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32000 messages,  Last post on Feb 14, 2013 at 7:24 PM

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Messages Page 3086 of 3201

#30848 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [robr2] by steve_ HOST

Jan 17, 2013 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Jan 17, 2013 7:38 pm)
The minivan market is down to 500K units annually.
 
It's that low now? Snowboard sales and rider numbers have crashed big time too. All the kids are riding twin tip skis and taking over the terrain parks.
 
Where's my official "I'm a dinosaur" card anyway? Must be in the (postal) mail.

#30849 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [uplanderguy] by dieselone

Jan 17, 2013 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: uplanderguy (Jan 17, 2013 4:08 pm)
Dieselone can correct me--which may be necessary--but didn't they even rate the unloved Eco version above the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
 
That is correct, the unloved Malibu Eco was rated higher than the even more unloved Sonata Hybrid.
 
With CR anyway the Malibu is rated about the same as the Sonata/Optima as it's positioned between them in the ratings.
 
Where the Malibu continues to lag is against the Camry and Accord which will continue to dominate sales this year. I'm curious to see how the Fusion will be rated. Currently CR doesn't list the Fusion at all.

#30850 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [dieselone] by bpizzuti

Jan 17, 2013 (7:58 pm)

Replying to: dieselone (Jan 17, 2013 7:50 pm)
It probably should be. I think the Encore might be a mistake for Buick...if only I could figure out what Buick's image is supposed to be exactly.

#30851 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [bpizzuti] by dieselone

Jan 17, 2013 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 17, 2013 7:58 pm)
if only I could figure out what Buick's image is supposed to be exactly.
 
I tend to agree. The Regal obviously isn't working out. The Verano works, but then they throw in the Encore.
 
The Verano has sold better than I thought it would, so maybe the Encore will too. But I just don't see young people shopping at Buick. They haven't so far. Unless 50+ is young, which I guess considering where they were, I guess it is;)

#30852 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [uplanderguy] by tlong

Jan 17, 2013 (8:13 pm)

Replying to: uplanderguy (Jan 17, 2013 6:46 pm)
I guess when people here rave about cars that finished below the Malibu, one does wonder about objectivity of said persons.
 
No disagreemnt. But you really haven't answered the question - why are GM afficionados giving GM such a pass on turning out a decent, "midpack" sedan that is the heart of the family car market? They can do much better. I would hold my kid to a higher standard than average. Same with GM. If GM wants to reverse the perceptions, they need some home runs, and not in a $40K 4 seat hybrid, either.

#30853 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [bpizzuti] by tlong

Jan 17, 2013 (8:20 pm)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 17, 2013 7:09 pm)
Way I see it there are three or four very basic bread-and-butter models that everyone needs.
 
I think you've made a great list.
 
Also, I might put in a subcompact, and surprisingly GM has TWO here, too - Spark and Sonic. Are they both considered subcompact?
 
Their entire product line is pretty much a mess. Duplications in many categories, yet gaps in others. And actually competitive in the lower volume markets (Corvette, ATS, Volt (but not on price)) and not in the main markets(except perhaps large trucks and SUVs).

#30854 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [uplanderguy] by tlong

Jan 17, 2013 (8:22 pm)

Replying to: uplanderguy (Jan 17, 2013 7:16 pm)
Drop the Equinox? Surely you jest. It's one of their better sellers (although I'm not fond at all of the styling).
 
I actually agree with this. It's better to compete with yourself than a competitor. Only issue is that the effort to develop another vehicle in the same segment would have been better spent plugging one of the holes instead.
 
I don't like the Equinox styling, either.

#30855 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [bpizzuti] by tlong

Jan 17, 2013 (8:23 pm)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 17, 2013 7:31 pm)
Then they just need a compact SUV.
 
Seems to me the Cruze chassis might make a good foundation for a compat SUV. Isn't the CX-5 based on the Mazda 3? Same idea.

#30856 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [tlong] by bpizzuti

Jan 17, 2013 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: tlong (Jan 17, 2013 8:20 pm)
The Spark, while technically a subcompact, is really one class below subcompact, known internationally as the "A segment." Same class as the Scion iQ and the Smart FourTwo. Some refer to them as "city cars" because they're pretty useless and pointless on the highway, they're designed and geared for good city mileage and for taking up very little space.
 
They're also cheap, which may be the actual attraction here, since we have rather goliath-sized parking even in cities.

#30857 of 32000 Re: Question about Corvair influence [tlong] by bpizzuti

Jan 17, 2013 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: tlong (Jan 17, 2013 8:23 pm)
Probably would just be cheaper to bring down the Trax, which is Sonic-based. That already exists, just not in the US (Canadians can get it). Could probably make it on the Sonic line, actually.

Messages Page 3086 of 3201

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