Bus before minivans, but the flat floor stopped at the rear seat. How about an FX-45 on 22" dubs? Remind you of a Chevelle SS?
 
If you miss rust, move to my neighborhood.

#24179 of 32000 Re: I'm sure this is a scientific study! [fintail] by busiris

Apr 30, 2012 (10:44 am)

Replying to: fintail (Apr 30, 2012 10:27 am)
I miss 4-door convertibles. As a child i remember seeing older models in local parades, weddings and other special events.
 
Convertibles today are mostly converted coupes with much of the back seat area used for top storage.
 
Some are all but impossible to use the back seat for anything but storage area. It would be nice to see a production 4-door convertible designed from the ground-up to seat 5 or 6 passengers comfortably. It would be a miracle if 1/2 of the over 65 population could get into my 328 convertible's back seat with the top up. Children in car seats? Forgetaboutit...
 
Probably not enough demand for such a vehicle today.

#24180 of 32000 Re: I'm sure this is a scientific study! [steve_] by fintail

Apr 30, 2012 (10:47 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Apr 30, 2012 10:37 am)
I don't know if "style" and "iQ" should be in the same sentence I see that as very much marketing driven, for the price of a loaded iQ you can get a nicer normal car that gets better mileage. Microcars weren't big here then, but they did exist elsewhere.
 
Minivans were just big wagons. An FX on big wheels might be the equivalent of a big block wagon - surely doesn't have the style of a Chevelle, and big dub style wheels just means lack of sense, which often comes with being a "high earner" in this dumbed down new world.
 
Do many post-2000 cars get rusty there?

#24181 of 32000 Re: I'm sure this is a scientific study! [busiris] by fintail

Apr 30, 2012 (10:49 am)

Replying to: busiris (Apr 30, 2012 10:44 am)
Such convertibles don't give a false impression of security and power, and don't isolate from the road and from other drivers - which is what the braying masses want today. They want a crossover with 6" high windows, a high seating position, and cameras to be used for parking. Progress?
 
I'd wager we won't see a production model 4 door convertible ever again.

#24182 of 32000 Re: I'm sure this is a scientific study! [fintail] by ateixeira

Apr 30, 2012 (10:55 am)

Replying to: fintail (Apr 30, 2012 10:49 am)
Don't even ask, Nissan would probably build one...

#24183 of 32000 Re: I'm sure this is a scientific study! [ateixeira] by fintail

Apr 30, 2012 (10:58 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 30, 2012 10:55 am)
Oh yeah, they built the CrossCabrio...they will do anything.
 
I wonder what a 4 door convertible Maxima would look like, or maybe one based on the Infiniti M. With my luck, they'd base it on the ghastly QX.

Messages Page 2419 of 3201

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